How to identify soybean vegetative growth stages?
Identifying the vegetative growth stages of soybean is crucial for effective crop management. These stages are marked by the development of trifoliolate leaves, which are a key indicator starting from the V1 stage. Here’s a brief guide on how to recognize these stages:
■ Emergence (VE)
The first stage is emergence (VE), where the soybean seedling breaks through the soil surface. At this stage, the cotyledons, or seed leaves, are visible. They supply nutrients to the young plant before the true leaves begin to develop.
■ Unifoliolate Stage (VC)
Next is the VC stage, where the unifoliolate leaves, which are the first true leaves, unfold. These leaves are single and oval-shaped, located directly opposite each other on the stem.
■ First Trifoliolate Stage (V1)
The V1 stage marks the appearance of the first trifoliolate leaves, which consist of three leaflets. This is a significant stage as the plant now has more surface area for photosynthesis, promoting faster growth.
■ Second Trifoliolate Stage (V2)
Following V1, the V2 stage is characterized by the development of the second set of trifoliolate leaves. Each subsequent vegetative stage (V3, V4, etc.) is identified by the addition of another set of trifoliolate leaves.
