Abstract
Fine surface structure of seed coats of ten leguminous forage crop species were observed through scanning electron microscope under 10 to 25kV. Species tested were Glycine max, Lupinus luteus, Vicia villosa, Trifolium subterraneum, Trifolium incarnatum, Trifolitm hybridum, Medicago sativa, Astragalus sinicus, Trifolium pratense and Trifolium repens. Various types of wax-like extrusion were observed on the surface of seed coats and they were classified into five groups according to their shape and supposed thickness as follows; 1. Thick cover: Glycine max, Trifolium hybridum, Trifolium repens, Astragalus sinicus 2. Scab: Trifolium subterraneum, Trifolium pratense 3. Brickrange: Trifolium incarnatum, Medicago sativa 4. Rosary: Vicia villosa 5. Reticulate: Lupinus luteus The shapes and positions of hilum, raphe and micropyle were described as well with reference to the site of imbibition when germinated.
