Variability and correlation between yielding capacity and agronomical traits in soybean populations bred for crop rotation with sugarcane.

The objective of this research work was to evaluate genetic parameters in soybean populations viewing the identification of the most promising ones as to selection gains. Seven populations in generations F4 and F5 were evaluated during the crop years of 2002 and 2003. Significant differences between families were observed. The population resulting from the FT-Cometa X IAC-8 crossing was found to be the most promising as to grain yield according to coefficient of heritability, parent-offspring regression and at the individual level. Due to the high correlation values found between yield and seed number this characteristic is suggested to be used in indirect selection for grain productivity. Additional