Characters of Pod Anatomy Associated with Resistance to Pod-Shattering in Soybean

Seven characteristics of pod anatomy were studied for their association with resistance to pod-shattering in 16 soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] varieties and strains. The thickness and length of the bundle cap on the dorsal side of the pod and pod-wall thickness were found to be significantly negatively correlated with the degree of pod-shattering. Further statistical analyses confirmed that these three anatomical characters were almost equally important and could potentially serve as criteria for the selection of resistance to pod-shattering. The identified traits/sites in the pod represent sclerenchymous structures and may provide the structural basis of resistance to pod-shattering in soybean.Copyright 1995, 1999 Academic Press