Abstract
Seed yield, dry matter weight and light intercepting characteristics of the local soybean cultivar ‘Misato-zairai’ were compared with those of Fukuyutaka in 2008 and 2009. In Misato-zairai, seed yield was similar to, but seed/stem ratio was lower, and length and dry weight of stem were higher than in Fukuyutaka. Total dry weight just before maturity was heavier in Misato-zairai in both years, and the difference was distinct after flowering in 2008. The crop growth rate of Misato-zairai during one month after flowering varied with the year, but that during the succeeding one month was higher in Misato-zairai in both years. The leaf area index was higher in Misato-zairai in both years. In Misato-zairai, leaf area was concentrated above 60cm from the ground and the leaves were drooped, but the light extinction coefficient was similar to that in Fukuyutaka. Seed yield of Misato-zairai was high in the middle layer, 40-60cm above the ground, and decreased in lower layers.
