Abstract
To establish methods for screening of the flooding tolerance of soybean seed, the effects of water conditions and environmental factors on germination were studied both in the laboratory and in the greenhouse. The results indicated that seed damage may be a factor affecting of germination. We suggested that seeds used for testing should be free from disease and without damaged testa. Significant correlation between data obtained in the laboratory and soil indicated that flooding tolerance of soybean seeds could be evaluated in the laboratory. The procedures for screening soybean seed flooding tolerance were as follows : 1) Seeds were soaked for 4 days at 25°C in the test tube containing 90 ml distilled water after sterilization with 70% ethanol for 30 sec. 2) After soaking, seeds were left on dry filter paper for air drying for about 6 hours, 3) Dried seeds were put in the petri dish containing 2 pieces of moist filter paper and moved to 25°C incubators for germination 4) Germination of seeds was determined 4 days after incubation and 5) Flooding tolerance was expressed as a percentage of germination.
