Evaluation of Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] Germplasm for Yield and Attributing Traits for Rabi Season in the Southern Indian Zone

The present study was undertaken to assess the genetic variability and character associations for seed yield and component characters in 481soybean (Glycine max, L.) germplasm accessions and identification of lines suitable for Rabi season cultivation. These lines were raised in an augmented block design in four blocks with five replicated checks during 2018. The analysis of variance revealed the presence of sufficient genetic variability in the gene pool. High PCV and high GCV were recorded for grain yield plot per plant, number of pods per plant and plant height. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance were observed for grain yield, followed by pods per plant, 100-seed weight and plant height, indicating the predominance of additive gene action in controlling the trait. Correlation and regression analysis indicated a significant positive effect of pods per plant, branches per plant and plant height on grain yield. Genetic diversity analysis grouped all germplasm accessions into 4 clusters. PCA revealed the first two principal components to explain 62.84% of total variation, mostly contributed by grain yield, seed size and number of pods. The agronomical variability and its genetic nature revealed from this study may be useful in present and future soybean breeding programmes. The promising accessions identified from the present study will help in strengthening the breeding program.