Assessment of genetic variability, heritability and genetic components for yield traits in soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill)

Abstract

The study revealed considerable genetic variability among the evaluated crosses for several important yield and yield-related traits. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as percent of mean was recorded for plant height, number of primary branches per plant, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per plant, 100-seed weight and seed yield per plant, indicating predominance of additive gene action and effectiveness of direct selection. Observations were recorded on twelve quantitative and quality traits including significant genetic variability among generations for all traits across the seven crosses. PCV and GCV (%) estimates indicated low genetic variation for days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, number of seeds per pod and 100-seed weight in most crosses, while moderate to high variation was observed for plant height, number of primary branches, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per plant and seed yield per plant. Quality traits (protein and oil content) exhibited generally low genetic variation.