The study evaluated developmental responses associated with plant population density stress applied at different phenological phases and effects on grain yield in determinate and indeterminate soybean (Glycine max L.). A split-split plot design with four replications, with variety (main plot), plant density (sub plot) and thinning time (sub-subplot) was adopted. Two determinate genotypes (Lukanga and SC Semeki) and an indeterminate type (Mwembeshi) were used. Plant density stress was imposed by planting at supra optimal densities (700, 600 and 500 K plants ha-1) (K representing 1000) and stress was removed by thinning to the recommended density (400 K plants ha-1) at different phenological stages. Plant density had little effect on grain yield. Thinning time influenced root to shoot ratio, number of grains per pod, yield and harvest Index (HI). Lukanga had the highest grain yield (2.43 tons ha-1), followed by Mwembeshi (1.95 tons ha-1) and lastly SC Semeki (1.17 tons ha-1). Lukanga exhibited reproductive plasticity, while SC Semeki showed vegetative plasticity. Mwembeshi an indeterminate type suggested non-plastic or ‘elastic’ response. The lack of effect on planting density exemplified by constant yield at different plant densities suggests that maintaining low seed rates is more economical given the high cost of seed.

 

Key words: Partitioning, determinate, indeterminate, reproductive plasticity, vegetative plasticity.