TH 8486

GENETIC INVESTIGATIONS IN SEGREGATING
POPULATIONS OF SOYBEAN (Glycine max (L.) Merrill)
Thesis submitted to the

University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad
In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the
Degree of
Master of Science Agriculture
In
GENETICS AND PLANT BREEDING
By
J. HINA KAUSAR
DEPARTMENT OF GENETICS AND PLANT BREEDING

COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE, DHARWAD
UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES,
DHARWAD – 580 005
MAY, 2005
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Dharwad (G.T. BASAVARAJA)

May, 2005 Major Advisor
Approved by:
Chairman: (G.T. BASAVARAJA)
Members: 1. P.M. Salimath
2. S. Gangaprasad
3. S.M. Hiremath
CONTENTS
Chapter
Title
No.
I INTRODUCATION
II REVIEW OF LITERATURE
III MATERIAL AND METHODS
IV EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS
V DISCUSSION
VI SUMMARY
VII REFERENCES
VIII ABSTRACT
LIST OF TABLES
Table
Title
No.
1 Summary of review on variability for quantitative characters in soybean
Summary of review on heritability (h2) and genetic advance (GA) for different
2.
characters of soybean
Summary of review of literature on correlation of component traits with seed

3.
yield in soybean
Summary of review of literature on direct and indirect effects of various yield

4.
components on seed yield in soybean
5. Salient features of soybean genotypes used in the study
Estimates of variability parameters for different quantitative traits in F3

6
populations of soybean
Phenotypic correlation coefficients for yield and yield components in F3

7
population of the Cross-1 [JS-335 x Dsb-3] (SPD)]

8
population of the Cross-1 [JS-335 x Dsb-3 (GB)]

9
population of the Cross-2 [JS-335 x DSb-1 (SPD)]

10
population of the Cross -2 [JS-335 x DSb-1 (GB)]
Phenotypic path coefficients of eight yield components to yield in F3 population

11
of Cross-1 [JS-335 x DSb-3) (SPD)]
Phenotypic path coefficients of seven yield components to yield in F3 population

12
of Cross-1 [JS-335 x DSb-3 (GB)]
Phenotypic path coefficients of eight yield components to yield in F3 population

13
of Cross-2 [JS-335 x DSb-1 (SPD)]
Phenotypic path coefficients of nine yield components to yield in F3 population

14
of Cross-2 [JS-335 x DSb-1 (GB)]
Discriminant functions, their genetic advance and relative efficiency over straight
15
selection for grain yield in Cross-1 [JS-335 x DSb-3 (SPD)]
16
selection for grain yield in Cross-1 [JS-335 x DSb-3 (GB)]
17
selection for grain yield in Cross-2 [JS-335 x DSb-1 (GB)]
I. INTRODUCTION
Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) is a remarkable crop being one of all the food
th
crops but put to uses in modern times. It is referred as a miracle crop of 20 century, as it
contains 40 per cent high quality protein and 20 per cent of oil. It is also rich in lysine and
vitamin A, B and D. Quality of soy protein is next to animal protein and better than cereals
and other pulses. The edible oil in soybean is approximately 85 per cent unsaturated and
contains the essential fatty acids.
Soybean is also recognized for its benefits to human health such as the cholesterol
lowering effect of proteins as approved recently by the United State Food and Drugs
Administration. Research is underway to ascertain the possible benefits of soybean in other
areas of human health such as cancer, osteoporosis and postmenopausal discomfort. Above
all, the greatest potential of soybean lies in increasing the available food supply for the rapidly
st
increasing population in the 21 century (Wilmot, 2001).
Apart from this, soybean is utilized as a raw material for several protein and oil based
industries. The oil is utilized for the production of hydrogenated fats, margarine etc. The by
products are utilized in paint industries. The protein meal is excellent source of vegetable
protein for conventional culinary preparations. Soya meal can also be utilized for the
production of livestock concentrated foods. With the technological advancements in the
production of synthetic flavours it becomes possible for several commercial concerns to
produce meat like products out of the soybean meal.
Inspite of the fact that it is grown in China since early times its cultivation spread to
other parts of the world. Soybean was first introduced to U.S.A. in 1804. Migration of this
crop to India is believed to have occurred around 1880 A.D.
At present, soybean occupies an area of 73.4 million hectares producing 161.9 million
tonnes with the productivity of 2206 kg per hectare in the world. In India it occupies an area
of 6.5 million hectare with the production of 7.61 million tonnes and productivity of 1171 kg
per hectare (Anon., 2004) which is just half the average productivity of the world. In India the
major soybean producing states are Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar
Pradesh, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat.
In Karnataka state also, soybean is becoming popular as an oilseed crop. The
increase in area was from 0.16 lakh hectares during 1991-92 to 1.78 lakh hectares during
2004. It is mainly concentrated in the northern districts viz., Belgaum, Bidar, Dharwad,
Bagalkot and Haveri covering 85% of the total area of the state. There is a vast scope to
increase the area up to 3 lakh hectares by extending the crop into non-traditional
regions/seasons and in intercrop/sequential cropping systems. Not with standing the
spectacular increase in area and production, the productivity of the crop has remained low.
The current level of yield is around one ton per hectare which is 50% of the world’s average
productivity.
Inheritance of quantitative characters is often influenced by variation in other
characters which may be due to pleiotrophy or genetic linkage (Harland, 1938). Yield is a
quantitative character influenced by a number of other important yield contributing characters
controlled by polygenes and also influenced greatly by variations in environmental factors.
So, the observed variability in these characters is the sum total of hereditary effects of
concerned genes plus the influence of environment. The knowledge on association between
yield and its component traits through estimation of genotypic and phenotypic correlations
helps in a great way to formulate selection strategies to develop suitable genotypes.
Correlation merely describes the extent of association among the characters. But the
relationship between two traits is not so simple. Such correlations can be resolved into direct
and indirect effect by path coefficient analysis developed by Wright (1921).
Direct selection procedures cannot be employed for yield due to its complex nature,
vulnerable to environmental fluctuations and has low heritability which baffles the plant
breeder, while evaluating the material. So an indirect selection method has to be devised to
help the plant breeders to achieve their objectives. Some of the yield contributing characters
such as number of pods per plant, number of seeds per plant are relatively more stable. Thus
the relative importance of each character and combination of characters has to be studied by
giving due weightage through discriminant function analysis which helps in selecting the
desirable genotypes based on combination of various characters(Fischer 1936).
In the present study an attempt has been made to ascertain the genetic variation that
can be generated by employing three genotypes viz., JS-335, DSb-1 and DSb-3. JS-335 is a
popular high yielding variety. The variety DSb-1 is in pre-release stage and DSb-3 is an
advanced breeding lines. The two F3 populations generated from two crosses (JS-335 x
DSb-1 and JS-335 x DSb-3) were studied with the following objectives:
1. To study the nature and extent of variability created in the segregating populations
with respect to quantitative traits influencing the yield,
2. To estimate the association between different quantitative traits and seed yield,
3. To workout the path coefficients in order to know the relative contribution of different
metric traits on seed yield and
4. To formulate selection indices for seed yield.
II. REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Yield is a complex and quantitatively inherited character and is highly influenced by
environmental fluctuations. Such high genotype x environmental interactions are likely to
restrict improvement in yield through selection on the basis of the observed phenotypic
variability. On the contrary, the yield components are less complexly inherited and are
subjected to lower environmental variations and thus effective improvement in yield may be
brought about by selecting these component characters. The expected improvement in such
characters primarily depends on the nature and magnitude of heritable variation. Therefore
there is a need of partitioning the observed variabilities into heritable and non-heritable
variation. Further, with the yield and among themselves, the component characters may show
different associations. Therefore unfavourable associations between the desirable attributes
under selection may result in genetic slippage (Dickerson, 1955) and limit the genetic
advance. Hence, a knowledge of the correlations between such characters is essential while
aiming at a rational improvement in yield through selection so that the antagonistic
correlations do not nullify the expected progress under selection programmes.
The available literature in soybean on the above aspects have been reviewed under
the following headings.
2.1 VARIABILITY
Selection of potential genotypes from the existing germplasm, utilising them in the
hybridization programme and isolation of the superior segregants in the segregating
population is the usual breeding strategy in highly self pollinated crops like soybean. The
success of selection depends upon the magnitude of variation existing in the population. This
apparent variability in the crop is divided into variability due to genotype and variability due to
environment, and their interaction. The genetic variability and environmental components of
variation were discussed by Johansen (1909) who attributed the variation in the segregating
populations to both heritable and non-heritable factors and the variation in a pure line to only
environmental factors. The phenotypic variability is a measure of variability due to genotype,
environment and their interaction. The genetic variability is the real measure for variability
concealed in a population, since it is result of additive and non-additive gene effects. The
extent of genetic variability existing in a crop is of great importance, because greater the
genetic variability, wider the scope for selection.
The studies conducted in soybean with respect to genetic variability for different
quantitative traits is summarised in Table 1.
Table 1: Summary of review on variability for quantitative characters in soybean
Sl. Variability
Character Reference
No. PCV GCV
1 Plant height High High Sharma (1980), Chauhan and Singh
(1982), Rashid and Islam (1982), Dayarani
(1985), Bains and Sood (1984), Sharma
and Abraham (1988), Jagtap et al. (1994),
Ghatge et al. (1993), Dobhal and Gautam
(1995), Taware et al. (1997), Jagdish et al.
(2000), Jains and Ramgiry (2000),
Basavaraja (2002).
High -- Rao et al. (1981), Sharma et al. (1983),
Malik and Singh (1984), Xue et al. (1987),
Kalaimagal (1991) and Nirmala kumari
(1993).
High Jagtap and Mehetre (1994) and Bhandakar
(1999),
Moderate Moderate Perraju et al. (1982), Mehetre et al. (1994).
2 Number of High High Sharma (1980), Rao et al. (1981),
branches per Chauhan and Singh (1982); Rashid and
plant Islam (1982), Amarnath (1986), Basavaraja
(2002)
-- High Jagtap and Meheta (1994)
3 Number of High High Sharma (1980), Rao et al. (1981), Perraju
pods per plant et al. (1982), Chauhan and Singh (1982),
Dayarani (1985),
Xue et al. (1995), Singh et al. (1996),
Jagdish Singh et al. (2000), Basavaraja
(2002).
High -- Malik and Singh (1987) and Mehetre
et al. (1994).
Moderate Bains and Sood (1980)
4 Pod length High High Veenakumari (1994)
Low Low Upadhyaya (1985), Basavaraja (2002)
5 Pod weight per High High Jagtap and Mehetre (1994), Veenakumari
plant (1994) and Basavaraja (2002).
6 Number of High High Chauhan and Singh (1982) and Sharma
seeds per pod and Abraham (1988)
Moderate Moderate Rashid and Islam (1982) and Amarnath
(1986)
Low Low Bains and Sood (1980), Perraju et al.
(1982), Kalaimagal (1991) and Vimaladevi
(1993)
Contd..
7 Number of High Kuttikrishnan et al. (1982), Xue et al.

seeds per (1987) and Ghatge et al. (1993)
plant
Moderate Moderate Rashid and Islam (1980)
Low Bains and Sood (1980) and Kalaimagal
(1991)
8 100 seed High High Perraju et al. (1982), Mehetre et al.
weight (1994), Singh et al. (1996)
Moderate Moderate Rashid and Islam (1980)
Low Low Rao et al. (1981), Amarnath (1986),
Malik and Singh (1987), Basavaraja
(2002)
9 Biomass High Patel et al. (1998)
Moderate Moderate Basavaraja (2002)
10 Harvest index High High Nirmalakumari and Balasubramanian
(1991), Mehetre et al. (1998) and Dixit
(2002)
Moderate Moderate Basavaraja (2002)
11 Seed yield per High High Bains and Sood (1980), Sharma (1980),
plant Chauhan and Singh (1982), Perraju et
al. (1982), Rashid and Islam (1982),
Ghatge et al. (1993), Basavaraja (2002)
Moderate Moderate Kuttikrishnan et al (1982), Rasaily et al.
(1986), Rajput et al. (1987) and
Mehetre et al. (1994)
2.2 Heritability and Genetic advance

Heritability refers to the extent to which the variability for a quantitative character is
transmitted to the progeny. It is defined as the ratio of additive variance to total variance in
narrow sense (Lush, 1949) and the ratio of genotypic variance to the total variance in broad
sense (Hanson et al., 1956).
However, the gains from a selection for a particular character is the function of its
heritability, selection pressure and the variation existing in the base population (Burton and
Devane, 1953).
Review of literature on heritability and genetic advance for quantitative traits in
soybean is summarised in Table 2.
2.3 ASSOCIATION ANALYSIS
Association analysis measures the mutual relationship between various plant
characters and determines the components on which selection can be based for
improvement. The association of characters may be due to either genetic linkage or
pleiotrophy (Harland, 1939).
2.3.1 Correlation studies
The knowledge of correlation that is existing among important characters helps the
plant breeders to formulate their selection procedures. The extent of observed relationship
between two characters is known as phenotypic correlation, whereas genotypic correlation on
the other hand is an inherent association between two characters.
The association between various characters in soybean has been studied by various
workers and are summarised in Table 3.
2
Table 2: Summary of review on heritability (h ) and genetic advance (GA) for different
characters of soybean
Sl. Heritability
Character 2 Reference
No. h GA
1 Plant height High High Lakshminarayana Rao (1974)
High -- Ardelean (1975), Rasaily et al. (1986)
-- High Dai (1981)
High High Rashid and Islam (1982), Ghatge and
Kadu (1993), Jangale et al. (1994),
Jagtap and Mehetre (1994), Mahajan et
al. (1994), Taware et al. (1997),
Bhandarkar (1999), Jain and Ramgiry
(2000), Basavaraja (2002)
2 Branches per High High Lakshminarayana Rao (1974), Rashid
plant and Islam (1982), Jagtap and Mehetre
(1994), Mehetre et al. (1994), Roy and
Roqrib (1998), Bhandarkar (1999),
Basavaraja (2002)
3 Number of High High Sharma and Abraham (1988), Harer
pods per plant and Deshmukh (1992), Jagtap and
Mehetre (1994), Mahajan et al. (1994),
Taware et al. (1997), Siahsar and Rezai
(1999), Jain and Ramgiry (2000),
Basavaraja (2002).
High -- Amarnath et al. (1991), Mehetre et al.
(1994), Srivastava and Jain (1994)
4 Pod length Low Low Basavaraja (2002)
5 Pod weight per High High Basavaraja (2002)
plant
6 Number of High -- Alam et al. (1983)
seeds per pod
7 Number of High High Jagtap and Mehetre (1994), Taware et
seeds per al. (1997), Basavaraja (2002)
plant
High -- Ghatge and Kadu (1993)
-- High Mahajan et al. (1994)
8 100 seed High -- He (1987), Amarnath (1991)
weight
High High Jangale et al. (1994), Taware et al.
(1997), Geetha and Vaidyanathan
(1998), Bhandarkar (1999), Siashar and
Rezai (1999)
High Moderate to Basavaraja (2002)
low
9 Biomass per High -- Srivastava and Jain (1994)
plant
High High Shrivastava and Shukla (1998),
Basavaraja (2002)
10 Harvest index High -- Ghatge and Kadu (1993)
High High Srivastava and Jain (1994), Basavaraja
(2002)
11 Seed yield per High -- Upadhyaya and Singh (1979)
plant
High High Sharma and Abraham (1988), Harer
and Deshmukh (1992), Geetha and
Vaidyanathan (1998), Mehetre et al.
(1998), Jain and Rajgy (2000),
Basavaraja (2002)
2.3.2 Path Coefficient Analysis
Knowledge of correlation between yield and other component characters is helpful in
selection of superior plant types. When more number of characters are included in correlation
study, the indirect association becomes complex. In such situations path coefficient analysis
devised by Wright (1961) provides an effective means of partitioning the correlations
coefficients into direct and indirect effects of component characters.
Selection on the basis of direct and indirect effects is much more useful than
selection for yield per se. If the correlation between dependent and independent variables is
due to the direct effects of the character, it effects a true relationship between them and
selection can be practiced for such a character in order to improve dependent variable. But if
the association is mainly through indirect effect of the character via another component
character, the breeder has to select for the later through which the indirect effect is exerted.
The reports available on direct and indirect effects of yield components on seed yield
in soybean are summarised in Table 4.
2.4 SELECTION INDICES
The primary concern of the breeders in a selection programme is to shift the mean to
a new peak by directional selection. This is possible only when the breeder selects on the
basis of a combination of a few important characters related to the main character under
consideration in the form of a selection index. The efficiency of selection will also be
lessened if selection is made for a number of characters simultaneously. Appropriate
weightages are assigned to the phenotypic values of each character in such a way that the
genetic gain in the character under consideration will be maximum without any loss in other
important characters. The regression of discriminating phenotypic values on genotypic values
of the desired characters would be maximum, to ensure a maximum concentration of the
desired genes in the plants or lines selected.
It was Fischer (1936) who developed the discriminant function. The application of
discriminant function to plant selection was described by Smith in 1936. Smith pointed out
that in selecting for characters such as yield, differences due to genotype are very largely
masked by non-heritable variations such as those due to soil and location. Plant breeders
therefore, select plants for yield on the basis of general vigour, culm size, number of spike
etc., which they believe are associated with corresponding genes, but in doing this there is no
basis for giving more or less weight to certain characters depending on the extent to which
they really indicate a concentration of genes for yield. Therefore, Smith (1946) recommended
the use of discriminant function that would best indicate the genotypic value of a plant or line
by giving proper weightage to the characters.
Review of literature on selection indices for different characters in soybean is listed
below:
Johnson et al. (1955) illustrated the effectiveness of selection in improving yield of
soybean by constructing various selection indices including different combination of
characters. Selection based on the combination of fruiting period and seed weight was found
just as effective as selecting for yield alone. Efficiency was increased when it was combined
with resistance to lodging, oil percentage and protein percentage.
Brim et al. (1958) reported that oil was the most important single characters in one
population and seed weight in another population. The two easily measured character, seed
weight and fruiting period were estimated to give 84 and 112 per cent of the advance
expected from oil, protein and yield in two populations.
Gopani and Kacbaria (1970) studied six genotypes of soybeans and constructed
selection indices using regression coefficients and they have reported that the number of
seeds per plant is a good selection index for improvement of yield.
Selection involving the four yield components such as pods per plant, primary
branches per plant, seeds per pod and 100 seed weight would be efficient as reported by
Malhotra (1973).
Salehuzzaman and Joarden (1979) reported that combination of pods per plant,
number of seeds per plant and yield per plant was more efficient over straight selection for
yield alone in soybean.
Singh and Dalal (1979) reported that discriminant function based on pods per plant,
primary branches and seeds per pod would be more efficient over straight selection for yield
alone in soybean.
Table 3: Summary of review of literature on correlation of component traits with seed
yield in soybean
Sl.
Component Correlation Reference
No.
1 Plant height Positive Veeraswamy et al. (1973), Veeraswamy and
Rathanaswamy (1975), Gautam and Singh (1977),
Sharma (1980), Akhanda et al. (1981), Zhou
(1983), Dixit and Patil (1984), Dayarani (1985),
Perraju (1982), Amarnath (1986), Sahu and
Mishra (1988), Ma Chado and Nunez (1989),
Sharma et al. (1989), Shinde et al. (1996), Rajput
et al. (1998), Basavaraja (2002)
Negative Rajashekaran et al. (1980), Tong (1986), Jain
et al. (1996), Namrata Jain et al. (2002).
2 Number of Positive Gopani et al. (1970), Lokshminarayana Rao
branches per (1974), Gautam and Singh (1977), Rajashekaran
plant et al. (1980), Sharma (1980), Alam et al. (1983),
Dixit and Patil (1984), Amarnath (1986), Rajput et
al. (1986), Tong (1986), Sahu and Mishra (1988),
Deshmukh (1992), Jain et al. (1996), Mehetre et
al. (1997), Taware et al. (1997), Siahsar et al.
(1999) and Basavaraja (2002)
Negative Mebrahtu et al. (1989), Shinde et al. (1996), Sunil
Kumar (1997)
3 Number of Positive Rajasekaran et al. (1980), Sharma (1980),
pods per plant Dwivedi and Pandey (1983), Sharma et al. (1983),
Zhou (1983), Dixit and Patil (1984), Dayexni
(1985), Amarnath (1986), Rajput et al. (1986),
Chaudry and Singh (1987), Yao et al. (1987),
Mishra et al. (1988), Sahu and Mishra (1988),
Faluyi (1990), Lakhani et al. (1993), Taware et al.
(1997), Rajput et al. (1998), Nehru et al. (1999),
Rajanna (2000), Rezaizad et al. (2001)
Negative Backes et al. (2003), Basavaraja (2002),
Kalaimagal (1991)
4 Pod length Positive Bhatt et al. (1968), Jadhav et al (1995), Raut
(1982), Basavaraja (2002)
Negative Dixit and Patil (1982)
5 Pod weight Positive Jagtap and Choudhary (1993), Raut et al. (1982),
Basavaraja (2002)
6 Number of Positive Perraju et al. (1982), Alam et al. (1983), Dwivedi
seeds per pod and Pandey (1983), Amarnath (1986), Song et al.
(1987), Sahu and Mishra (1988), Nehru et al.
(1999), Namrata Jain et al. (2002)
Contd..
7 Number of Positive Alam et al. (1983), Dixit and Patil (1984),

seeds per Amarnath (1986), Surlan Momiroric (1987), Faluyi
plant (1990), Taware et al. (1997), Nehru et al. (1999),
Regaizad et al. (2001), Basavaraja (2002).
8 100 seed Positive Amaranth (1980), Perraju et al. (1982), Dwivedi
weight and Pandey (1983), Dixit and Patil (1984), Surlan
and Momirovic (1987), Yao et al. (1987), Sahu and
Mishra (1988), Jain et al. (1996), Sunil Kumar et
al. (1997), Rajanna et al. (2000), Basavaraja
(2002)
Negative Rajasekaran et a. (1980), Dayarani (1985), Song
et al. (1987), Jagtap et al. (1993), Shinde et al.
(1996) and Archana Thorat et al. (1999)
9 Biomass Positive Jain et al. (1996), Ramagiry and Raha (1997),
Singh and Yadava (2000), Weilenmann and
Luquez (2000), Rezaizad et al. (2001), Basavaraja
(2002)
10 Harvest index Positive Jain et al. (1996), Mehetre et al. (1997),
Weilenmann and Luquez (2000)
Table 4: Summary of review of literature on direct and indirect effects of various yield
components on seed yield in soybean
Sl.
Component Correlation Reference
No.
1 Plant height Direct effect Carvalho et al. (2002), Murthy et al. (2001),
Basavaraja (2002)
Indirect effect Sridhara et al. (1988), Archana et al. (1999),
Ramana et al. (2000)
2 Number of Direct effect Harer and Deshmukh (1992), Mehetre (1995),
branches per Mehetre et al. (1997), Basavaraja (2002)
plant
Indirect effect Sridhara et al. (1988) and Murthy et al. (2001)
3 Number of Direct effect Veeraswamy and Rathanaswamy (1975), Sharma
pods per plant et al (1983), Rajpal et al. (1986), Mishra et al.
(1994), Dhobal and Gautam (1995), Mehetre et al.
(1995), Taware et al. (1997), Sridhara et al.
(1988), Rajanna et al. (2000), Ramana et al.
(2000)
4 Pod length Direct effect Basavaraja (2002)
indirect effect Srdhara et al. (1988)
5 Pod weight per Direct effect Basavaraja (2002)
plant
6 Number of Direct effect Goutam and Singh (1997)
seeds per pod
Indirect effect Murthy et al. (2001)
7 Number of Direct effect Ma (1983), Zhou (1983), Liu et al. (1985), Yao
seeds per plant (1988), Taware et al. (1997), Mishra et al. (1994),
Basavaraja (2002)
Indirect effect Amarnath and Vishwanath (1990)
8 100 seed Direct effect Ma (1983), Zhou (1983), Liu et al. (1985), Yao
weight (1988), Mishra et al. (1994), Taware et al. (1997),
Basavaraja (2002)
9 Biomass Direct effect Ramgiry and Raha (1997)
Indirect effect Basavaraja (2002)
10 Harvest index Direct effect Saurabh et al. (1998), Basavaraja (2002)
Indirect effect Saurabh et al. (1998)
Selection index for pod number, early vigour and resistance to yellow mosaic virus
simultaneously gave 52 per cent higher yield than when straight selection for yield was
executed by Bains and Sood, 1980.
A study on selection differential by Martin (1989) indicated that yield was the primary
selection criterion, with early maturing and lodging resistant groups.
Positive and significant association between dry matter accumulation and seed yield
by Faluyi (1990) indicated that selection for high dry matter accumulation could give gains in
seed yield.
Pfeiter and Suryati (1990) recommended for the selection of soybean genotypes
based on filling period duration.
Pushpendra and Ram (1990) observed seed yields increased in parallel with
selection for dry matter yield.
Kalaimagal (1991) reported that the combination of plant height, 100 seed weight, oil
and protein content gave excelling efficiency with a special weightage on oil content.
Backes et al. (2003) showed that the direct selection on yield strategy resulted in
greatest gains for the same trait but indirect selection via number of pods per plant resulted in
higher gains.
III. MATERIAL AND METHODS
3.1 EXPERIMENTAL MATERIAL
The experimental material for the present study comprised of F3 populations of two
crosses involving three diverse parents viz., JS-335, DSb-1 and DSb-3. Each of the F3
populations was consisting of both single pod descent (SPD) and general bulk (GB)
populations. Among the parents, JS-335 is the most widely cultivated variety. DSb-1 is in pre-
release stage and DSb-3 is an advanced breeding line, which is thermoinsensitive in nature.
The seeds of two F3 populations viz., (JS-335 x DSb-1) Cross-1 and (JS-335 x DSb-3) Cross-
2 were obtained from AICRP on Soybean, MARS, Dharwad. The salient features of the
parents are given in Table 5.
3.2 EXPERIMENTAL SITE

The present experiment was carriedout during kharif 2003 at Main Agricultural
Research Station (MARS), University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad.
3.3 CLIMATE AND WEATHER

Geographically, MARS is located at a latitude of 15°26'N, longitude of 75°07'E and
altitude of 678 m above mean sea level. It receives an average rainfall (over 50 years) of 798
mm with two peaks one in July and another in October. About 58 per cent (461.5mm) of the
total rainfall is received during kharif (May to August), 35 per cent (281.1 mm) during rabi
(September to December) and the remaining 7 per cent during summer. During the season,
MARS, Dharwad recorded a total rainfall of 178 mm, which was not sufficient for satisfactory
growth of the crop. Hence, protective irrigation was provided to maintain a good crop. The
mean maximum temperature varies from 27.2°C to 36.6°C whereas, the mean minimum
temperature varies from 14.3°C to 21.7°C. The mean relative humidity is the highest (88.2%)
during the month of July and the lowest (51.2%) during the month of February.
Table 5 : Salient features of soybean genotypes used in the study
Yield
Sl. Year of Duration
Variety Pedigree potential Salient features
No. release (days)
(q/ha)
1 JS 335 JS-78-77 X 1994 85-90 25-35 Purple flowers,
JS-71-05 pubescence
sparse or almost
absent on stem,
leaves and pods,
yellow seed coat,
semi-determinate,
tolerant to pod
shattering upto 8-
10 days after
maturity, resistant
to bacterial
pustule.
2 DSb 1 Pure line Pre 90-95 25-30 White flowers,
selection release tawny pubescence
from on stem and pods,
EC-172576 semi-determinate,
yellow seed coat,
brown hilum.
3 DSb 3 Bragg X Advance 95-100 20-25 White flowers, grey
KHSb 2 breeding pubescence on
line both stem and
pods. Semi-
determinate,
yellow seed coat.
3.4 METHODS
The experiment comprising of F3 populations of two crosses was laid out in a
randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The entries were sown in
six rows each of 3.0 m length with a spacing of 30 cm between the rows and 10 cm between
th
the plants along with parents. The experiment was sown on 7 July 2003. The recommended
package of practices were followed to raise a good crop.
3.5 RECORDING OF OBSERVATIONS

The following observations were recorded on sixty randomly selected plants in each
treatment and replication.
1. Plant height
Height was measured in centimeters (cm) from the ground level to the tip of the main
stem at the time of maturity.
2. Number of branches per plant
Total number of branches were counted on each plant at the time of harvest.
3. Number of pods per plant
Total number of pods were counted in each plant at the time of harvest.
4. Pod length
Length of pods was measured in cm as an average of five normal pods in each plant
at the time of harvest.
5. Pod weight per plant (g)
Pod weight per plant was recorded by weighing all the pods obtained from each of
the selected plant and expressed in grams.
6. Number of seeds per pod
This was recorded by counting number of seeds per pod from five normal pods in
each plant at the time of harvest.
7. Number of seeds per plant
Total number of seeds available in each selected plant were counted.
8. Hundred seed weight (g)
Weight of 100 seeds was recorded in grams.
9. Biomass per plant
Total biological yield produced by each selected plant was recorded in grams.
10. Harvest index
It is the ratio of seed yield to the total biological yield per plant expressed in
percentage.
Seed yield per plant (g)
________________________________________________
Harvest index (HI) =
Total biological yield per plant (g)
3.6 STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

The data collected on different quantitative characters was statistically analysed as
below.
3.6.1 Estimation of genetic parameters
Genotypic and phenotypic variances and coefficient of variances were computed as
below:
Variance in segregating generation, viz., F3 is supposed to have genetic variance
(Vg) and environmental variance (Ve).
VF3 = Vg + Ve.
On the contrary, variation in non segregating generations, viz., parents is supposed to
be only due to environment and can be equated to Ve. Thus, environmental variance (Ve) is
calculated using the formula.
Ve = (VP1 + VP2)/2
Vg = VF3 – Ve
Vp = Vg + Ve
where,
VP1 = Variance of parent 1
VP2 = Variance of parent 2
VP = Phenotypic variance
3.6.2 Genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation
The genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation were computed according to
Burton and Devane (1953).
Genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) = √Vg/x X 100
Phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) = √Vp/x X 100
where,
Vp = Phenotypic variance
Vg = Genotypic variance
x = General mean of the character
PCV and GCV are categorized as low, moderate and high by following
Sivasubramanian and Menon (1973) i.e., 0-10% low; 10-20% moderate and >20% high.
2
3.6.3 Heritability (h )
The heritability (broad sense) values were estimated by the formula suggested by
Johnson et al. (1955).
Vg
2 _______
h = x 100
Vp
where,
Vp = Phenotypic variance
Vg = Genotypic variance
3.6.4 Genetic advance (GA)
Genetic advance for each character was calculated by using the formula (Allard,
1960).
2
GA = K ph
where,
K = Standardized selection differential
(K=2.06 assuming 5 per cent selection intensity)
p = Phenotypic standard deviation
2
h = Heritability in broad sense
3.6.5 Genetic advance as per cent of mean (GAM)
GA
_____
GAM = x 100
x
where,
x = mean of the character
3.6.6 Association analysis
3.6.6.1 Correlation coefficients
The correlation coefficients were calculated to determine the degree of association of
characters with yield. Phenotypic correlation coefficients were estimated according to the
formula given by Al-Jibouri et al. (1958).
Covxy (p)
____________________
Phenotypic correlation = rxy (p) =
√ Vx (p) x Vy (p)
where,
Covxy = Phenotypic covariance between characters x and y
Vx = Variance of character x
Vy = Variance of character y
The significance of phenotypic correlation coefficients was tested against ‘r’ values
given by Fischer and Yates (1963).
3.6.6.2 Path coefficient analysis
The estimates of direct and indirect effects of quantitative traits on seed yield where
calculated through path coefficient analy suggested by Wright (1921) and elaborated by
Dewey and Lu (1959).
The following set of simultaneous equations were formed and solved for estimating
the direct and indirect effects.
r1y = a + r12b+ r13c + ------------- + r11i
r2y = r21a b+ r23c + ------------- + r21i
r3y = r31a b+ r32b+c ------------- + r31i
rny = rn1a + r12b + r13c+------------- + i
Where,
r1y to rny = Coefficients of correlation between causal factors 1 to n and dependent
character y.
r12, r21, r31 ------ rn1 = Coefficients of correlation among the causal factors 1 to n.
a, b, c -------- i = Direct effects of characters a to i on the dependent character y.
2 2 2 2
Residual effect (R) = 1 – (a +b +c ------- + i +2abr12+2acr13 +-------)
3.6.7 Discriminant function technique (Goulden, 1959)
The main principle involved in the discriminant function technique is that the
phenotypic value of a plant (Y) will represent its particular genotypic value (). Therefore,
selection of phenotypic (Y) ensures a maximum concentration of the desired genes in the
plants or lines selected.
It can be shown that, if the plants or lines are replicated,
tij = represents variances and covariances for plants or lines
eij = represents variances and covariances for error.
gij = tij-eij, being an estimate of the component due to genotype.
When regression of phenotypic value (Y) is maximized on genotypic value (), the
following simultaneous equations are got.
b1t11+ b2t12+ b3t13 ……………. + bnt1n=A1
b1t12+ b2t22+ b3t23 ……………. + bnt2n=A2
b1t13+ b2t23+ b3t33 ……………. + bnt3n=A3
.
.
.
.
b1t1n+ b2t2n+ b3t3n ……………. + bntnn=An
Equation No.1
Where,
b1,b2,b3………………….bn are the weightages given to the corresponding characters so that
the function Y may best discriminate those lines which have the highest genotypic value.
A1 = a1g11+a2g12+a3g13 .. .. +ang1n
A2 = a1g12+a2g22+a3g23 .. .. +ang2n
A3 = a1g13+a2g23+a3g33 .. .. +ang3n
.
.
.
.
An = a1g1n+a2g2n+a3g3n .. .. +angnn
Steps in construction of discriminant function: (Goulden, 1959)

Construction of phenotypic (tij)and genotypic (gij) variance and covariance matrices:
Phenotypic and genotypic variance and covariance matrices were constructed for the
characters under consideration.
Assigning values to each character
The values a1, a2, a3 ……….an were assigned equally to the characters x1, x2,
x3………xn. Since the means may differ, equal weighting was obtained as follows:
1 1 1 1
a1 = ---, a2 = ---, a3 = --- ………. an = --
x1 x2` x3 xn
Calculation of “A” values
“A” values were calculated by inserting values of “a” and “gij” in the Equation No.2.
Conversion of A values to A' values
Conversion was done in the following manner.

A1 A3
________ ________
A'1 = A'3 =
√ t11 √ t33
A2 An
________ ________
A'2 = A'n =
√ t22 √ tnn
Calculation of “C” matrix reciprocal to r matrix

This was done by following the method given by Goulden (1959). The “C” matrix thus
obtained was of the form.
C'11 C'12 C'13 ………….. C'1n
C'12 C'22 C'23 ………….. C'2n
C'13 C'23 C'33 ………….. C'3n
.
.
.
.
C'1n C'2n C'3n ………….. C'nn
Calculation of b' values
b'1 = A'1 C'11 + A'2 C'12 + A'3 C'13 ……….. + A'n C'1n
b'2 = A'1 C'12 + A'2 C'22 + A'3 C'23 ……….. + A'n C'2n
b'3 = A'1 C'13 + A'2 C'23 + A'3 C'33 ……….. + A'n C'3n
.
.
.
.
b'n = A'1 C'1n + A'2 C'2n + A'3 C'2n ……….. + A'n C'nn
Conversion of b' values to b values
The conversion was done as indicated below.

b'1 b'1
_____ _____
b1 = b3 =
√ t11 √t33
b'2 b'n
_____ _____
b2 = bn =
√ t22 √tnn
Discriminant function
Z = b1x1 + b2x2 + b3b3 ……………+bntn

Where,
Z = Quantitative measure of discriminant value representing
genotypic value of the characters in which improvement was
desired.
b1, b2, b3 …………………bn were the weightages assigned to the characters x1, x2,
x3…………xn.
Expected genetic advance in yield resulting from selection of individual character

(character as an index)
This was found by using the formula given by Johnson et al. (1955b).
g1.2
_______
Genetic advance = x k.
σph1
Where,
g1.2 = Genotypic covariance between selected character and yield.
σph1 = Phenotypic standard deviation of the selected character.
k = Selection differential. Its value is 0.80 at 50% selection
intensity.
Expected genetic advance in yield resulting from selection based on a combination of

characters of selection index
Genetic advance = Z/P√ b1g1y+b2g2y+b3g3y………+bngny

Where Z/P = Selection differential. Its value is 0.80 at 50% selection intensity.
g1y, g2y, g3y ……gny = Genotypic covariance between selected character
and yield (y).
b1, b2, b3 ………bn = Weights of the corresponding characters in
discriminant function or selection index.
Relative efficiency of selection index
It is expressed in percentage in comparison with genetic advance by straight

selection.
This was calculated as per the formula given by Mahadevappa and Ponnaiya (1967).
Genetic advance by selection index

_______________________________________________________
RE = x 100
Genetic advance by straight selection
IV. EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS
The results obtained from the analysis of data for each character separately are presented
under the following headings:
4.1 Genetic variability studies
4.2 Character association
4.3 Path coefficient analysis
4.4 Selection indices
4.1 GENETIC VARIABILITY STUDIES IN F3 POPULATIONS OF
SOYBEAN
Estimates of mean, range, coefficient of variation, heritability and genetic advance for various
characters in two crosses of soybean are given in Table 6.
4.1.1 Plant height (cm)
Highest mean plant height (44.50 and 43.67 of Cross- 1 (JS-335 x Dsb-3) and Cross- 2 (JS-
335 x Dsb-1), respectively) was observed in general bulk (GB) of both the crosses compared to single
pod descent (SPD). Wide range of variation was observed for this trait in both the crosses. Maximum
range value was observed in Cross-1 (GB) (19.52 – 73.53). Moderate estimates of genotypic
coefficient of variation (GCV) were recorded in both the crosses. Phenotypic coefficient of variation
(PCV) , heritability and genetic advance as per cent of mean (GAM) values were moderate in Cross-1
(SPD), while high in Cross-1 (GB), Cross-2 (SPD) and Cross-2 (GB). Highest heritability (70.12)
estimates associated with highest GAM (31.06) were recorded in Cross-2 (GB).
4.1.2 Number of branches per plant
Cross-2 (SPD) recorded highest mean (3.18) for number of branches per plant followed by
Cross-1 (GB). While, lowest mean was observed in Cross-1 (SPD). Range of variation observed was
wide in both the crosses. Similar range values (1-7) was observed in GB and SPD of Cross-1. High
estimates of PCV, GCV and GAM were recorded in both the crosses but heritability estimates were
moderate.
4.1.3 Number of pods per plant
In both the cross, GB recorded highest number of pods per plant (39.43 and 40.40 in Cross-1
and Cross-2, respectively) followed by SPD (33.01 and 36.53 in Cross-1 and Cross-2, respectively).
PCV and GCV values were highest in both the crosses. Wide range of variation was observed in both
the crosses. Maximum range was observed in Cross-1 (GB) (10.00-152.00). Higher heritability
estimates associated with high GAM were noticed in both the crosses. Highest heritability (84.68%)
was recorded in Cross-1 (GB) followed by Cross-2 (GB) (83.33%).
4.1.4 Pod length (cm)
Mean pod length was highest in Cross-2 (GB) while lowest in Cross-2 (SPD). Range of
variation was wide irrespective of the cross. Cross-2 (SPD) and Cross-1 (GB) recorded more or less
similar range values for pod length. Higher heritability estimates associated with high GAM were
noticed in Cross-1 (SPD) and Cross-2 (SPD). The heritability values (86.96%) were maximum in
Cross-2 (GB).
Table 6: Estimates of variability parameters for different quantitative traits in F3 populations of soybean
Sl PCV GCV Heritability Genetic GAM

Traits Population Mean Range
No. ( %) (%) advance
1 Plant height C1 (SPD) 43.02 27.00-66.00 17.57 12.36 49.44 7.71 17.92
C1(GB) 44.5 19.50-73.50 20.54 16.60 65.33 12.33 27.64
C2 (SPD) 38.7 24.00-64.50 21.42 16.84 61.76 10.56 27.28
C2 (GB) 43.67 27.00-73.50 21.48 17.99 70.12 13.56 31.06
2 Number of branches per plant C1 (SPD) 2.84 1.00-7.00 44.01 26.58 36.53 0.94 33.12
C1 (GB) 3.11 1.00-7.00 40.84 25.52 38.89 1.02 32.97
C2 (SPD) 3.18 1.00-9.00 47.17 35.22 55.26 1.71 54.05
C2 (GB) 2.91 1.00-8.00 44.67 28.59 40.53 1.10 37.58
3 Number of pods per plant C1 (SPD) 33.01 8.00-80.00 44.44 37.86 72.66 21.95 66.51
C1 (GB) 39.43 10.00-152.00 49.76 45.80 84.68 34.24 86.84
C2 (SPD) 36.53 10.00-106.00 53.11 47.82 81.11 32.43 88.78
C2(GB) 40.40 12.00-116.00 51.11 46.65 83.33 35.45 87.73
4 Pod length C1 (SPD) 3.14 2.06-4.02 13.38 11.48 72.22 0.64 20.37
C1(GB) 3.12 2.20-3.90 10.26 7.85 56.07 0.38 12.21
C2 (SPD) 3.11 2.20-4.10 12.86 13.27 83.33 0.70 22.63
C2 (GB) 3.34 2.40-4.56 13.47 12.7 86.96 0.82 24.67
5 Pod weight(gms) C1 (SPD) 17.02 4.02-43.56 49.76 37.72 57.38 10.02 58.89
C1 (GB) 20.88 4.95-105.6 53.64 46.66 75.59 17.44 83.52
C2 (SPD) 16.95 4.86-46.14 57.11 49.77 76.64 15.28 90.16
C2 (GB) 19.80 5.76-63.90 55.86 55.85 89.44 20.4 103.02
6 Number of seeds per pod C1 (SPD) 2.08 1.00-3.00 19.23 17.33 81.76 0.67 32.39
C1 (GB) 2.29 1.60-3.00 13.74 11.47 70.41 0.45 19.63
C2 (SPD) 2.10 1.20-2.80 17.14 11.57 44.03 0.34 15.20
C2(GB) 2.05 1.00-2.80 21.46 16.97 61.73 0.56 27.29
Contd..
Sl PCV GCV Heritability Genetic GAM

Traits Population Mean Range
No. ( %) (%) advance
7 Number of seeds per plant C1 (SPD) 84.36 20.00-256.00 61.62 55.34 80.71 86.42 102.4
C1(GB) 94.96 27.00-300.00 53.93 48.24 79.83 84.23 88.69
C2 (SPD) 79.49 12.00-291.00 61.49 51.76 70.88 71.39 89.80
C2 (GB) 99.90 21.00-327.00 58.65 52.36 79.73 96.23 96.32
8 100 seed weight C1 (SPD) 15.35 10.38-19.68 30.75 30.35 97.54 9.50 61.91
C1 (GB) 13.34 8.60-19.69 18.37 10.76 90.73 4.59 34.46
C2 (SPD) 15.49 8.06-23.82 21.95 21.30 94.46 6.62 42.71
C2 (GB) 11.57 10.00-18.87 24.89 23.94 92.32 5.49 47.50
9 Biomass C1 (SPD) 28.20 10.05-58.28 44.63 42.46 90.51 23.47 83.24
C1(GB) 29.17 11.55-76.38 45.56 43.56 91.47 25.04 85.84
C2 (SPD) 25.86 9.99-57.44 44.51 41.75 87.91 20.86 80.67
C2 (GB) 25.34 8.07-70.50 49.25 42.73 89.72 23.08 91.09
10 Harvest Index C1 (SPD) 41.60 11.00-62.00 27.28 26.07 91.42 21.37 51.38
C1 (GB) 41.76 22.00-56.00 16.38 14.33 76.4 10.78 25.82
C2 (SPD) 44.36 11.00-65.00 25.41 24.30 91.73 21.30 48.00
C2 (GB) 40.03 15.00-57.00 16.44 48.97 79.20 11.63 26.85
11 Seed yield per plant C1 (SPD) 12.59 2.16-31.59 60.52 55.54 84.21 21.84 173.5
C1 (GB) 12.47 3.09-64.80 54.61 50.17 80.28 11.28 90.45
C2 (SPD) 11.97 1.32-51.24 59.31 52.96 79.68 11.65 97.36
C2(GB) 11.26 3.36-36.00 57.64 50.17 75.74 10.13 89.92
C1 – Cross-1 (JS 335 x DSb 3), C2 – Cross-2 (JS 335 x DSb 1).
4.1.5 Pod weight (gms)
Mean pod weight was highest in GB (20.88 and 19.80) compared to SPD of both the
crosses. Magnitude of variation was higher in both the crosses. Wider range was observed in
Cross-1 (GB). High estimates of PCV, GCV, heritability and GAM were observed in both the
crosses. High heritability values were associated with higher values of GAM. The heritability
(89.94%) was highest in Cross- 2 (GB) followed by (SPD).
4.1.6 Number of seeds per pod
Cross 1 (GB) (2.29) recorded highest mean values for number of seeds per pod while
Cross- 2 (GB) showed lowest mean values for this trait. Range of variation was not much
wider for this trait, but more or less similar range values were observed in Cross- 2 (SPD) and
Cross- 2 (GB). Moderate estimates of PCV and GCV were noticed in both the crosses. High
heritability estimates associated with high GAM were noticed in both the crosses. Highest
heritability (81.76%) was recorded in C1 (SPD) followed by C2 (SPD) (70.41%).
4.1.7 Number of seeds per plant
In both the crosses, GB recorded highest mean for number of seeds per plant (94.96
and 99.90 in Cross-1 and Cross-2 respectively) compared to SPD. Magnitude of variation was
higher in both the crosses. Wider range value (21-327) were observed in Cross-2 (GB). High
estimates of PCV, GCV, heritability and GAM were recorded in both the crosses. Cross-1
(SPD) showed higher heritability (80.71%) which was associated with high GAM (102.41).
4.1.8 Hundred seed weight (gms)
Mean 100 seed weight was highest in SPD of both the cross (15.35 and 15.49 in
Cross-1 and Cross-2 respectively) compared to GB. Magnitude of variation was high in both
the crosses with max range observed in Cross-2 (SPD) (8.06-23.82). PCV and GCV values
were higher in Cross-1 (SPD), Cross-2 (SPD) and Cross-2 (GB) while moderate in Cross-1
(GB). High heritability and GAM were observed in both the crosses. Highest heritability
(97.54%) associated with high GAM (61.91) was noticed in Cross-1 (SPD).
4.1.9 Biomass (gms)
Mean values of biomass was highest in crosses (GB) (29.17) and lowest was
observed in Cross-2 (GB). Wide range of variation was observed for this trait in both the
crosses. Maximum range was noticed in Cross-1 (GB). PCV and GCV values were higher in
both the crosses. High heritability estimates associated with high GAM were recorded in both
the crosses. Maximum heritability (91.47%) estimates were observed in Cross-1 (GB)
followed by Cross- 1 (SPD) (90.51%).
4.1.10 Harvest index
Mean harvest index was highest in Cross-2 (SPD) and lowest in Cross-2 (GB).
Magnitude of variation was higher in both the crosses. Wide range of variation was observed
in Cross-2 (11-62) (SPD). PCV and GCV values were moderate in Cross-1 (SPD). While their
estimates were high in Cross-2 (SPD) and Cross-2 (GB). High heritability estimates
associated with moderate to high were GAM noticed in both the crosses. The heritability was
highest (91.73%) in Cross-2 (SPD) followed Cross-1 (SPD) (91.42%).
4.1.11 Seed yield per plant
Mean seed yield per plant was highest in Cross-1 (SPD) (12.59) and lowest in Cross-
1 (GB) (12.47). Wide range of variation was observed for this trait in both the crosses.
Maximum range (3.09-64.80) were observed in Cross-1 (GB). PCV and GCV estimates were
higher in both the crosses. High heritability and GAM were recorded in both the crosses.
Highest heritability (84.21) was recorded in Cross-1 (SPD), which was associated with high
GAM (173.5%).
4.2 CHARACTER ASSOCIATION
The phenotypic correlation coefficients were computed to know the nature and
magnitude of relationship existing between yield and its component characters as well as the
association among the component characters themselves (Table 7 to 10).
4.2.1 Cross JS-335 x DSb-3 (SPD)
a. Correlation of yield components with seed yield
Seed yield per plant was found to have highly significant positive association with
plant height (0.454), number of branches per plant (0.400), pods per plant (0.641), pod weight
(0.682), number of seeds per pod (0.331), number of seeds per plant (0.883), biomass
(0.896) and harvest index (0.714). But it had non significant negative association with pod
length.
b. Association among yield components
1. Plant height
It was found to have highly significant association with pods per plant (0.274), pod
weight (0.290), number of seeds per (0.415), biomass (0.426) and harvest index (0.340). It
had non-significant negative association with pod length (-0.002) and 100 seed weight (-
0.015).
It showed highly significant positive correlation with pods per plant (0.494), pod
weight (0.406), seeds per plant (0.448) and biomass (0.496). Non-significant negative
association was observed with 100 seed weight (-0.105).
Association of number of pods per plant with plant height (0.274), branches per plant
(0.494), pod weight (0.406), number of seeds per plant (0.688), biomass (0.756) and harvest
index (0.254) was highly significant and positive.
4. Pod length
No significant association of this trait was observed with any of the character.
5. Pod weight
It showed highly significant positive association with plant height (0.290), number of
branches per plant (0.406), pods per plant (0.784), number of seeds per plant (0.683),
biomass (0.774) and harvest index (0.336).
It was found to have highly significant positive association with seeds per plant
(0.683), biomass (0.280) and harvest index (0.409). It showed non-significant negative
association with 100 seed weight (-0.132).
Its correlation with other traits such as plant height (0.415), number of branches per
plant (0.448), pods per plant (0.088), pod weight (0.683), biomass (0.840) and harvest index
(0.676) was highly significant and positive. Non significant negative association was
observed with 100 seed weight (-0.120).
8. Hundred seed weight
It showed non-significant negative association with all other traits except harvest
index.
9. Biomass
Biomass showed highly significant positive correlation with plant height (0.426),
branches per plant (0.496) pods per plant (0.756), pod weight (0.774), seeds per pod (0.280),
seeds per plant (0.840) and harvest index (0.483).
10. Harvest index
Its correlation with plant height (0.340), pods per plant (0.254), pod weight (0.336),
seeds per pod (0.409), seeds per plant (0.676) and biomass (0.483) was highly significant
and positive.
Table 7 : Phenotypic correlation coefficients for yield and yield components in F3 population of the Cross-1 [JS-335 x DSb-3 (SPD)]
100
Plant Branches/ Pod Pod Seeds/ Seeds/ Harvest Seed
Traits Pods/pl seed Biomass
height plant length weight pod plant index yield
weight
Plant
1.0000 0.1528 0.2736** -0.0019 0.2903** 0.1182 0.4152** -0.0148 0.4265** 0.3400** 0.4538**
height
Branches/
1.0000 0.4937** 0.0072 0.4060** 0.0764 0.4482** -0.1051 0.4963** 0.0790 0.4002**
plant
Pods/pl 1.0000 -0.0411 0.7844** 0.1281 0.6885** -0.1133 0.7565** 0.2544** 0.6418**
Pod
1.0000 0.0089 -0.04511 -0.0411 -0.0382 -0.0397 0.0254 -0.0779
length
Pod
1.0000 0.1931 0.6831** -0.0603 0.7741** 0.3365** 0.6825**
weight
Seeds/
1.0000 0.3577 -0.1326 0.2797** 0.4090** 0.3308**
pod
Seeds/
1.0000 -0.1208 0.8408** 0.6764** 0.8835**
plant
100 seed
1.0000 -0.0388 0.0439 0.1917
weight
Biomass 1.0000 0.4835** 0.8957**
Harvest
1.0000 0.7141**
index
Seed
1.0000
yield
4.2.2 Cross JS-335 x DSb-3 (GB)
(0.934), number of seeds per plant (0.947), biomass (0.966) and harvest index (0.5311). But
it had non-significant negative association with pod length (-0.068).
1. Plant height
It was found to have highly significant positive association with number of branches
per plant (0.282), pods per plant (0.384), pod weight (0.396), seeds per plant (0.383) and
biomass (0.423). It showed negative non-significant association with seeds per pod (-0.114)
and pod length (-0.054).
It showed highly significant positive correlation with plant height (0.282), pods per
plant (0.648), pod weight (0.590), seeds per plant (0.605) and biomass (0.673).
Association of number of pods per plant with plant height (0.384), number of
branches per plant (0.648), pod weight (0.854), seeds per plant (0.885), biomass (0.881) and
harvest index (0.346) was highly significant and positive.
4. Pod length
It was found to have non-significant negative association with pod weight (-0.106),
seeds per plant (-0.092) and biomass (-0.075).
5. Pod weight
branches per plant (0.590), pods per plant (0.854), seeds per plant (0.918), biomass (0.929)
and harvest index (0.427).
No significant association was observed between seeds per pod and other traits.
Non-significant negative association was observed with plant height (-0.114).
Number of seeds per plant had significant positive correlation with plant height
(0.383), number of branches per plant (0.605), pods per plant (0.885), pod weight (0.918),
biomass (0.913) and harvest index (0.516). It showed non-significant negative association
with 100 seed weight (-0.161).

No significant association was noticed between 100 seed weight and other trait. But
it had non-significant negative association with number of seeds per plant (-0.161).
9. Biomass
Biomass showed highly significant positive correlation with plant height (0.423),
number of branches per plant (-0.673) pods per plant (0.881), pod weight (0.929) and number
of seeds per plant (0.913).
10. Harvest index
Its association with other traits such as pods per plant (0.346), pod weight (0.427)
and seeds per plant (0.516) was highly significant and positive.
Table 8 : Phenotypic correlation coefficients for yield and yield components in F3 population of the Cross-1 [JS-335 x DSb-3 (GB)]
Plant Branches/ Pod Pod Seeds/ Seeds/ 100 seed Harvest Seed
Traits Pods/pl Biomass
height plant length weight pod plant weight index yield
Plant
1.0000 0.2823** 0.3846** -0.0540 0.3967** -0.1146 0.3831** 0.0000 0.4234** 0.0340 0.3690**
height
Branches/
1.0000 0.6481** -0.0266 0.5906** -0.0628 0.6058** 0.0296 0.6736** 0.1209 0.6243**
plant
Pods/pl 1.0000 -0.0722 0.8540** -0.0471 0.8859** -0.0483 0.8810** 0.3465** 0.8704**
Pod
1.0000 -0.1069 0.1284 -0.0927 0.0396 -0.0752 0.0584 -0.0681
length
Pod
1.0000 0.0140 0.9183** 0.0428 0.9293** 0.4270** 0.9344**
weight
Seeds/
1.0000 0.0114 -0.0678 -0.0070 0.0468 0.0055
pod
Seeds/
1.0000 -0.1615 0.9133** 0.5169** 0.9476**
plant
100 seed
1.0000 0.1022 0.0870 0.1077
weight
Biomass 1.0000 0.3176 0.9661**
Harvest
1.0000 0.5311**
index
Seed
1.0000
yield
4.2.3 Cross JS-335 x DSb-1 (SPD)
(0.889) seeds per pod (0.532), seeds per plant (0.903) and harvest index (0.689).
1. Plant height
It showed highly significant positive association with number of branches per plant
(0.278), pods per plant (0.467), pod weight (0.499), seeds per pod (0.363), seeds per plant
(0.430) and biomass (0.507).

It was found to have highly significant positive association with plant height (0.278),
pods per plant (0.541), pod weight (0.487), seeds per pod (0.243), seeds per plant (0.465)
and biomass (0.507).
It had highly significant positive correlation with plant height (0.467), number of
branches per plant (0.541), pod weight (0.754), seeds per pod (0.361), seeds per plant
(0.741), biomass (0.725) and harvest index (0.384).
4. Pod length
No significant association of pod length with other traits was observed.
5. Pod weight
Its association with plant height (0.499), number of branches per plant (0487), pods
per plant (0.754), seeds per pod (0.486), seeds per plant (0.879), biomass (0.881) and
harvest index (0.531) was highly significant and positive.
branches per plant (0.243), pods per plant (0.361), pod weight (0.486), seeds per plant
(0.561), biomass (0.443) and harvest index (0.545). It had non significant negative
association with 100 seed weight (-0.164).
branches per plant (0.465), pods per plant (0.741), pod weight (0.879), number of seeds per
pod (0.561), biomass (0.815) and harvest index (0.653). Its correlation with 100 seed weight
was negative and significant at five percent level of significance.
It was found to have significant negative association with number of seeds per plant.
9. Biomass
branches per plant (0.507), pods per plant (0.725), pod weight (0.881), seeds per pod (0.443),
seeds per plant (0.815) and harvest index (0.416).
10. Harvest index
Its correlation with pods per plant (0.384), pod weight (0.531), seeds per pod (0.545),
seeds per plant (0.653) and biomass (0.416) was highly significant and positive.
Table 9 : Phenotypic correlation coefficients for yield and yield components in F3 population of the Cross-2 [JS-335 x DSb-1 (SPD)]
100
Plant Branches/ Pod Pod Seeds/ Seeds/ Harvest Seed
Traits Pods/pl seed Biomass
height plant length weight pod plant index yield
weight
Plant
1.0000 0.2787** 0.4678** 0.0091 0.4996** 0.3639** 0.4304** 0.0258 0.5078** 0.2475 0.4736**
height
Branches/
1.0000 0.5414** 0.1488 0.4874** 0.2432* 0.4651** 0.0098 0.5076** 0.1849 0.4512**
plant
Pods/pl 1.0000 0.1539 0.7547** 0.3617** 0.7417** -0.0215 0.7250** 0.3846** 0.7258**
Pod
1.0000 0.0855 -0.0140 0.1424 -0.0064 0.1430 0.0566 0.1499
length
Pod
1.0000 0.4862** 0.8794** 0.0164 0.8817** 0.5319** 0.8897**
weight
Seeds/
1.0000 0.5613** -0.1649 0.4435** 0.5451** 0.5329**
pod
Seeds/
1.0000 -0.2225* 0.8157** 0.6538** 0.9033**
plant
100 seed
1.0000 0.1255 -0.0424 0.0521
weight
Biomass 1.0000 0.4169** 0.9262**
Harvest
1.0000 0.6891**
index
Seed
1.0000
yield
4.2.4 Cross JS-335 X DSb-1 (GB)
plant height (0.569), number of branches per plant (0.538), pods per plant (0.851), pod length
(0.227), pod weight (0.910), seeds per pod (0.391), seeds per plant (0.922), biomass (0.959)
and harvest index (0.564).
1. Plant height
It was found to have highly significant positive association with number of branches
per plant (0.305), pods per plant (0.545), pod length (0.261), pod weight (0.553), seed per
plant (0.530), biomass (0.574) and harvest index (0.346).
This trait had highly significant positive association with plant height (0.305), pods per
plant (0.628), pod weight (0.561), seeds per pod (0.258), seeds per plant (0.530) and
biomass (0.567).
Association of number of pods per plant with plant height (0.545), number of
branches per plant (0.628), pod length (0.253), pod weight (0.843), seeds per pod (0.404),
seeds per plant (0.871) biomass (0.878) and harvest index (0.334)was highly significant and
positive.
4. Pod length
This trait had significant positive association with plant height (0.261), number of pods
per plant (0.253), pod weight (0.222)and seeds per plant (0.260).
5. Pod weight
Association of pod weight with other traits viz., plant height (0.553), number of
branches per plant (0.561), pods per plant (0.843), pod length (0.222), seeds per pod (0.392),
seeds per plant (0.842), biomass (0.925) and harvest index (0.366).
It showed highly significant positive association with number of branches per plant
(0.258), pods per plant (0.404), pod weight (0.392), seeds per plant (0.388) and biomass
(0.393).
This trait showed highly significant positive association with plant height (0.530),
number of branches per plant (0.530), pods per plant (0.871), pod length (0.260), pod weight
(0.842), seeds per plant (0.388), biomass (0.898) and harvest index (0.494). It had non
significant negative association with 100 seed weight (-0.172).
No significant association was noticed between 100 seed weight and other traits. But
it had non-significant negative association with seeds plant (-0.172).
9. Biomass
It was found to have highly significant positive association with plant height (0.574),
number of branches per plant (0.567), pods per plant (0.878), pod weight (0.925), seeds per
pod (0.393), seeds per plant (0.898) and harvest index (0.336).
10. Harvest index
Harvest index had highly significant positive association with plant height (0.346),
pods per plant (0.334), pod weight (0.366), seeds per plant (0.494) and biomass (0.336).
Table 10: Phenotypic correlation coefficients for yield and yield components in F3 population of the Cross-2 [JS-335 x DSb-1 (GB)]
Plant Branches/ Pod Pod Seeds/ Seeds/ 100 seed Harvest Seed
Traits Pods/pl Biomass
height plant length weight pod plant weight index yield
Plant
1.0000 0.3051** 0.5457** 0.2617** 0.5532** 0.1296 0.5301** 0.1578 0.5742** 0.3462** 0.5697**
height
Branches/
1.0000 0.6281** 0.1232 0.5619** 0.2583** 0.5302** -0.0823 0.5670** 0.1924 0.5381**
plant
Pods/pl 1.0000 0.2533** 0.8438** 0.4047** 0.8712** -0.0340 0.8785** 0.3341** 0.8517**
Pod
1.0000 0.2223* 0.1942 0.2607** -0.0364 0.1869 0.1826 0.2278**
length
Pod
1.0000 0.3928** 0.8423** 0.0439 0.9253** 0.3668** 0.9109**
weight
Seeds/
1.0000 0.3889** -0.0184 0.3932** 0.1579 0.3914**
pod
Seeds/
1.0000 -0.1726 0.8987** 0.4947** 0.9226**
plant
100 seed
1.0000 0.0783 0.2415 0.1296
weight
Biomass 1.0000 0.3367** 0.9591**
Harvest
1.0000 0.5641**
index
Seed yield 1.0000
4.3 PATH COEFFICIENT ANALYSIS
Path coefficient analysis was carried out to partitioning the correlation coefficients into
direct and indirect effects. The direct and indirect effects of component trait on seed yield in
F3 population of both the crosses are presented in Tables 11 to 14.
4.3.1 Cross JS 335 x DSb-3 (SPD)
The direct and indirect effects of component traits on seed yield are presented in
Table 11.
Though, plant height showed highly significant positive correlation (0.453) with seed
yield, its direct effect was very low (0.024). The indirect effect through biomass (0.263) and
harvest index (0.105) was the main cause for its association with seed yield.
Number of branches per plant showed highly significant positive correlation (0.400)
with seed yield. It was mainly due to its high indirect effect through biomass. But its direct
effect on seed yield was very low. Through number of pods per plant showed highly
significant positive correlation (0.641) with seed yield, it revealed negative direct effect on
seed yield. It had high positive indirect effect through biomass (0.467) followed by seeds per
plant (0.118).
The correlation between pod weight and seed yield was highly significant and positive
(0.682). But it revealed low direct effect and high positive indirect effects through biomass
(0.478) followed by seeds per plant (0.112) and harvest index on seed yield.
Seeds per pod showed highly significant positive correlation (0.330) with seed yield.
Its direct effect on seed yield was low and negative, but its indirect effects through biomass
(0.173) and harvest index (0.126) were moderate and positive.
The association between seeds per plant and seed yield was highly significant and
positive (0.883). It exhibited moderate positive direct effect on seed yield however, its indirect
effect through biomass (0.518) was high and positive followed by harvest index and seeds per
plant.
Biomass exhibited high positive direct effect (0.617) which was responsible for its
highly significant positive correlation (0.895) with seed yield. It had positive indirect effects
through seeds per plant and harvest index.
Harvest index showed highly significant and positive correlation (0.714) with seed
yield. It was mainly due to its high positive direct effect (0.309) and positive indirect effect
through biomass (0.298)
Table 11 : Phenotypic path coefficients of eight yield components to yield in F3 population of Cross-1 [JS-335 x DSb-3 (SPD)]
No. of No. of
Plant Pod No. of No. of Harvest
Characters branches/ pods/ Biomass r
height weight seeds/pod seeds/plant index
plant plant
Plant height 0.024 0.0006 -0.008 0.001 -0.004 0.72 0.263 0.105 0.454**
No. of branches/ plant 0.004 0.004 -0.015 0.002 -0.002 0.077 0.306 0.024 0.400**
No. of pods/ plant 0.006 0.002 -0.030 0.003 -0.004 0.119 0.466 0.078 0.641**
Pod weight 0.007 0.002 -0.024 0.004 -0.006 0.118 0.477 0.104 0.682**
No. of seeds/pod 0.003 0.000 -0.004 0.000 -0.030 0.062 0.172 0.126 0.330**
No. of seeds/plant 0.001 0.002 -0.021 0.002 -0.010 0.173 0.518 0.209 0.884**
Biomass 0.010 0.002 -0.023 0.003 -0.008 0.145 0.617 0.149 0.895**
Harvest index 0.008 0.000 -0.008 0.001 -0.012 0.117 0.298 0.309 0.714**
Residual = 0.0882
4.3.2 Cross JS-335 x DSb -3 (GB)
The direct and indirect effects of component traits on seed yield in the Cross-1 (JS-
335 x DSb -3 (GB) are presented in Table 12.
The direct effect of plant height on seed yield was negative. However, its correlation
with seed yield was highly significant and positive (0.369) which was mainly due to its high
positive indirect effect through biomass (0.351) alone.
Though, number of branches per plant showed highly significant positive correlation
(0.624) with seed yield, it revealed negative direct effect on seed yield. It showed high positive
indirect effect through biomass (0.559).
Though, the association between number of pods per plant and seed yield was highly
significant and positive (0.870) its direct effect on seed yield was very low and negative. It
showed high positive indirect effect through biomass (0.730).
Pod weight revealed very low positive direct effect on seed yield. However, its
correlation with seed yield was highly significant and positive (0.934) which was mainly due to
its high positive indirect effect through biomass (0.770).
Though the number of seeds per plant showed highly significant positive correlation
(0.947) with seed yield its direct effect on seed yield was very low. However, it revealed high
positive indirect effect through biomass (0.757) followed by harvest index (0.115).
Biomass exhibited highly significant positive correlation with seed yield (0.966) which
was mainly due to its high positive direct effect (0.829) on seed yield. Its indirect effects
through other characters were very low.
A highly significant and positive correlation (0.531) was observed between harvest
index and seed yield which was mainly due to its moderate positive direct effect (0.223) and
also indirect effect through biomass (0.263).
4.3.3. Cross JS-335 x DSb -3 (SPD)
The direct and indirect effect in the Cross- 2 (JS-335 x DSb-3 (SPD) are presented in
Table 13.
Plant height showed highly significant positive correlation (0.473) with seed yield. But
its direct effect on seed yield was very low and negative. Its significant correlation with seed
yield was mainly due to its high positive indirect effect through biomass (0.350).
Though number of branches per plant exhibited negative direct effect on seed yield,
its correlation with seed yield was highly significant and positive (0.451) which was mainly due
to its high positive indirect effect through biomass (0.350).
Number of pods per plant showed highly significant positive correlation (0.725) with
seed yield. But its direct effect on seed yield was very low. The indirect effects through
biomass (0.500) was high and positive.
Pod weight revealed low direct effect on seed yield. However, its correlation with the
seed yield was highly significant and positive (0.889) which was mainly due to its high positive
indirect effect through biomass (0.608) followed by seeds per plant (0.141) and harvest index
(0.169).
Seeds per pod showed highly significant positive correlation (0.532) with seed yield.
Its direct effect on seed yield was low and negative. Its significant correlation with seed yield
was mainly due to its high positive indirect effect through biomass (0.306).
The association between seeds per plant and seed yield was highly significant and
positive (0.903). It exhibited moderate positive direct effect on seed yield. However, its
indirect effect through biomass (0.562) was high and positive followed by harvest index
(0.207).
Biomass exhibited high positive direct effect (0.690) which was responsible for its
highly significant positive correlation (0.926) with seed yield. It had positive indirect through
harvest index and seeds per plant.
Harvest index showed highly significant positive correlation (0.689) with seed yield
which was mainly due to its moderate positive direct effect. It also exhibited positive indirect
effect through biomass (0.287) followed by seeds per plant (0.104).
Table 12 : Phenotypic path coefficients of seven yield components to yield in F3 population of Cross-1 [JS-335 x DSb-3 (GB)]
No. of
Plant No. of pods/ Pod No. of Harvest
Characters branches/ Biomass r
height plant weight seeds/plant index
plant
Plant height -0.021 -0.002 -0.004 0.003 0.034 0.351 0.007 0.369**
No. of branches/ plant -0.006 -0.007 -0.007 0.005 0.054 0.559 0.027 0.624**
No. of pods/ plant -0.008 -0.004 -0.011 0.007 0.079 0.730 0.077 0.807**
Pod weight -0.008 -0.004 -0.009 0.008 0.082 0.770 0.095 0.934**
No. of seeds/plant -0.008 -0.004 -0.010 0.008 0.089 0.757 0.115 0.947**
Biomass -0.009 -0.005 -0.010 0.008 0.081 0.829 0.071 0.966**
Harvest index -0.000 -0.000 -0.003 -0.003 0.046 0.263 0.223 0.531**
Residual = 0.0096
Table 13 : Phenotypic path coefficients of eight yield components to yield in F3 population of Cross-2 [JS-335 x DSb-1 (SPD)]
No. of No. of r
Plant Pod No. of No. of Harvest
Characters branches/ pods/ Biomass
height weight seeds/pod seeds/plant index
plant plant
Plant height -0.011 -0.008 0.013 -0.008 -0.001 0.069 0.350 0.078 0.473**
No. of branches/ plant -0.003 -0.022 0.015 -0.008 -0.006 0.074 0.350 0.059 0.451**
No. of pods/ plant -0.005 -0.016 0.028 -0.012 -0.001 0.118 0.500 0.122 0.725**
Pod weight -0.005 -0.014 0.021 -0.017 -0.013 0.141 0.608 0.169 0.889**
No. of seeds/pod -0.004 -0.007 0.010 -0.008 -0.027 0.090 0.306 0.173 0.532**
No. of seeds/plant -0.005 -0.014 0.020 -0.015 -0.015 0.160 0.563 0.207 0.903**
Biomass -0.005 -0.015 0.020 -0.015 -0.012 0.130 0.690 0.132 0.926**
Harvest index -0.002 -0.005 0.010 -0.009 -0.015 0.104 0.281 0.317 6.688**
Residual = 0.0247
4.3.4 Cross JS-335 x DSb-1 (GB)
The direct and indirect effect of component characters on seed yield are presented in
Table 14.
The correlation between plant height and seed yield was highly significant and
positive (0.569). Though the direct effect of this trait on seed yield was very low and negative,
its high positive indirect effect through biomass (0.462) was the cause for highly significant
correlation with yield.
A highly significant positive correlation (0.538) was observed between number of
branches per plant and seed yield. But the direct effect of this trait on seed yield was low and
negative. Its high positive indirect effect was observed through biomass (0.456) alone.
The direct effect of number of pods per plant on seed yield was low and negative.
However, its correlation with seed yield was highly significant and positive (0.851). It was
mainly due to its high positive indirect effects through biomass (0.707).
Though, pod length showed highly significant positive correlation (0.227) with seed
yield, its direct effect was very low. The indirect effect through biomass (0.150) was the main
cause for its association with seed yield.
Pod weight exhibited highly significant positive correlation (0.910) with seed yield
which was mainly due to its high indirect effect through biomass (0.745). Its direct effect on
seed yield was low and positive.
The association between number of seeds per pod and seed yield was highly
significant and positive (0.391). Very low direct effect of seeds per pod on seed yield was
observed. But high positive indirect effect was observed through biomass (0.316) alone.
Number of seeds per plant showed highly significant positive correlation (0.922) with
seed yield. The direct contribution of this trait on seed yield was almost negligible. High
positive indirect effect was observed through biomass (0.723) followed by harvest index
(0.128).
Biomass exhibited highly significant positive correlation (0.954) with seed yield. It was
mainly do to its high positive direct effect (0.805) on seed yield.
The correlation between harvest index and seed yield was highly significant and
positive (0.564). It was mainly due to its high positive direct effect and also large positive
indirect through biomass (0.260).
Table 14 : Phenotypic path coefficients of nine yield components to yield in F3 population of Cross-2 [JS-335 x DSb-1 (GB)]
No. of No. of
Plant Pod Pod No. of No. of Harvest
Characters branches/ pods/ Biomass r
height length weight seeds/pod seeds/plant index
plant plant
Plant height -0.037 -0.003 -0.015 0.004 0.037 0.000 0.031 0.462 0.090 0.569**
No. of branches/ plant -0.011 -0.010 -0.017 0.002 0.037 0.000 0.031 0.456 0.050 0.538**
No. of pods/ plant -0.020 -0.006 -0.027 0.004 0.056 0.000 0.051 0.707 0.087 0.851**
Pod length -0.001 -0.001 -0.007 0.017 0.015 0.000 0.015 0.150 0.047 0.227**
Pod weight -0.020 -0.006 -0.023 0.004 0.067 0.000 0.041 0.745 0.095 0.910**
No. of seeds/pod -0.005 -0.003 -0.011 0.003 0.026 0.000 0.023 0.316 0.041 0.391**
No. of seeds/plant -0.011 -0.005 -0.024 0.004 0.056 0.000 0.059 0.723 0.128 0.922**
Biomass -0.021 -0.006 -0.024 0.003 0.062 0.000 0.053 0.805 0.087 0.959**
Harvest index -0.013 -0.002 -0.009 0.003 0.024 0.000 0.029 0.271 0.260 0.564**
Residual = 0.0122
4.4 SELECTION INDICES
Selection indices for seed yield were formulated for F3 populations of both the
crosses using different character combinations that could prove more efficient than direct
selection for yield. Selection indices for seed yield were constructed by involving such
characters which the breeders can easily make out in the field. In the present study only those
characters which exhibited significant correlation with the seed yield were selected. Seed
yield per plant (X1) was considered as the dependent variable in the analysis.
The expected genetic advance and relative efficiencies were computed at 5 per cent
selection intensity and considered the relative efficiency of yield as 100 per cent. The
estimated values of genetic advance and relative efficiency for each combination of
characters are presented in the Tables 15 to 18.
4.4.1 Cross-1 JS-335 x DSb-3 (SPD)
In this cross, the indices was formulated by using plant height (X2), branches per
plant (X3), pods per plant (X4), seeds per pod (X6) and biomass (X8) as they exhibited highly
significant correlation with seed yield.
When the above five component characters were assessed individually, the efficiency
was highest for biomass (177.66%) followed by number of pods per plant (166.16%) and the
rest of the traits showed relative efficiency less than 100 per cent.
Among the indices involving two characters, three indices were found to be superior
to straight selection. The indices X6X8 (378.65%) registered highest relative efficiency
followed by X3X4 (246.93%) and X3X6 (116.35).
Among three character combinations highest efficiency of 215.59 per cent was
recorded for X2X3X8 combination followed by X3X4X8 (125.05%) and X3X4X6 (113.17%).
Relative efficiency was found to be less than 100 per cent when the selection indices
were formulated with four character combinations. However, an efficiency of 316.57 per cent
was recorded when all the five component traits were included in the selection index. Among
the selection indices studied in Cross-1, maximum efficiency of (378.65%) was recorded for
the selection index with two character combination viz., number of seeds per pod and
biomass (X6X8).
4.4.2. Cross 1 JS-335 x DSb-3 (GB)
In this cross, plant height (X2), branches per plant (X3), pods per plant (X4) and
biomass (X7) recorded highly significant correlation with seed yield. Hence, selection indices
was formulated for these traits.
Considering selection index based on individual characters pods per plant (303.54%)
exhibited highest efficiency followed by biomass (221.98%). The rest of the traits viz., plant
height and branches per plant recorded relative efficiencies less than 100 per cent.
Among the two characters combination, highest efficiency of 116.66 per cent was
recorded for X3X7 combination followed by X3X4 combination with an efficiency of 109.30%.
Among the three characters combination, the highest efficiency of 122.07 per cent
was recorded for X3X4X7 combination. The rest of the combination showed relative efficiency
with less than 100 per cent.
Selection index involving all four component traits expressed relative efficiency less
than 100 per cent. Among the different character combinations maximum efficiency was
recorded for a single trait viz., pods per plant (303.54%) than any other combination of the
characters.
Table 15 : Discriminant functions, their genetic advance and relative efficiency over
straight selection for grain yield in Cross-1 [JS-335 x DSb-3 (SPD)]
Combinations of
Genetic advance Relative efficiency
characters
X1 13.21 100
X2 7.71 58.36
X3 0.94 7.11
X4 21.95 166.16
X6 0.67 5.07
X8 23.47 177.66
X2+X3 2.91 22.02
X2+X4 3.19 24.14
X2+X6 3.33 25.20
X2+X8 2.24 16.95
X3+X4 32.61 246.93
X3+X6 15.36 116.35
X3+X8 8.07 61.09
X4+X6 2.49 18.84
X4+X8 6.98 52.83
X6+X8 5.01 37.92
X2+X3+X4 5.76 43.60
X2+X3+X6 3.44 26.04
X2+X3+X8 28.47 215.59
X2+X4+X6 2.46 18.62
X2+X4+X8 3.05 23.08
X2+X6+X8 1.64 12.41
X3+X4+X6 14.94 113.17
X3+X4+X8 16.51 125.05
X3+X6+X8 6.27 47.46
X4+X6+X8 6.24 47.23
X2+X3+X4+X6 3.04 23.01
X2+X3+X4+X8 2.09 15.82
X2+X3+X6+X8 5.67 42.92
X2+X4+X6+X8 1.50 11.35
X2+X3+X4+X6+X8 41.82 316.57
X1 = Seed yield per plant, X2 = Plant height, X3 = Number of branches per plant,
X4 = Number of pods per plant, X6 = Number of seeds per pod, X8 = Biomass
straight selection for grain yield in Cross-1 [JS-335 x DSb-3 (GB)]
Combination of Characters Genetic advance Relative efficiency
X1 11.28 100
X2 10.33 91.57
X3 1.02 9.04
X4 34.24 303.54
X7 25.04 221.98
X2+X3 2.06 18.26
X2+X4 6.18 54.78
X2+X7 7.34 55.07
X3+X4 12.33 109.30
X3+X7 13.16 116.66
X4+X7 8.94 79.25
X2+X3+X4 10.76 95.39
X2+X3+X7 6.49 57.53
X2+X4+X7 7.44 55.95
X3+X4+X7 13.77 122.07
X2+X3+X4+X7 2.52 22.34
X4 = Number of pods per plant, X7 = Biomass
straight selection for grain yield in Cross-2 [JS-335 x DSb-1 (SPD)]
Combination of characters Genetic advance Relative efficiency

X1 11.64 100
X2 10.56 90.72
X3 1.71 14.69
X4 32.43 278.60
X6 0.34 2.92
X8 87.91 755.24
X2+X3 2.37 20.36
X2+X4 7.64 65.63
X2+X6 3.78 32.47
X2+X8 12.42 106.70
X3+X4 10.78 92.61
X3+X6 2.91 25.00
X3+X8 12.24 105.15
X4+X6 3.20 27.49
X4+X8 30.59 262.80
X6+X8 7.96 68.38
X2+X3+X4 16.28 139.86
X2+X3+X6 5.04 43.29
X2+X3+X8 3.19 47.40
X2+X4+X6 2.06 17.69
X2+X4+X8 10.24 87.97
X2+X6+X8 1.79 15.37
X3+X4+X6 4.20 36.08
X3+X4+X8 9.38 80.58
X3+X6+X8 5.28 45.36
X4+X6+X8 6.21 63.36
X2+X3+X4+X6 11.42 98.10
X2+X3+X6+X8 4.67 40.12
X2+X4+X6+X8 8.91 76.54
X2+X3+X4+X6+X8 35.82 307.73
straight selection for grain yield in Cross-2 [JS-335 x DSb-1 (GB)]
Combination of characters Genetic advance Relative efficiency

X1 10.13 100
X2 13.56 133.85
X3 1.10 10.85
X4 35.45 349.95
X7 0.56 5.52
X9 23.08 227.83
X2+X3 5.94 58.63
X2+X4 19.34 190.91
X2+X7 3.32 32.17
X2+X9 27.41 270.58
X3+X4 6.44 63.57
X3+X7 1.78 17.37
X3+X9 9.41 92.89
X4+X7 2.55 25.17
X4+X9 12.00 118.46
X7+X9 11.00 108.56
X2+X3+X4 17.72 174.92
X2+X3+X7 6.91 68.21
X2+X3+X9 32.68 322.60
X2+X4+X7 6.44 63.57
X2+X4+X9 20.52 202.56
X2+X7+X9 0.50 4.39
X3+X4+X7 8.20 80.94
X3+X4+X9 6.79 67.02
X4+X7+X9 7.05 69.59
X2+X3+X4+X7 22.17 218.85
X2+X3+X4+X9 18.71 184.69
X2+X4+X7+X9 6.15 60.71
X3+X4+X7+X9 8.13 80.25
X2+X3+X4+X7+X9 12.80 126.35
4.4.3 Cross-2 JS-335 X DSb-1 (SPD)
In this cross, the component traits viz., plant height (X2), branches per plant (X3),
pods per plant (X4), seeds per pod (X6) and biomass (X8) revealed significant correlation with
seed yield. Hence these characters were used for the formulation of selection indices.
Among the five component characters, best single character index was biomass with
an efficiency of 755.24 per cent followed by pods per plant (278.60%) while plant height,
branches per plant and seeds per pod recorded relative efficiency of less than 100 per cent.
Among the indices involving two characters three indices were found to be superior to
straight selection. The indices X4X8 (262.80%) registered highest relative efficiency followed
by X2X8 and X3X8 with efficiencies of 106.70 and 105.15 per cent respectively.
Among the three characters combination, highest efficiency of 139.86 per cent was
recorded for X2X3X4 combination. The rest of the combination showed relative efficiency less
than 100 per cent.
Relative efficiency dropped to less than 100 per cent when the selection indices were
formulated with four character combinations. An efficiency of 307.73 per cent was recorded
when all five component traits were included in the selection index. However, maximum
efficiency of 755.24 per cent was recorded for a single traits viz., biomass.
4.4.4 Cross-2 JS-335 x DSb-1 (GB)

In this cross, the component traits viz., plant height (X2), branches per plant (X3),
pods per plant (X4), seed per pod (X7) and biomass (X9) were used to formulate selection
indices as they expressed highly significant correlation with seed yield.
Considering selection indices based on individual character, selection based on pods
per plant (349.95%) showed highest efficiency followed by biomass (227.83%) and plant
height (133.85%). The rest of the traits recorded relative efficiencies with less than 100 per
cent.
Among two characters combination, the highest efficiency of 270.58 per cent was
recorded for X2X9 combination followed by X2X4 (190.91), X4X9 (118.46) and X7X9 (108.56)
combinations.
Among the indices involving three characters, three indices were found to be superior
to straight selection. The indices X2X3X9 registered highest relative efficiency (322.60%)
followed by X2X4X9 (202.56%) and X2X3X4 (174.92%) combinations.
In four characters combination, the highest efficiency of 218.85 per cent was
recorded for X2X3X4X7 combination followed by X2X3X4X9 combination with an efficiency of
184.69 per cent.
An efficiency of 126.35 per cent was recorded when all the five component traits were
included in the selection index. However, maximum efficiency was recorded for a single trait
viz., pods per plant with an efficiency of 349.95 per cent than any of the other combinations.
V. DISCUSSION
Breeding for higher yield is the main objective in any crop improvement programme.
Since yield is polygenically controlled and highly influenced by environment, selection based
on yield alone is not effective. Therefore improvement in yield can be brought about by
effecting indirect selection through yield attributes whose heritability is high and show a strong
association with yield.
Variability studies provide information about the amount of variation present in the
population. Correlation studies, path coefficient and discriminant function analysis provide
information about the relative contribution of the various component traits to yield and aid in
identification of superior yielding segregants from the populations. By adopting these
analytical approaches, the present study was envisaged in F3 population of two crosses in
soybean and the results of the study are discussed below.
5.1 VARIABILITY FOR YIELD AND YIELD ATTRIBUTES

The estimation of genotypic, phenotypic components of variance is of primary
importance to get an idea about the extent of heritable and non-heritable variations.
The coefficient of variation indicates only the extent of variability existing for various
characters but does not give any information about the heritable portion of it. Therefore, it is
essential to know about the heritability which permits the greater effectiveness of selection by
separating out the environmental influence from the total variability. This indicates the
accuracy with which a genotype can be identified by its phenotypic performance. In the
present study, broad sense heritability which includes both additive and non-additive gene
effects (Hanson et al., 1956) was estimated.
The estimates of heritability alone fail to indicate the amount of progress expected
from selection (Johnson et al., 1955a). Therefore, the heritability estimates appear to be more
meaningful when accompanied by estimates of genetic advance. The genetic advance as per
cent of mean (GAM) were also estimated. The results obtained on the above parameters are
discussed below.
All the populations of two crosses viz., JS335 x DSb-3 and JS- 335 x DSb-1 exhibited
wide range of variation for the traits viz., plant height, branches per plant, pods per plant, pod
length, pod weight, seeds per plant, 100 seed weight, biomass and harvest index except for
the trait seeds per pod. This variation indicated the scope for selection of these traits for
future breeding work.
From the present study it is obvious that the seed yield, pods per plant, pod weight,
seeds per plant, biomass and harvest index had highest PCV and GCV followed by plant
height branches per plant, 100 seed weight and harvest index. This indicates the existence of
substantial variability for these characters. It also indicated greater scope for selection to
improve upon these characters. Similar findings were reported by Rashid and Islam (1980),
Sharma (1980), Chauhan and Singh (1982) and Perraju et al. (1982). But moderate PCV and
GCV estimates were reported by Kuttikrishnan et al. (1982) and Malik and Singh (1987). In
the present study moderate values of PCV and GCV were noticed for pod length and seeds
per pod. Low differences between PCV and GCV for these traits indicate the lower influence
of environment and reflect on reliability of selection based on phenotypic performance.
The genotypic coefficient of variation implies the extent of genetic variability present
for the various characters. However, it does not indicate the extent of heritable genetic
variation. Many practical decisions in breeding programmes are based on the magnitude of
heritable variation.
The results indicated that estimates of heritability were high for seed yield per plant,
harvest index, biomass, 100 seed weight, seeds per plant, plant height, pods per plant and
pod weight in both the crosses. Similar observations were made by Surlon Momiroic (1987),
Vimladevi (1993) and Jagtap et al. (1994) for seed yield per plant. Viswanatha et al. (1975),
Amarnath (1986), Yao et al. (1987), Kalaimagal (1991) and Mehetre et al. (1994) observed
high heritability for 100 seed weight, whereas, contradictory results were obtained by Kwon et
al. (1987) with low heritability for number of seeds per plant. Nirmala Kumari et al. (1993) and
Jangale et al. (1994) observed high heritability for number of pods per plant whereas, Lal and
Mehta (1983) reported low heritability for this trait.
Moderate heritability values were observed for number of branches per plant in both
the crosses and seeds per pod in Cross-2 JS-335 X DSb-1 and pod length in SPD and GB of
Cross-1 and Cross-2 respectively. Similar findings were reported by Amarnath (1986),
whereas, contradictory results were obtained by Lakhani (1993). Taware et al. (1987)
reported moderate heritability for number of branches per plant and days to 50 per cent
flowering.
It is known that heritability estimates are useful while making selection based on
phenotype. Nevertheless, as pointed out by Johnson et al. (1955a) its use would be limited as
it is prone to change with fluctuations in environment, material etc. So, the estimates of
heritability have a role to play in determining the effectiveness of selection of character
provided. They are considered in conjunction with the predicted genetic advance as
suggested by Panse (1957).
In the present set of material, where, F3 population of two soybean crosses are
involved, high heritability and high genetic advance were observed for plant height, branches
per plant, pods per plant, pod weight, seeds per plant, 100 seed weight, biomass, harvest
index and seed yield per plant. Naturally, selection based on phenotypic observations for
these characters would be effective. These traits appears to be controlled by additive gene
effect. The above results are in conformity with the findings of Sharma (1980), Sahu and
Mishra (1988), Nirmala Kumari et al. (1993) and Mehetre et al. (1994) whereas, Vishwanatha
et al. (1975), Rashid and Islam (1982), Lakhani (1993) and Jangole et al. (1994) observed
high heritability and high genetic advance for pods per plant only. Vimladevi (1993) reported
high heritability and high genetic advance as per cent of mean for seed per plant. Whereas,
contradictory results were obtained by Kwon et al. (1987) showing moderate heritability and
moderate genetic advance for seeds per plant.
High heritability with moderate genetic advance was noticed for pod length and seeds
per pod, whereas, moderate heritability and genetic advance for this trait especially seeds per
pod was reported by Narasimha Reddy (1997). This indicates that these characters are
highly influenced by environment and they may be conditioned by both additive and non
additive gene action and selection based on phenotypic observations alone may not be very
effective for these traits as reported by Kalaimagal (1991).
5.2 CORRELATION STUDIES

The phenotype of a plant is the result of interaction of a large number of factors.
Therefore, the yield is the sum total of the effects of several component characters and is
polygenically controlled character. The influence of these character can be known through
correlation studies. Correlation coefficient measures the magnitude and direction of
association among the characters. Genetic correlation between different characters of plant
often arises because of either linkage or pleiotrophy (Harland, 1939).
Grafias (1959) opined that there may not be any gene for yield as such but operates
only through its components. Hence, the study of character association through correlation
will help in selecting the yield attributes.
The association between two characters can be ascertained by phenotypic
correlations which is determined from measurements of two characters in a number of
individuals of the segregating population. Sharma and Asawa (1977) opined that the study of
character association in segregating generation would be of special importance since more
genotypes are available in the segregating population.
Searle (1965), suggested that changing the average genetic merit of a trait in
population by means of a selection programme is usually made by selection on phenotypic
value of trait concerned. But the possibility might also be considered by utilizing another trait
through selection on it rather than on the main trait itself. While selection programmes aim at
identification of unidentified genotypes that are released due to segregation, for their merits
such programmes also need information about the importance of character correlation so that
most reliable character can be considered as selection criteria for evaluating a large size of
segregating population. It also helps in choice of various selection schemes in future.
In the present study phenotypic correlations were studied for yield and some of its
component characters. Phenotypic correlation of seed yield was positive and significant with
plant height, number of branches per plant, pods per plant, pod weight, seeds per plant,
biomass and harvest index in both the crosses. The results obtained from this study is in
confirmation with result of Rajanna (1989), Kalaimagal (1991), Lakhani (1993) and
Basavaraja et al. (2002). Positive association number of branches per plant, pods per plant,
pod weight, seeds per plant with seed yield was observed by Taware et al. (1997) and
Rezaizad et al., (2002). This suggests that these characters should be considered while
selecting for improvement in seed yield. Seed yield also showed negative and non-significant
association with seeds per pod. This indicates that though this trait is important to some
extent for improvement of seed yield but their importance cannot be overemphasized.
Plant height had significant positive correlation with pods per plant, pod weight, seeds
per plant and biomass in both the crosses. In addition to these traits, it also had significant
positive association with branches per plant, pod length and seeds per pod in cross JS-335 x
DSb-1. This suggests that selecting for these traits would likely to improve the seed yield in
soybean. Perraju (1982), Dixit and Patil (1982) and Kalaimagal (1991) reported the positive
association of plant height with branches per plant. But in one particular cross JS-335 x DSb-
1 (SPD) plant height showed negative correlation with 100 seed weight which is in
accordance with the results obtained by Kalaimagal (1991) and Lakhani (1993).
Branches per plant had highly significant positive association with plant height, pods
per plant, pod weight, seeds per plant and biomass in both the crosses, except in cross JS-
335 x DSb-3 (SPD) as it did not show any association with plant height. So selection for these
traits will help in yield improvement in soybean. Perraju (1982) reported positive association
of branches per plant with pods per plant and seeds per pod. Dixit and Patil (1982) observed
positive association of branches per plant with pods per plant, 100 seed weight and pod
length. Branches per plant had negative association with 100 seed weight particularly in one
cross JS-335 x DSb-3 (SPD) which is in conformity with the results obtained by Kalaimagal
(1991).
Pods per plant revealed highly significant positive association with plant height,
branches per plant, pod weight, seeds per plant, biomass and harvest index in both the
crosses. In addition to these characters it had significant positive association with pod length
and seeds per pod in GB and SPD population of cross JS-335 x DSb-1. So selection for these
traits is expected to result in positive gains. Perraju (1982) reported positive association of
pods per plant with seeds per pod. However, Amarnath (1990) and Kalaimagal (1991)
observed contradicting results suggesting the negative association with 100 seed weight.
Pod length had no significant positive or negative association with other traits in both
the crosses except in the general bulk population of the cross JS-335 x DSb-1, which showed
highly significant positive association between pod length and seeds per pod. Therefore this
trait need not be given much importance during selection.
Pod weight exhibited highly significant and positive association with plant height,
branches per plant, pods per plant, seeds per plant, biomass and harvest index in GB and
SPD populations of the cross JS-335 x DSb-3. But in cross JS-335 x DSb-1, in addition to
these trait it also had highly significant positive association with seeds per pod. This indicates
that there is scope for selection of these traits which will help in improving seed yield in
soybean.
Seeds per pod had no significant positive association with other characters in both
the crosses suggesting that much emphasis need not be given during selection. Seeds per
plant revealed highly significant positive association with plant height, branches per plant,
pods per plant, pod weight seeds per pod, harvest index and biomass in both the crosses.
This suggests that selection of these traits would improve the seed yield in soybean.
Amaranth (1986) reported that seeds per plant showed significant positive association with
seeds per pod. Seeds per plant had negative non-significant association with 100 seed
weight. Similar results were obtained by Amarnath (1986) and Dixit and Patil (1984). This
indicates that though these traits are important to some extent for improvement of seed yield
but their importance cannot be over emphasized.
100 seed weight had no significant positive association with other characters but had
non-significant negative association with pods per plant, seeds per pod and seeds per plant in
both the crosses, and with branches per plant and pod length in cross JS-335 x DSb-3 (SPD)
and JS-335 x DSb-1 (GB). This indicates that these traits are important only to some extent
for improvement of seed yield. Rajasekar et al. (1980), Perraju et al (1982) and Dixit and Patil
(1984) have observed negative correlation of 100 seed weight with plant height. Negative
correlation of 100 seed weight with branches per plant was reported by Perraju et al (1982),
Rashid and Islam (1982) and Nirmalakumari (1986).
Biomass exhibited highly significant positive association with plant height, branches
per plant, pods per plant, pod weight, seeds per pod, seeds per plant and harvest index in
both the crosses. Therefore one can go for selection of these traits for improving seed yield in
soybean. Biomass revealed non-significant negative association with 100 seed weight in JS-
335 x DSb-3 (SPD). This indicates that this traits need not be given much importance during
selection programme. Similar results were obtained by Singh and Yadav (2000), Ramgiry and
Raha (1992)and Weilnmann and Luquez (2000).
Harvest index had highly significant positive association with pods per plant, pod
weight, seeds per pod, seeds per plant and biomass in both the crosses. This suggests that
selecting for these traits would improve the seed yield in soybean. Similar results were
reported by Mehetre et al. (1997) and Weilenmann and Luquez (2000). Harvest index
exhibited non-significant negative association with 100 seed weight only in one cross JS-335
x DSb-1 (SPD). This indicates that this trait is important only to some extent for yield
Improvement in soybean.
It may be inferred that the characters namely plants height, branches per plant, pods
per plant, seeds per pod, seeds per plant, pod weight, biomass and harvest index showed
highly significant positive correlation with seed yield in both the crosses. Therefore, these
characters should be given much emphasis while selecting for improvement in seed yield.
5.3 PATH COEFFICIENT ANALYSIS

The estimation of correlation coefficient reveals only the relationship between yield
and yield components but do not show the direct and indirect effects of different yield
components on yield per se. The path analysis suggested by Dewey and Lu (1959) provides
an effective measure of direct and indirect causes of association and depicts the relative
importance of each factor involved in contributing to the final product i.e., yield. Hence, an
attempt has been made to know the cause and effect relationship between yield per se and it
components in F3 segregating populations of two crosses through path coefficient analysis
and the results are discussed below.
Path analysis revealed that the correlation of plant height with seed yield was not
reflected by its direct effect which was low in all the population of both the crosses. Its indirect
effect through biomass, harvest index and seeds per plant was more than its direct effect in
F3 populations which was responsible for positive correlation with seed yield. Similar results
were obtained by Rajashekaran et al. (1980), Sharma et al. (1983), Sahu and Mishra (1988),
Amarnath (1986) and Vimladevi (1993).
Correlation of branches per plant with seed yield was not reflected by its direct effect
which was low in all the population of both the crosses. Its indirect effect through biomass
was more than its direct effect in F3 populations which was responsible for positive correlation
with seed yield. Similar results were observed by Amarnath (1986).
In crosses, JS-335 x DSb-3 (SPD), JS-335 x DSb-3 (GB) and JS-335 x DSb-1
(GB), pods per plant exerted low negative direct effect on seed yield. Similar results were
reported by Dayarani (1985) and Mishra et al. (1988). But in cross JS-335 x DSb-3 (SPD) it
showed low positive direct effect on seed yield. Its correlation with seed yield was highly
significant and positive in both the crosses. It had high positive indirect effect through
biomass. Hence, direct selection for pods per plant may not result in substantial improvement
in seed yield.
In crosses, JS-335 x DSb-3 (SPD), JS-335 x DSb-3 (GB) and JS-335 x DSb-1
(GB) pod weight exerted low positive direct effect on seed yield but had low negative direct
effect in cross JS-335 x DSb-1 (SPD). In both the crosses, it exhibited highly significant
positive correlation with seed yield which was due to high positive indirect effect through
biomass. This reveals low degree of contribution of this trait on seed yield. Hence it may
serve as a useful criterion in selection for yield improvement.
Seeds per pod exhibited low negative direct effect on seed yield in cross JS-335 x
DSb-3 (SPD) and JS-335 x DSb-1 (GB) but had no direct effect on seed yield in cross JS-335
x DSb-3 (GB). It had very low positive and negative indirect effect but through biomass its
indirect effect was high and positive. Hence direct selection for seeds per pod alone may not
result in substantial improvement of yield. Similar results were obtained by Raisaly et al.
(1986) who has reported negative direct effect of seeds per pod on seed yield.
Seeds per plant exerted low positive direct effect on seed yield in both the crosses. It
had high positive indirect effects through biomass and harvest index. Therefore direct
selection of seeds per plant alone may not be effective in improvement of seed yield.
However, high positive direct effect of seeds per plant on seed yield was recorded by Ma
(1983), Zhou (1983), Dixit and Patil (1984) Amarnath (1986) and Vimaladevi (1993).
Biomass exerted high positive direct effect on seed yield in both the crosses. Its
correlation with seed yield was highly significant and positive. Low to moderate positive
indirect effect through number of seeds per plant and harvest index. Therefore one can
improve the yield by direct selection for this character. Similar results were obtained by
Ramgiry and Raha (1997).
In both the crosses, the direct effect of harvest index on seed yield was moderate and
positive. Its correlation with seed yield was also highly significant and positive which was
mainly due to high positive indirect effect through biomass. Therefore to some extent one can
go for direct selection for this character to improve the seed yield. Similar results were
obtained by Saurabh et al. (1998) and Basavaraja (2002).
Though highly significant correlation were observed for the characters like plant
height, branches per plant, pod number, pod length, pod weight, seeds per plant, direct
effects are low and negligible whereas in case of biomass and harvest index high direct
effects have been exhibited which is useful in selection programme.
From breeders point of view, characters with high positive correlation and high direct
effects are amenable for selection. Hence, path analysis studies of the present investigation
reveals that biomass and harvest index were important yield components having direct effect
on improvement for seed yield.
5.4 SELECTION INDEX

Yield is a complex character which depends on a number of component traits.
Therefore, selection for yield based on yield alone may not prove to be highly efficient.
Selection of superior genotypes based on discriminant function is useful in knowing the extent
of improvement that be effected in yield by combination of characters. Smith (1936) opined
that selection index forms the basis in considering the correlated characters for higher
efficiency in selection for yield.
In the present study, selection indices were formulated for seed yield considering four
or five characters viz., plant height, branches per plant, pods per plant, seeds per pod and
biomass.
In Cross-1 [JS-335 x DSb-3 (SPD)] considering selection indices based on individual
character it was found that one based on biomass (177.66%) and pods per plant (166.16%)
was more efficient than direct selection for yield. This was mainly due to the fact that these
characters were positively and significantly correlated with seed yield coupled with high
heritability and genetic advance.
Among to characters combination, even though the relative efficiency was higher for
X6X8 combination than X3X4, selection based on X3X4 would be of great practical utility
because it involves the characters viz., number of branches per plant and number of pods per
plant which the breeders can easily make out in the field.
When three character combinations were considered three indices showed relative
efficiency more than 100 per cent but even then selection based on two characters appears to
be more useful since they are not only highly efficient over straight selection than other
combination but also less cumbersome to be used in the selection exercise.
In Cross-1 JS-335 x DSb-3 (GB), highest efficiency was observed for selection based
on individual character i.e., biomass and pods per plant. This may be due to highly significant
positive correlation of these characters with seed yield. The selection efficiency dropped to
less than 100 per cent in respect of selection indices with three and four characters. Hence,
selection indices with two characters viz., X3X7 and X3X4 appears to be more useful. It can be
seen that pods per plant was the one character which was commonly involved in
combinations showing relative efficiency more than 100 per cent. The probable reason for
this may be the positive correlation of this trait with seed yield and also other component
traits.
In Cross-2 (JS-335 x DSb-1 (SPD), selection indices based on individual character,
maximum selection efficiency was recorded for biomass followed by pods per plant. Hence,
there is a greater scope for selection of these traits than direct selection for yield.
Among two character combination, three indices viz., X4X8, X3X8 and X2X8 showed
selection efficiency more than 100 per cent. But the selection efficiency reduced to less than
100 per cent with further increase in number of characters in the combination. Hence, there
is scope for selection of these two character combinations than direct selection for yield
alone. When all five component characters are considered it showed relative efficiency more
than 100 per cent even then it need not be given much importance during selection because it
is more cumbersome.
Biomass was the one character which was commonly involved in combinations
showing relative efficiency more than 100 per cent. This may be due to highly significant
positive correlation of this trait with seed yield.
In Cross-2 JS-335 x DSb-1 (GB), selection indices based on individual character it
was found that one based on biomass, pods per plant and plant height was more efficient
than direct selection for yield. This may be due to highly significant positive correlation of
these characters with seed yield coupled with high heritability and genetic advance.
X2X3X9 combination showed higher relative efficiency than X2X9. However, selection
will be practiced based on these two character combinations, only since they are not only
highly efficient over straight selection than other combination but are also less cumbersome to
use in the selection exercise.
From the present study it is evident that both pods per plant and biomass were the
two characters which were continuously involved in combinations showing high relative
efficiency. The probable reason for this may be the positive correlation of these traits among
themselves and with yield.
The present study clearly indicates that number of pods per plant, branches per plant,
plant height and biomass could serve as a useful selection indices for indirect selection for
yield. Faluyi (1990) and Pushpendra and Ram (1990), reported that selection for high
drymatter accumulation nothing but biomass could give gains in seed yield. Malhotra (1963)
and Singh and Dalal (1979) reported that selection would be more efficient over straight
selection for yield alone in soybean. Salehuzzaman and Joarden (1979) reported that
combination of pods per plant, number of seeds per plant and yield per plant was more
efficient over straight selection for yield.
FUTURE LINE OF WORK

1. The promising segregants obtained from the present study have to be tested across
different locations along with the commercial checks for their superiority.
2. The useful segregants derived from the cross JS-335 x DSb-3 have to be tested
further for their thermoinsensitivity.
VI. SUMMARY
The F3 population or generation of two crosses JS-335 x DSb-3 and JS-335 x DSb-1
of soybean were studied for (i) variability studies (ii) phenotypic correlation between grain
yield and its components (iii) the direct and indirect contributions of different yield components
on grain yield and (iv) formulation of selection indices for grain yield.
The F3 populations of both crosses were grown at Main Agricultural Research
Station, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad during kharif 2003. The observations
were recorded on plant height, number of branches per plant, number of pods per plant, pod
length, pod weight, number of seeds per pod, number of seeds per plant, 100 seed weight,
biomass and harvest index on sixty random plants in each of F3 populations. The important
findings are as below.
The PCV and GCV values were found to be high for branches per plant, number of
pods per plant, pod weight, number of seeds per plant, biomass, harvest index and seed yield
per plant. Moderate values of GCV and PCV were recorded for hundred seed weight in
Cross- 1 (GB) and for plant height, pod length and number of seeds per pod in both the
crosses.
Heritability estimates in broad sense was high for plant height, number of pods per
plant, pod length, pod weight, number of seeds per pod, number of seeds per plant, 100 seed
weight, biomass, harvest index and seed yield per plant.
Moderate heritability estimates were recorded for seeds per pod in SPD and GB of
Cross JSS-335 X Dsb-1, pod length in SPD population of both the crosses and number of
branches per plant in both the crosses. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance
was observed for the characters viz., plant height, branches per plant, pods per plant, pod
weight, seeds per pod, 100 seed weight, biomass, harvest index and number of seeds per
plant indicating additive gene action in the control of expression of these characters.
Moderate genetic advance was noticed for the characters pod length and number of seeds
per pod. These two characters appear to be controlled by both additive and non-additive gene
action.
The correlation studies revealed highly significant positive association of seed yield
with plant height, branches per plant, pods per plant, pod weight, seeds per pod, seeds per
plant, biomass and harvest index. It exhibited non-significant positive association with 100
seed weight. In SPD and GB of cross JS-335 x DSb-3, pod length was negatively correlated
with seed yield.
Path analysis revealed the highest positive direct effect of biomass on seed yield
followed by harvest index and seeds per plant in both the crosses. Therefore emphasis may
be laid on these characters for improving seed yield. However, number of pods per plant
although exhibited highly significant positive correlation, its direct contribution was negative in
cross JS-335 x DSb-3, but their maximum indirect contribution was through biomass. Pod
weight exhibited low and positive direct effect in both the crosses except in cross JS-335 x
DSb-1 (GB) which showed low and negative direct effect. Number of branches per plant
exerted highest negative effect on seed yield in the GB populations of both the crosses.
Discriminant function analysis revealed that the indices comprising of biomass and
pods per plant in both the crosses were found to be the best indicating the expected
superiority of selection indices over direct selection.
It is concluded from the present study that for the improvement of seed yield in
soybean, it is advantageous to adopt indirect selection based on component traits particularly
biomass, harvest index and number of pods per plant than direct selection based on yield per
se.
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________________________
* Original not seen
GENETIC INVESTIGATIONS SEGREGATING
POPULATIONS OF SOYBEAN (Glycine max (L.) Merrill)
J. Hina Kausar 2005 G. T. Basavaraj

Major Advisor
ABSTRACT
A field experiment was conducted during Kharif 2003 to study the genetic variability,
correlation, path coefficient analysis and selection indices for productivity traits. The experiment
comprising of F3 populations of two crosses (JS-335 XDSb-3 and JS-335 x DSb-1) of soybean.
The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications.
The observations were recorded on eleven productivity traits such as plant height, branches per
plant, pod per plant, pod length, pod weight, seeds per pod, seeds per plant, 100 seed weight,
biomass, harvest index and seed yield per plant. Highest PCV and GCV values were observed for
number of seeds per plant in both the crosses while pod length recorded lowest values. Number of
branches per plant showed low heritability. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was
noticed for all the characters studied except for pod length and seeds per plant.
Correlation studies revealed significant association of seed yield with plant height, number
of branches per plant, pods per plant, pod weight, seeds per plant, biomass and harvest index in
both the crosses. The ,maximum positive direct effect on seed yield per plant was exhibited by
biomass followed by harvest index in both the crosses.
Discrimunant function analysis revealed that the indices comprising of biomass and pods
per plant were found to be the best indicating the expected superiority of selection indices over
direct selection.

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GENETIC INVESTIGATIONS IN SEGREGATING

POPULATIONS OF SOYBEAN (Glycine max (L.) Merrill)

Thesis submitted to the

Master of Science Agriculture

GENETICS AND PLANT BREEDING

DEPARTMENT OF GENETICS AND PLANT BREEDING

Dharwad (G.T. BASAVARAJA)

Chairman: (G.T. BASAVARAJA)

Members: 1. P.M. Salimath

III MATERIAL AND METHODS

Summary of review of literature on correlation of component traits with seed

Summary of review of literature on direct and indirect effects of various yield

5. Salient features of soybean genotypes used in the study

Estimates of variability parameters for different quantitative traits in F3

Phenotypic correlation coefficients for yield and yield components in F3

Phenotypic correlation coefficients for yield and yield components in F3

Phenotypic correlation coefficients for yield and yield components in F3

Phenotypic correlation coefficients for yield and yield components in F3

Phenotypic path coefficients of eight yield components to yield in F3 population

Phenotypic path coefficients of seven yield components to yield in F3 population

Phenotypic path coefficients of eight yield components to yield in F3 population

Phenotypic path coefficients of nine yield components to yield in F3 population

7 Number of High Kuttikrishnan et al. (1982), Xue et al.

2.2 Heritability and Genetic advance

7 Number of Positive Alam et al. (1983), Dixit and Patil (1984),

3.2 EXPERIMENTAL SITE

3.3 CLIMATE AND WEATHER

3.5 RECORDING OF OBSERVATIONS

3.6 STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

3.6.6.2 Path coefficient analysis

3.6.7 Discriminant function technique (Goulden, 1959)

Steps in construction of discriminant function: (Goulden, 1959)

Assigning values to each character

Calculation of “A” values

Conversion of A values to A' values

Conversion was done in the following manner.

Calculation of “C” matrix reciprocal to r matrix

The conversion was done as indicated below.

Z = b1x1 + b2x2 + b3b3 ……………+bntn

Expected genetic advance in yield resulting from selection of individual character

Expected genetic advance in yield resulting from selection based on a combination of

Genetic advance = Z/P√ b1g1y+b2g2y+b3g3y………+bngny

Relative efficiency of selection index

It is expressed in percentage in comparison with genetic advance by straight

Genetic advance by selection index

Sl PCV GCV Heritability Genetic GAM

Sl PCV GCV Heritability Genetic GAM

8. Hundred seed weight

2. Number of branches per plant

Biomass -0.009 -0.005 -0.010 0.008 0.081 0.829 0.071 0.966**

Combination of Characters Genetic advance Relative efficiency

X2+X3 2.06 18.26

X2+X4 6.18 54.78

X2+X7 7.34 55.07

X3+X4 12.33 109.30

X3+X7 13.16 116.66

X4+X7 8.94 79.25

X2+X3+X4 10.76 95.39

X2+X3+X7 6.49 57.53

X2+X4+X7 7.44 55.95

X3+X4+X7 13.77 122.07

X2+X3+X4+X7 2.52 22.34