Growth Analysis of Soybean Seedlings During the Lifespan of the Cotyledons

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Patterns of seedling growth of Glycine max in light and darkness were compared during the period from germination to cotyledon abscission. Fitted growth curves and the derived functions, relative growth rate, unit leaf rate, leaf area ratio and specific leaf area, were used to assess the relative importance in seedling growth of cotyledon storage reserves, cotyledon photosynthesis and leaf photosynthesis. The cotyledons are of an intermediate type with a predominant storage and a minimal photosynthetic function. Cotyledon reserves support seedling growth until the primary leaves expand, after which growth depends on leaf photosynthesis.