Multi-trait selection and genetic evaluation of soybean (Glycine max L.) advanced lines for enhanced yield performance

In the present study, eleven soybean genotypes along with two commercial checks (JS 335 and AISb 50) were evaluated for grain yield and its attributing traits over two seasons, kharif, 2023 and kharif, 2024, at the Agricultural Research Station, Adilabad, PJTAU, Telangana, India. The study aimed to identify superior lines for yield, assess the variability among advanced lines, and examine trait associations. Among the evaluated genotypes, ASb-101 recorded the highest mean grain yield (3665 kg/ha), followed by RSC-11-95 (3606 kg/ha), KSS-225 (3596 kg/ha), and MAUS 816 (3544 kg/ha), outperforming the best check variety AISb 50 (3110 kg/ha) across seasons. Using the MGIDI index, ASb-101 and MAUS-816 were identified as the best-performing genotypes when considering all measured traits. Cluster analysis indicated significant genetic diversity, particularly in Cluster III, suggesting potential for heterosis through crosses between genetically distant clusters. Correlation analysis showed that 100-seed weight was significantly and positively associated with grain yield over two seasons. The genotypes identified in this study represent valuable resources for direct varietal release or for further large-scale through adoptive trials in farmers’ fields.