Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Semester of Degree Completion

1995

Thesis Director

Janice Coons

Abstract

Soybean (Glycine max L. Merr. cv 'Essex', 'Forrest' and 'Clark') seed were obtained from Dr. Mulchi of the University of Maryland. Seed from 1989 and 1990 were from plants which were exposed to three regimes of ozone during seed development including charcoal-filtered (no ozone), non-filtered (ambient ozone), and non-filtered + 40 n11-1 O3. Seed from 1994 were developed with four pollutant regimes of ozone during seed development including charcoal-filtered (no ozone), non-filtered (ambient ozone), non-filtered + 40 n11-1, and non-filtered + 500 u11-1 CO2. The objective of this study was to assess how ozone during seed development affects vigor of seeds. Seed vigor was tested directly by field emergence and laboratory germination. Leakage of solutes was used to test seed vigor indirectly. Leakage of amino acids, sugars and ions from seeds was quantified by the ninhydrin method, the anthrone method, and electrical conductivity, respectively. Data were analyzed by ANOVA followed by mean separations. Field studies for 1989 & 1990 seed indicated some significant effects due to year on plant emergence and plant growth, however, no differences were found due to ozone. Germination studies for the 1989 & 1990 seed showed significant effects due to pollutant regimes. Root length studies revealed no significant differences due to pollutant regime. Significant differences were seen in ion leakage, and sugars due to year, however, no significant effects due to pollutant regime were observed. Field studies for the 1994 seed indicated significant differences in plant height at 4 and 6 weeksafter planting due to pollutant regimes. No differences in number of nodes, leaf area, fresh weight and dry weight due to pollutant regimes were observed. Significant effects due to pollutant regimes were observed in plant height, germination and root lenghts for the 1994 seed. No differences were seen in ion leakage, sugars or amino acids due to pollutant regime for the 1994 seed.

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