Genetic analysis of field germination in soybean (Glycine max. (L) merill.)

Genetic analysis for germination percentage was carried out in the F3 and F4 generations of a diallel cross involving six promising genotypes of soybean. Results indicated a high amount of genetic variability and a moderately high heritability together with genetic advance, suggesting a possible improvement for this character through hybridization and selection. Correlations at different levels revealed a strong negative association of germination with only one seed character: seed weight. This observation was further confirmed from path coefficient analysis. These findings strongly suggest that to base selection on seed weight which may not influence the seed quality of soybean.