Influence of Temperature on a Partially Male‐Sterile Soybean Strain1

Abstract

Temperature during flowering and pod set influenced degree of sterility in a partially male‐sterile soybean strain [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. Growth chambers, set for 14.5/ 9.5, light/dark sequences in each 24‐hour period, were used to present varying day/night temperatures to the growing plants. No pods were set on the male‐sterile strain when the day temperature was 35C and the night temperature was either 21 or 27C. Plants were partially fertile, however, when grown 'at a day temperature of either 21 or 29C with a night temperature of 16 or 21C. The largest number of pods was produced on the partially male‐sterile strain when the day temperature was 29C followed by a night temperature of 21C. Temperature did not affect number of seeds per pod on the partially male‐sterile strain at temperature regimes where pods were formed.