Abstract
Seed germination rate, storability, and flooding tolerance are important factors involved in soybean production in high-temperature and excessive-moisture areas. To evaluate the effects of environmental factors on the germination rate, flooding tolerance, and storability, seeds were produced in three locations and in two seasons. The seed germination rate and flooding tolerance varied significantly by season and location. In general, seeds produced from the cool and dry fall season in southern Taiwan possessed good quality, which was reflected in their high germination rate and flooding tolerance. Storability differed significantly among varieties and was considered to be a genetically determined character. Positive correlations between storability and seed flooding tolerance before and after storage suggested that selection among hybrid progenies for seed flooding tolerance and storability may be carried out by cross breeding.
