Genetic Variability for Morpho-physiological Characters in Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill]

In an experiment, fifteen soybean genotypes were evaluated in Randomized Block Design with three replications, to access the genetic variability for yield and its contributing traits during kharif 2021 at the research field of Department of Agricultural Botany, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola (MH). The results revealed that, KDS-753 (81.42 cm) recorded highest plant height; leaf area (34.01 dm2) was observed highest in KDS-228. The Chlorophyll stability index (39.12) and RGR (0.0135 g/g/day) were recorded highest in KDS-344 (39.12); while 50% flowering (49.00 DAS) and dry matter production (37.67g) was recorded highest in MAUS-162(49.00 DAS). Days to maturity was recorded highest in AMS-2014-1 (105.33 DAS). Net assimilation rate was recorded highest in MACS-1281 (0.0135g/dm2/day). Least range of GCV and PCV observed for days to maturity (3.443% and 3.962% respectively); while high range of GCV and PCV observed for RGR (37.579% and 45.571% respectively). High range for heritability observed in total dry matter (79.545%). Genetic advance as a percent mean observed higher in total dry matter production (74.481). In the present study the traits, total dry matter and plant height showed high heritability with high genetic advance indicating direct selection for such traits is rewarding in crop improvement.