Seed Iron in Diverse Soybean Genotypes

ABSTRACT

Iron (Fe) in the embryo fraction of soybean (Glycine max L.) seed is important for seedling growth. Seed Fe accumulation in 27 soybean genotypes differing in seed size was studied at two field locations. Mean seed weight was 148 mg seed⁻¹ with mean individual genotypic values ranging from 68 to 217 mg seed⁻¹. Percentage of total seed dry matter in the seed-coat fraction, which was inversely correlated with individual seed weight, was 8.2%, with mean individual genotypic values ranging from 7.0% to 12.4%. Mean seed-Fe concentration [Fe] was 65 μg Fe g⁻¹, with individual genotypic values ranging from 48 to 81 μg Fe g⁻¹. Seed Fe relative to dry-matter distribution was much more concentrated in seed coats than in embryos of all genotypes. Mean percentage of total seed Fe located in the seed-coat fraction was 29%, with mean genotypic values ranging from 23% to 38%. Neither seed-Fe characteristic was correlated with individual seed weight. Seed [Fe] was not correlated with seed-manganese (Mn) concentration [Mn]. Mean seed [Fe] for the 27 genotypes was different at the two locations, presumably due to differences in available soil Fe. Both genotype and environment affected seed [Fe] of soybean. Soybean seed coats, a major by-product after oil extraction, are a possible rich source of Fe for human nutrition.

Keywords:

• genetic diversity
• iron
• manganese
• seed coat
• seed embryo
• seed size

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We express thanks to Kevin Horsager for technical assistance and to Pam Loose for help in the preparation of the manuscript.