Extraction of core sample collection and selection of parents from indigenous and exotic germplasm of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill]

Five hundred and twelve soybean germplasm accessions were evaluated for 11 agronomical traits and characterized with respect to 18 morphological characters. A well-represented sample collection was derived based on the agronomical data. Through principal component analysis it was inferred that number of clusters per plant, total number of pods per plant, total dry matter accumulation, seed yield per plant and maturity traits contributed maximum towards the genetic diversity of the accessions in base and also in sample collection. With respect to morphological traits, hypocotyl anthocyanin pigmentation, seed shattering, shape of lateral leaflet, flower colour and seed coat colour were highest contributors to genetic divergence. From the sample collections after studying the oil and protein content, TNAU S 55, JS (SH) 89–49, EC 2572, CO 2, EC 799 and JS 92-4 were identified as potential parents to get good segregants.