Abstract

The selection of genotypes based on phenotypic data requires evaluation through different environments in order to accurately measure the genotype x environment (GxE) interaction effect. The purpose of this study was to assess 94 F5:8 recombinant inbred lines (RIL) in terms of their yield performance and other agronomic traits (that is, height, maturity, and lodging); and compare the results to the parental lines (that is, ‘Spencer’ and ‘LS97-1610’) in two different experimental locations (that is, Dowell, IL and Harrisburg, IL) in 2011. One sample t-test was applied in order to test RIL mean yields against mid-parental values. The average yield for RIL was greater than that of the parents in Dowell and in the combined data set. This outcome was dissimilar to that found in Harrisburg where the parent's yield was greater. The broad-sense heritability for each trait was estimated and they ranged from 34.84 to 90.84% for yield and maturity, respectively. Significant correlation coefficients were detected for all pairwise combinations of traits apart from lodging x yield. The results of this study revealed promising broad-sense heritability for yield and other agronomic traits in a RIL population derived from two parental lines whose profiles differ for both yield traits and disease resistance.

Key words: Agronomic traits, Glycine max, yield performance.