Variability in Chemical Composition of Seed From Different Portions of the Soybean Plant1

Abstract

SynopsisOil content of soybeans was found to vary with position of pod on the plant, position of pod on the raceme, and position of the seed in the pod. Seeds from the lower half of plants were 0.5% higher in oil and 1% lower in protein than those from the upper half. Beans near the tip of long terminal racemes had less oil than those farther down. Seed in the tip of the pod had highest oil and lowest protein content. Data indicate need for attention to plant parts when comparing contents between samples.