The Role of Seed Size on Seed Water Absorption and Germination of the Common Bean

Year 2025, Volume: 8 Issue: 6, 759 - 765, 15.11.2025

Murat Tunç , Fatma Başdemir

https://doi.org/10.47115/bsagriculture.1740401

Abstract

Seed size is a fundamental characteristic determining germination success and early seedling development in legumes. However, its influence on water uptake kinetics and physiological responses during early development in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) has not been sufficiently investigated. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of four seed size categories (small, medium, large, and extra-large) on seed hydration dynamics, moisture content, germination behavior, and root development under controlled conditions. Morphometric analyses revealed significant differences (P<0.01) in seed length, width, and thickness among the size groups. Kinetic measurements showed a strong positive correlation between seed size and total water uptake (R²=0.853), but a negative correlation with moisture content (R²=0.856). Indicating a dilution effect due to the higher dry matter proportion in larger seeds. Extra-large seeds exhibited the highest fresh and dry weights and significantly developed more secondary roots. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) demonstrated that large and extra-large seeds clustered with traits associated with germination vigor. Regression analyses and visual observations confirmed that larger seeds displayed more homogeneous radicle emergence and faster seedling development. The findings indicate that seed size is a key determinant of imbibition behavior, metabolic activation, and early morpho-physiological establishment. Therefore, selecting seeds of optimal size during the production process may be considered an effective strategy to improve germination uniformity and emergence success with larger seeds preferred for their high water absorption capacity and enhanced vigor.

Keywords

Seed size , Phaseolus vulgaris , Water uptake , Germination , Moisture content , Vigor

Ethical Statement

Ethics committee approval was not required for this study because there was no study on animals or humans.

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