Variability and correlations between soybean yield and quality components

Abstract

The aim of this research was to determine variability and correlations between yield, protein content and oil content in soybean cultivars. The research was carried out on ten NS soybean cultivars in 2008, 2009 and 2010. All of the analysed traits significantly varied depending on cultivar and year. The highest yield in the analysed period was found in cultivar Proteinka (4,947 kg ha(-1)) which was significantly higher than that of cultivars Becejka, Tara, Afrodita and Diva. The highest average yield in 2010 was found in cultivars Irina (5,590 kg ha(-1)) and Bdejka (5,340 kg ha(-1)). The highest protein content was found in cultivars Afrodita and Galina, while the highest oil content was found in cultivars Alisa, Valjevka and Alisa. Significantly higher yield were obtained in 2010, while significantly higher protein and oil content was recorded in 2008. Yield was insignificantly positively correlated with oil content both in 2008, 2009 and 2010 (0.06, 0.31 and 0.17, respectively), and negatively but not significantly correlated with protein content (-0.06, -0.12 and -0.19, respectively). Oil content was significantly negatively correlated with protein content (-0.47(star)) in 2009, while in 2008 and 2010 this correlation was insignificant (-0.25, -0.11). This research is a basis for further breeding of soybeans with improved grain yield and content of protein and oil.