Analysis of correlation between seed vigour, germination and multiple shoot induction in soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.)

The physical and physiological roles of seed properties are often neglected during plant tissue culture. These properties determine the level of activity and performance of seeds, which is commonly known as seed vigour. This paper reports on the role of seed vigour on seed germination and shoot induction using cotyledonary node explants. For this, explants prepared from soybean seedlings established using seeds stored under ambient conditions for different durations (0, 3, 6 and 9-months) were used. The findings indicated that seed germination was highly instantaneous after harvest and began to decrease as seed storage was prolonged for 3, 6 and 9-months, respectively. Similar observations were made during shoot induction. Generally, the analysis revealed a positive relationship between seed vigour, germination and multiple shoot initiation as indicated by the Pearson's correlation coefficient reported. According to the findings, seed vigour could serve as a major obstacle to efficient germination and shoot proliferation for subsequent in vitro plant regeneration.