IMPACT OF SEED-BORNE INFECTION ON THE QUALITY OF SOYBEAN SEEDS UNDER DIFFERENT HYDROTHERMAL CONDITIONS
Abstract
Purpose. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of seed-borne infection on the formation of seed quality traits in different soybean varieties depending on hydrothermal conditions of the year.
Methods. The research was conducted in 2024–2025 under the conditions of the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine at the Agronomic Research Station of the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine. Soybean varieties of different origin were used as the study material. Phytopathological analysis of seeds was performed according to ISTA and DSTU 4138-2002 methods to determine the frequency of occurrence of micromycetes. Seed quality parameters (1000-seed weight, protein and oil content) were determined using an infrared grain analyzer. Correlation analysis was applied to assess relationships between the studied traits.
Results. The species composition of seed mycobiota varied depending on weather conditions. In 2024, Alternaria alternata, Mucor mucedo, and Gliocladium roseum predominated, whereas in 2025 the mycobiota was more diverse and included Cladosporium cladosporioides, Alternaria alternata, Penicillium expansum, Fusarium graminearum, and Rhizopus nigricans. In 2025, an increase in 1000-seed weight and protein content (on average up to 39.0 %) was observed compared to 2024, along with a decrease in oil content. Laboratory germination in 2025 reached 100 % for all studied varieties. Correlation analysis revealed variability in relationships between quality traits: in 2024, 1000-seed weight positively correlated with protein content (r = 0.68), while in 2025 the relationship was negative (r = –0.40). Different directions of correlations between micromycetes and biochemical seed traits were identified, including positive correlations for Cladosporium cladosporioides (r = 0.61) and Alternaria alternata (r = 0.69), as well as strong antagonistic interactions involving Fusarium graminearum (r up to –0.79).
Conclusions. Seed-borne infection in combination with hydrothermal conditions influences the formation of soybean seed quality traits and the structure of seed mycobiota. The identified correlations are variable and determined by both biochemical characteristics of seeds and the species composition of micromycetes. The obtained results can be used to improve seed quality assessment systems and develop effective strategies for controlling seed-borne infections.
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