Correlation and path coefficient analysis for yield and yield attributes in soybean, Glycine max L (Merr)

Genetic correlation and path analysis are handy techniques which elaborate the degree and direction of association among important quantitative traits. In order to study genetic correlation, direct and indirect effects among quantitative traits and to determine the most effective factors on seed yield per plant an experiment was conducted with twenty five F₁ hybrids along with their ten parental lines in a randomized block design (RBD) with two replications. A positive and significant association with seed yield was recorded for plant height, number of branches per plant, number of clusters per plant, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, 100-seed weight and harvest index while phytic acid content exhibited negative and significant association with seed yield. Path coefficient analysis revealed that number of pods per plant had maximum direct effect on seed yield followed by 100-seed weight, number of seeds per pod and harvest index. Therefore a major emphasis should be given on number of pods per plant, 100-seed weight, number of seeds per pod and harvest index during phenotypic selection for genetic improvement of soybean seed yield.