Genetic Assessment Of Soybean Genotypes For Yield And Yield Related Components

Abstract

Glycine max L. commonly known as Soybean is a highly valued leguminous crop due to its protein and oil contents which make it economically valuable in food, feed and industry. The current experiment, titled as “Genetic Evaluation of Soybean Yield and Yield Associated Traits” has been performed for the purpose of estimating genetic variation among soybean genotypes on the basis of agromorphological, yield associated, seed quality and root system architecture (RSA) traits. Thirty genotypes of soybeans along with two check varieties, NARC-21 and Ajmeri were studied in Oilseed Research Program, National Agricultural Research Center (NARC), Islamabad. Augmented design was used for preliminary screening while promising genotypes were further investigated through Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Seven RSA traits were recorded through digital root imaging in three replications such as root tips, branch points, total root length, root volume, network area, average diameter and surface area. Genetic variation was observed in the stem height and 100-seed weight while some flowering and vegetative traits were found not significantly different. Phenotypic characterization of the roots exhibited variations in total root length, root volume, root network area, and root surface area, proving the efficacy of RSA in genetic studies. Significant correlation was also found in the selected root characteristics, especially between root tip and total root length. Seed quality analysis showed variations in the protein, lipid, and fiber composition; NARC-21 possessed the maximum amount of protein (32.89%), GP-121 the maximum lipid (23.40%), and GP-26 the maximum fiber (7.00%). On the basis of combined evaluation, twelve best genotypes were identified, namely GP-5, GP-12, GP-20, GP-23, GP-26, GP-37, GP-54, GP-96, GP-120, GP-121, GP-123, and GP-151. These results highlight the existence of useful genetic variability in the tested germplasm.