Dry Matter Partitioning to Stem at Full Maturity Affects Stem Desiccation and Combine Harvest Maturity in Soybeans

Days from full maturity to combine harvest maturity (DFC) is a major concern in combine harvesting of soybeans (Glycinemax (L.)), especially in northern Japan, which has a short harvesting period. The combine harvest maturity, which was defined as the day at which the moisture content of the stem reached 30%, was analyzed using 7 soybean varieties for 3 yr in Hokkaido. There were significant differences in DFC among varieties (12 to 31 d) and among the 3 yr (16 to 25 d). DFC was closely associated with dry matter partitioning to stem (DMPS) at full maturity, that is, high DMPS increased DFC. The relationship between DMPS and DFC was examined by pod removal experiments conducted for 2 yr. In the soybean plants with high DMPS pod removal increased the stem desiccation period and DFC. These results indicated that DMPS at full maturity is an informative indicator for predicting the harvest maturity in the combine harvesting system.