Varietal Difference in the Occurrence of Delayed Stem Senescence and Cytokinin Level in the Xylem Exudate in Soybeans

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the varietal difference in the occurrence of delayed stem senescence (DSS) and cytokinin level in the xylem exudate in soybeans and the relationship between the occurrence of DSS and cytokinin level in the xylem exudate. Pot experiments were carried out in the experiment field at Nihon University in 2010, 2012 and 2013. In this experiment, we used 11 soybean varieties, which were cultivated in the Kanto region, Japan. The degree of DSS (DSS score) was positively correlated with the days from sowing to flowering stage (S-R2), and was higher in the varieties with a longer length of S-R2, though the correlation was not significant. Under some conditions, the DSS score was negatively correlated with S-R2. Moreover, the DSS score was positively or negatively correlated with the main stem diameter, total node number, stem dry weight and seed weight depending on the growth parameter or sowing date. Thus, we concluded that the DSS score was not correlated with the growth parameters. On the other hand, the level of cytokinins such as t-ZR and iPA shown by their amount in xylem exudate from a plant at the seed filling stage was negatively correlated with the DSS score. Thus, we consider that one of the reasons for varietal difference in DSS occurrence may be the difference in cytokinin content of stem and leaves after the seed filling stage.