ABSTRACT

Soybean is the most important oilseed and one of the most important and affordable protein sources worldwide. Water stress is a major limitation for soybean production worldwide. When water stress occurs during the soybean sowing period, germination will most likely be affected. Root morphology influences the amount of water and nutrient absorption and is important for maintaining crop performance under water stress conditions. The purpose of this study was to determine whether root traits influence germination of soybean under optimal and water stress conditions and identify genotypes that possess beneficial root traits. Soybean seeds were grown hydroponically using polythene glycol to mimic different levels of water stress. Fourteen days after sowing, roots were harvested and scanned, and the images were processed using the WinRHIZO software. The results showed that root length, surface area, volume, diameter, and weight could have a significant impact on germination under water stress. These traits had a larger effect under severe stress in comparison to moderate, low, and no- stress. Genotypes 6 and 13 performed well under stress conditions based on germination and root traits. Genotype 6 also performed well under optimal conditions. This information can be used to develop soybean varieties with better tolerance to water stress.