Scanning electron microscopy examination of soybean testa development

Abstract

Seeds of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) were harvested from greenhouse-grown plants and fractures of the seed coat were examined with a scanning electron microscope. The seed coat was well differentiated from the outer integument when the seed had reached approximately 30% maximum seed size. At this time, the osteosclereids began to separate, becoming fully detached along their radial walls by 50% maximum seed size. Macrosclereid secondary wall development occurred during growth of the seed from 50 to 100% maximum seed size. Near R6 (100% maximum seed size) the endothelium began differentiation from the integumentary tapetum (inner integument) and was fully differentiated by physiological maturity (R7). From R7 to harvest maturity (R8) the seed lost moisture content and decreased in size. The parenchyma of the seed coat collapsed in response to this dehydration.