Effect of Branch Direction's Arrangement on Soybean Yield and Yield Components

Useful light interception during reproductive stages is very important for soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) dry matter production. The objective of this experiment was to investigate the light utilization in the canopy for yield, and its components in the case of arranging branch direction to row direction with flat type (1/2 phyllotaxy) soybean. The field study was conducted in the field at Niigata University on a loamy sand soil at 25, 16 and 9 plants m−2 in 1994, 1995 and 1996, using cultivar ‘Miyagishirome’ (Maturity Group VII or VIII, phyllotaxy 1/2; branches develop flatly) with treatments so that branches developed at right angles direction (Type R) and in a parallel direction (Type P) to the direction of the row. Total dry weight (TDW) was greater in Type R than in Type P. A higher leaf area index (LAI) was shown in Type R than in Type P in each plant density among the three years. More light penetrated into the canopy in Type R than in Type P. Higher TDW and LAI were produced by effective light interception at the canopy of Type R. Yield and its components were greater in higher than lower density and tended to be greater in Type R than in Type P. Increased yield depend on seed, pod and node number m−2. The increase of yield components in Type R was suggested to be due to favorable light condition in the canopy, compared with Type P.