Stability of yield and seed composition in early maturing soybean genotypes assessed by AMMI analysis

Abstract

Identification of stable sources for breeding for important agronomic traits is prerequisite for providing a continuous and long-term progress in breeding. In this study, thirty-one early-maturing genotypes from soybean collection of Maize Research Institute ?Zemun Polje? were evaluated across four environments (two years and two locations) according to randomized complete block design with three replications. The aim of research was to examine the value of the interaction of genotype and environment for three important agronomic traits (seed yield, protein content and oil content) using anadditive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) statistical model, and to identify stable sources for breeding for listed traits. The results of the research indicated that all traits were strongly influenced by environmental factors, while the influence of genotype and particularly interaction of genotype and environment was of less importance. AMMI analysis enabled identification of genotypes with above average value and high stability for seed yield (three genotypes), protein content (three genotypes) and oil content (two genotypes), which could be utilized as potential stable sources of variability in future soybean breeding programs.