Exploiting Genotypic Variability in Relation to Genetic Divergence Among Advanced Lines of Soybean [Glycine max (L) Merrill]

Sixty eight advanced soybean lines derived from 19 crosses, involving diverse parents, along with two varieties, were evaluated for seed yield and its components to assess genotypic variability in relation to genetic divergence. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among the lines for all the traits studied. On the basis of D² analysis, the lines were grouped into 14 clusters. The patterns ofdistribution of genotypes in different clusters indicated that genetic divergence was not related to parentage. Maximum intercluster distance was obtained between clusters II and VIII followed by clusters VIII and IX. These clusters included the genotypes Himso 1610, Himso 1629, Himso 1630, Himso 1631, Himso 1606, Himso 1655, Himso 1636, Himso 1650, Himso 1609 and Himso 1669, derived from the crosses Himso 330 x Punjab-I, Himso 1520 x Himso 330, Punjab-1 x DS 74–22, P7-1-1 x Punjab-1, PK 1053 x Punjab-1 and Himso 330 x Hardee. These genotypes may be utilised in the future breeding programme.