Abstract

This study estimated genetic parameters, identified traits of direct and indirect correlation with the grain yield through path analysis and select superior lines, maximizing genetic gain. Two experiments were conducted in 2012/2013 season in randomized blocks with three replications. 23 lines (experiment I) and 44 lines (experiment II) were seeded. For all traits analyzed in both experiments, there was a significant difference by F test (P <0.05) between the lines. Estimates of genetic parameters have identified the traits plant height at maturity and 100-seeds weight in both experiments I and II as the most favorable to the selection by presenting heritability values above 0.5. The genotypic correlations and the path analysis indicated the plant height at physiological maturity (PHM) of greater effect on direct favorable grain yield in both experiments. The indirect selection for grain yield (GY) via the PHM trait is considered effective while superior lines identified included 10, 15, 17, 20, 32, 41, 48, and 57.

Key words: Glycine max, genetic correlation, heritability, genetic gain.