Genetic variability and character association studies for seed yield and component characters in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] under North-western Himalayas

Abstract

The present investigation was undertaken to assess the genetic variability and character associations for seed yield and component characters in 307 soybean germplasm lines. The lines were raised in augmented block design in four blocks during kharif 2014. Out of these, twenty seven promising genotypes were selected and forwarded for evaluation along with four checks in randomized block design with three replications at CSKHPKV, Palampur (H.P) during kharif 2015. The analysis of variance revealed the presence of sufficient genetic variability in the breeding material. High PCV and moderate GCV were recorded for harvest index and biological yield/plant. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance were observed for harvest index followed by biological yield /plant, seed yield /plant, number of pods/plant and 100-seed weight indicating the predominance of additive gene action in controlling the trait. Number of branches /plant, number of seeds /pod, biological yield/plant and harvest index exhibited significantly positive correlation with seed yield /plant both at phenotypic and genotypic levels. Two traits viz., harvest index and biological yield /plant could be considered as direct selection indices for yield improvement in soybean.