Responses of Soya bean Yield and Yield Component Distribution across the Main Axis under Source–Sink Manipulation

Abstract Extensive studies have been conducted regarding the source–sink alterations on soya bean [ Glycine max (L.) Merr.] yield, but limited information is available for the seed yield and distribution of yield components across main nodes under whole‐plant light‐enriched conditions. A 2‐year research was conducted at the University of Massachusetts Agronomy Farm under ambient and light‐enriched conditions for two old and two new cultivars planted with a normal density. A randomized block design was used in each year. Light enrichment was initiated at the onset of flowering by installing a 90‐cm tall wire mesh fencing (mesh hole size 4–5 cm) adjacent to the centre row and sloping away at a 45° angle and was left in place for the remainder of the growing season. Five source–sink manipulations were initiated following the establishment of light enrichment. The yield sensitivity of the two old cultivars to the changes in source strength and light‐enriched conditions during reproductive period was much greater than that of the two new cultivars. The increased yield by light enrichment in various manipulations of source–sink treatments was, in part, due to increased branch contribution. Most pods were produced at the nodes in the middle sections of the plants and appeared in higher node position in new cultivars compared with the old cultivars. Seed number per pod and seed size was quite uniform across all node positions. Seed size of both the old and the new cultivars was responsive to changes in the source–sink ratio and changes in the environment during the growth of the soya bean plant. The results suggested that soya bean plants showed several mechanisms to control or realize their excess reproductive potential in a constantly changing environment.