Effect of Photoperiod on Development and Metabolism of the Biloxi Soy Bean

Abstract

1. Biloxi soy bean plants with flower primordia initiated upon them were transferred to photoperiods of 8, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 18 hours. The development of these primordia and the flowering and fruiting responses of the plants were determined. 2. The plants transferred to photoperiods of 8 to 13 hours bloomed nearly simultaneously and all produced fruits. The yield of fruits on the 8 hour lot was somewhat less than on the 10, 12, and 13 hour lots. 3. Flowering on the 14 and 15 hour plants was later than on those of shorter photoperiod, the flowers were less numerous, and no fruits were formed. 4. No flowers opened on the 16 and 18 hour plants during the experiment. 5. When plants were transferred to a range of photoperiods after flower primordia were initiated it was found that the longest photoperiod on which fruit formation occurred was 13 hours and the shortest one on which no flowering took place was 16 hours. 6. Plants were grown for biochemical studies on 8, 13, and 16 hour photoperiods afte...