Correlation between seed size, protein and oil contents, and fatty acid composition in soybean genotypes

Eighteen soybean genotypes (Glycine mau(L.) Merrill) with maturity groups IV, V, VI or VII were grown in 1995/96 at the Estacion Experimental Agropecuaria (EEA-INTA) of Manfredi and Marcos Juarez, Argentina. The aim of this research was to determine possible associations between seed size, protein and oil contents, and fatty composition. Seed size varied between 13.9-21.0 g/100 seeds. Protein and oil contents ranged from 331 to 448 and from 198 to 267 g kg(-1), respectively, and showed no significant correlation with seed size. There were significant correlations between seed size and individual fatty acids: positive with stearic and oleic and negative with linoleic. The results obtained suggest that seed size and its relationship with individual fatty acids must be considered in soybean breeding programs.