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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Stoneville, Mississippi » Crop Genetics Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #391751
Research Project: Evaluation and Development of Improved Soybean Germplasm, Curation of USDA Accessions and Regional Evaluations of New Genotypes

Location: Crop Genetics Research

Title: Effects of purple seed stain on seed quality and composition in soybean

Author
item TURNER, RICHARD - Mississippi State University
item EBELHAR, WAYNE - Mississippi State University
item WILKERSON, TERESA - Mississippi State University
item Bellaloui, Nacer
item GOLDEN, BOBBY - Mississippi State University
item IRBY, TRENTON - Mississippi State University
item MARTIN, STEVE - Mississippi State University

Submitted to: Agronomy
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/31/2020
Publication Date: 8/5/2020
Citation: Turner, R.E., Ebelhar, W.M., Wilkerson, T., Bellaloui, N., Golden, B.R., Irby, T.J., Martin, S. 2020. Effects of purple seed stain on seed quality and composition in soybean. Agronomy. 9:1-10. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants9080993.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/plants9080993

Interpretive Summary: Purple seed stain (PSS) in soybean is a major disease in Mississippi, and its effects on soybean seed composition (protein, oil, fatty acids, amino acids, and sugars) are not well known. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the impact of purple seed stain on seed composition, seed germination, and vigor. A field experiment was conducted in 2019 in Stoneville, MS, at the Delta Research and Extension Center. Cultivar Credenz 4748 LL was used. The results showed that seed infected with PSS had higher protein content and higher some amino acids. There were no changes in total oil and fatty acids. Sugars (sucrose and stachyose) were lower in infected seed than in non-infected seed. Infected seed had lower percent germination and seedling vigor than non-infected seed. This research demonstrated that PSS impacted seed composition, germination, and vigor. Therefore, PSS should be avoided at planting as low germination is a potential risk. This research helps growers by discouraging them from planting purple seed, and helps scientists to further understand the potential negative impact on seed nutrition. Before conclusive recommendations are made, further research is needed to include more soybean cultivars across years and locations.

Technical Abstract: Purple seed stain disease, caused by (Cercospora kukuchii), is a major concern in soybean (Glycine max (L.)) in Mississippi, USA, due to its e_ects on seed quality, reducing soybean seed grade and potential market price at elevators. Therefore, investigating the e_ects of purple seed stain (PSS) on seed quality (germination and vigor) and seed composition (nutrition) is critical. The objective of this study was to investigate the e_ects of PSS on seed harvest index, seed germination, seed vigor, and seed composition components (protein, oil, fatty acids, and sugars). A field experiment was initiated in 2019 in Stoneville, MS, at the Delta Research and Extension Center (DREC) on a Commerce silt loam soil (fine-silty, mixed, superactive, nonacid, thermic Fluventic Epiaquepts). Soybean variety Credenz 4748 LL was used. The results showed that infected (symptomatic) seed had a 5.5% greater Seed Index (based on 100 seed weight) when compared to non-infected (non-symptomatic, as control) seed. Non-infected seed had greater percent germination and seedling vigor when compared to infected seed. Germination was 30.9% greater and vigor was 58.3% greater in non-infected seed. Also, the results showed that infected seed with PSS had higher protein content and some amino acids. No changes in total oil and fatty acids. Sucrose and stachyose were lower in infected seed than in non-infected seed. The research showed that PSS impacted seed health and seed quality (germination and vigor) and seed composition (protein, sugars, and some amino acids). Purple stained seed should be avoided when planting and should be managed properly as low germination is a potential risk. Planting population should be adjusted accordingly due to lack of germination and vigor if PSS is present. This research help growers for purple seed management, and scientists to further understand the potential negative impact on seed quality and nutrition. Further research is needed before conclusive recommendations are made.