Abstract
Interest in using harvest aids (defoliants or crop desiccants) such as paraquat, carfentrazone-ethyl, glyphosate, and sodium chlorate (NaClO3) have become increasingly important to assure harvest efficiency, producer profit, and to maintain seed quality. However, information on the effects of harvest aids on seed nutrition (composition) (protein, oil, fatty acids, sugars, and amino acids) in soybean is very limited. The objective of this research was to investigate the influence of harvest aids on seed protein, oil, fatty acids, sugars, and amino acids in soybean. Our hypothesis was that harvest aid may influence seed nutrition, especially at R6 as at R6 the seeds may still undergo biochemical changes. Field experiments were conducted in 2012 and 2013 under Midsouth USA environmental conditions in which harvest aids were applied at R6 (seed-fill) and R7 (yellow pods) growth stages. Harvest aids applied included an untreated control, 0.28 kg ai ha−1 of paraquat, 0.28 kg ai ha−1 of paraquat, and 1.015 kg ai ha−1 of carfentrazone-ethyl (AIM); 6.72 kg ai ha−1 sodium chlorate, 1.015 kg ai ha−1 carfentrazone-ethyl; and 2.0 kg ae ha−1 glyphosate. Results showed that the application of harvest aids at either R6 or R7 resulted in the alteration of some seed composition such as protein, oil, oleic acid, fructose, and little effects on amino acids. In addition, harvest aids affected seed composition constituents differently depending on year and growth stage. This research demonstrated the possible alteration of some nutrients by harvest aids. This research helps growers and scientists to advance the understanding and management of harvest aids and investigate possible effects of harvest aids on seed nutrition.
Highlights
The use of the early-maturing soybean cultivars in the Early Soybean Production System (ESPS)has become popular throughout the Midsouth USA [1,2]
The application of glyphosate, carfentrazone-ethyl, or paraquat resulted in higher oleic acid compared with the control and when soybean was applied with paraquat plus carfentrazone-ethyl or NaClO3
Amino acids were affected by Year, Stage, and their interactions: example, the significant effects of Year on asparagine (ASP), glycine (GLY), valine (VAL), and tryptophan at R6, resulting from paraquat, paraquat plus carfentrazone-ethyl, or NaClO3 applications; the increase of oil, resulting from the application of paraquat, NaClO3, carfentrazone-ethyl, or glyphosate; and the increase of protein and oil due the application of paraquat and NaClO3 compared to the non-treated, indicated protein and oil alterations by these harvest aids
Summary
The use of the early-maturing soybean cultivars in the Early Soybean Production System (ESPS)has become popular throughout the Midsouth USA [1,2]. Plants 2020, 9, 1007 green pods, or green leaf at harvest increased [4,5] These conditions can potentially delay the harvest operation and reduce harvest efficiency [6], reduce grade and potential market price, and penalize producers for excessive moisture, foreign materials, splits, and damaged seeds [5,7]. An earlier harvest will allow growers for early delivery and higher market prices [8], and maintain seed quality and composition (seed protein, oil, fatty acids, sugars, and amino acids). Avoiding all these risks and using harvest aids is critical to ensure that producers maintain profit and seed quality and nutritional value [5]
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