Changes of Chemical Composition during Seedling Development in Soybean

Seedling establishment of soybean [Glycine mar (L.) Mer-rill] is an important factor for soybean production in the field. The objective of this study was to determine the distribution of chemical composition in the emerging organs during seedling development in soybeans. Three soybean cultivars (Hill, Paldalkong, and Jangyeobkong) were planted at the Research Farm of College of Natural Resources, Korea University, on May 26, June 5, and June 14. Protein, oil, sugar, and starch contents were measured in each organ at each developing stage. Mean dry weight of three soybean cultivars decreased until VE stage and increased after this stage. Protein content of whole seedling did not change significantly during the seedling growth stage, but the amount in cotyledons markedly decreased with each growth stage increment. About 88% of the cotyledon protein was translocated to the other parts of the seedling at the V2 stage. Oil content of cotyledons sharply decreased until the V1 stage. Sugar content of the seedling was not detected at VE stage and starch content of seedlings increased slightly at VE and VC stages. For the changes of each metabolic component, the amount for whole plants decreased until the V1 stage and started to increase after this stage. The results of this study provide evidence for the breakdown of carbohydrates and oil at the initial stage of seedling growth.