Genetic Variability, Correlation and Path Coefficient Studies in Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) Genotypes

The analysis of variance revealed significant variation for all the character except for number of primary branches, pod length and number of seeds per pod. In the present study high PCV and GCV were recorded for seed yield per plant, test weight, number of pods per plant, plant height and days to 80% maturity indicating presence of variation for these traits in the present population. High heritability coupled with high GA as percent of mean was recorded for days to 50% flowering, days to 80% maturity, plant height and test weight. Thus selection for these traits is likely to accumulate more additive genes leading to further improvement of their performance and may also be used as selection criteria in soybean breeding programme. At genotypic level, days to 50% flowering, days to 80% maturity, plant height and pod length were found to be significantly and positively correlated with seed yield per plant indicating relative utility of this trait for selection. The path analysis revealed that direct selection for days to 80% maturity and pod length would likely be effective in increasing seed yield.