Investigation of Genetic Variability and Character Connotation for Yield Augmentation in Soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merrill)

Abstract

Glycine max [L.] Merrill, widely recognized as the “Golden Bean,” is a universally significant legume crop appreciated for its high protein (~40%) and oil (~20%) content, accompanied by its comprehensive adaptableness athwart diverse agro-ecological zones. To address the increasing demand for yield augmentation and stress pliability, an inclusive investigation was steered during the Kharif, 2023 at the Department of Genetics & Plant Breeding, RVSKVV, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. Ninety-two diverse soybean genotypes were evaluated in a Randomized Block Design with two replications with objectives to assess genetic variability, heritability, genetic advance, and the interrelationships among chief agronomical characters. Substantial variability was investigated for traits like harvest index, biological yield, and plant height, that displayed high genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation, heritability, and genetic advance, signifying predominance of additive gene effects and appropriateness for enhancement through direct selection. Correlation analysis exposed sturdy positive connotations of seed yield per plant with 100-seed weight, harvest index, numbers of pods per plant, and seeds per pod. Moreover, path coefficient analysis identified 100-seed weight as exerting the highest positive direct effect on yield, tracked by biological yield and harvest index. These findings highlighted presence of considerable genetic diversity and recognized key traits for selection, offering treasured insights for the development of high-yielding, stress-resilient soybean cultivar (s). Furthermore, integration of molecular tools and multi-environmental trials are recommended for incorporation in future breeding strategies.