Physiological studies and modeling of photoperiodic effects on flowering and maturity in soybeans (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) differing in maturity

Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) is one of the most important economic crops in the United States, especially in the midwest area such as Illinois. This thesis research involved studies of photoperiod effects on soybean growth and development especially focused on flowering in relating to physiology, phenology, morphology, as well as modeling from three years (1992-1994) of field and controlled experiments. These studies indicated that photoperiod affected soybean growth and development in all stages after emergence, including floral bud induction and initiation, floral bud growth and development, flowering period, pod set and seed filling. However, the rate or effectiveness of photoperiod on plant growth was not the same during the various phases. Influence on early developmental stages, especially before floral bud initiation, was more significant on flowering time and later reproductive growth. Photoperiod controlled plant morphology and vegetative growth and both were closely associated with soybean flowering behavior. Early and late maturity groups responded to photoperiod treatments differently. Later maturity groups showed more sensitivity (or more significant effects) to photoperiod. In order to gain higher yields, soybean seeds should be planted early (no later than early June) in central Illinois area in order to get sufficient plant size and enough duration time for prolonged seed filling period before a killing frost. A model, using 'STELLA' software, was also developed for predicting timing of soybean flowering based on maturity groups behavior and the date of seedling emergence. The model predicted time of flowering well, but can still be improved.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Biology

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2011

Author dc:creator

• Zhang, Lingxiao

Contributors dc:contributor

• Hesketh, John D.

• Biology, Plant Physiology

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 1994 Zhang, Lingxiao

Language dc:language

eng

Identifier

(UMI)AAI9512608
AAI9512608

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/20887