Genetic variability, correlation and path coefficient among agronomic characters of soybeans [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] lines

Genetic variability and relationship among characters plays important roles in development of plants varieties. The aim of the research was to study genetic variability and relationship among characters. Fifty soybean lines were grown in randomized complete block design with three replicates. The number of branches and seed yield that had broad genetic variability. The maturity, branches, and 100-seed weight had high heritability. Seed weight per plant and seed yield showed significant genotypic correlations. The phenotypic correlation among characters was found between seed yield with number of filled pods, 100 seeds weight and seed weight per plant, branches with productive node and filled pods, and productive nodes with filled pods. Phenotypic path coefficient revealed that flowering, branches, 100-seed weight, and seed weight per plant contributed directly to seed yield per plot. Despite having high heritability and broad genetic variability, branches per plant showed negative indirect effect through number of nodes and seed weight per plant, while seed weight per plant showed positive indirect effect through number of branches per plant. Direct selection should be based on seed yield, while indirect selection should be based on seed weight per plant.