Variation in flower and pod abortion among soybean varieties of three maturity groups

Six soybean (Glycine max L.. Merr.) varieties were evaluated for flower and pod production and abortion on the main-stem and branches following two dates of planting. The number of flowers and pods which were produced at individual nodes on the main-stem and branches were recorded for each variety. Differences were observed among varieties for flowers and pods produced and aborted on both the main-stem and branches following both dates of planting. Abortion of flowers plus pods on a whole plant basis varied from 55 to 84 percent among varieties after the first date of planting and from 48 to 72 percent after the later planting. Following the later planting, the varieties produced fewer nodes on the main-stem and branches, branches per plant, as well as flowers and pods. In addition, the varieties produced fewer seed per plant, lower seed weights, and lower yields following the later date of planting. These results indicate that there is variation for percent abortion in soybeans.