Abstract:
A field experiment was conducted during December, 2011 to April. 2012 to study the
genetic variability, correlation, path coefficient analysis and genetic diversity for quantitative
traits in soybean ((ilycine max (L.) Merrill ) with 28 genotypes in randomized complete
block design with three replications. The genotypes were placed in a field experiment
conducted at the research farm of Shcr-e-Bangla Agricultural University. Dhaka- 1207.
Analysis of variance for each trait showed significant differences among the genotypes.
Phenotypic coefficients of variation (PCV) was close to genotypie coefficients of variation
((;CV) for all the characters except pod length and seeds per pod indicating that environment
had influence on the expression of these characters. High heritability associated with high
genetic advance percent of mean was observed for plant height, number of branches per
plant, pods per plant, seeds per plant and hundred seed weight which indicated that selection
for these characters would be effective. Seed yield per plant had highly significant positive
genotypic and phenotypic association with plant height, branches per plant, pods per plant,
pod length, seeds per pod, seeds per plant and hundred seed weight revealing that selection
based on these traits would ultimately improve the seed yield. Path coefficient analysis
revealed that seeds per plant and hundred seed weight had the highest positive direct effect
on seed. Hence, thrust has to be given for these characters in future breeding programme to
improve the yield in soybean. Multivariate analysis based on II characters indicated that the
28 genotypes were grouped into five distant clusters. The maximum contribution of
characters towards diversity was observed by days to first flowering, number of pods per
plant and seeds per pod. Thus, these traits may be given high emphasis while selecting the
lines for hybridization. The inter cluster distance was maximum between cluster II and
cluster IV. The highest intra cluster distance was found in cluster V. From the results it can
be concluded that the following genotypes viz., F-85-1 1347 (04). LG-92P-12-18 (08). RI4174-75
(023) and MTD45 I (G28) were identified as potential genotypes for higher seed
yield in soybean.
Description:
A thesis
Submitted to the Faculty ofAgriculture,
Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka,
in partial fulfilment of the requirenents
for the degree of
MASTER OF SCIENCE
IN
GENETICS AND PLANT BREEDING