Genetic Variability, Correlation and Path Analysis for Yield and Yield Components in Soybean

4 Abstract: Twenty eight soybean genotypes were evaluated for eleven morphological characters during Robi season, 2011 at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among the genotypes for all the traits. Plant height, seed yield per plant, branches per plant, number of seeds per pod, number of pods per plant and hundred seed weight exhibited that they were controlled by additive gene action and selection for the improvement of these traits would be rewarding. The phenotypic variance was higher than the corresponding genotypic variance for all the characters. All the characters showed moderate to low phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation. Genotypic coefficient of variation was the highest for seed yield per plant (31.45%) followed by number of branches per plant (29.9%) and plant height (27.42% ). Days to maturity (99.93%) had the highest heritability. Plant height, pod length, number of seeds per pod, number of pods per plant, hundred seed weight, branches per plant and number of seeds per pod showed significant positive genotypic and phenotypic correlation with seed yield. In path analysis, seeds per pod, hundred seed weight, pod length, days to maturity and plant height showed positive direct effect on yield. Considering genetic variability, correlation and path analysis, emphasis should be given on plant height, pod length, seeds per pod and hundred seed weight during breeding program to improve seed yield of soybean.