Seed-setting habit of a semidwarf common buckwheat line

Abstract

The seed-setting habit of a semidwarf common buckwheat ( Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) line was evaluated in a field experiment under standardand high nitrogen levels. The ‘semidwarf line’ and ‘Kitawasesoba’were used in the present study. The main stem length of the ‘semidwarf line’ was approximately two thirds of that of the ‘Kitawasesoba’.Minimal differences were observed inthe numbers of nodes on the main stem and primary branches of the ‘semidwarf line’ and ‘Kitawasesoba’ among genotypes and nitrogen levels.No drastic decline of seed yield by the shortening of the main stem length along with the introduction of dwarfness was observed in the ‘semidwarf line’ compared with ‘Kitawasesoba’. The number of flower clusters per plant of the ‘semidwarf line’ in the high nitrogen plot tended to be greater than that of the ‘semidwarf line’ in the standard nitrogen plot and ‘Kitawasesoba’ in bothnitrogen plots. This increase inflower clusters occurred on branches. The number of seeds of the ‘semidwarf line’ in the standard nitrogen plot was considerably lower than that of the ‘Kitawasesoba’ in both nitrogen plots.Similar tendencies were observed in the weights of seeds. The decline of seed number and weight of the ‘semidwarf line’ in the standard nitrogen plot was mainly observed in branches. From these results, it was found that the seed-set in the ‘semidwarf line’ can be improved by nitrogen fertilizer application. Furthermore, seed production on branches may play an important role in the high-yielding ability of semidwarf common buckwheat.