Diversity in soybean (Glycine max) accessions based on morphological characterization and seed longevity characteristics

Abstract

Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) is a significant and cheap source of protein (40%) and soy vegetable oil (20%) is another important product of processing the soybean crop for both human consumption and industrial application. Present study was conducted with the objectives to study the genetic diversity for various morphological traits and seed longevity in 225 accessions of soybean. Clustering pattern of 225 genotypes was grouped into 8 clusters and 6 clusters with 62 genotypes in concern to seed longevity. High range of intra clusters (0-314.62) and inter clusters (324.61-3514.91) distances showed high diversity among the genotypes for various characters. Seed yield per hectare contributed maximum of (23.6%) towards total genetic divergence. Cluster V showed minimum days to maturity with high test weight (13.98g) and cluster VI found to be included genotypes with high oil (19.20%) and seed yield per hectare (4294.44kg). The cluster VIII involved highest number of pods per plant (71.52) with high seed yield per hectare with less reduction in germination (24.19%) in other words with high seed longevity.