Correlation and Path Coefficient Analysis in Soybean (Glycine Max (L.) Merrill) Genotypes in Dibate, Northwestern Ethiopia

— Eighty one soybean genotypes were tested in 9x9 simple lattice design to assess their association of traits using quantitative, qualitative and quality traits in Dibate substation during 2018/2019 cropping season. Based on analysis of variance, days to flowering, days to maturity, plant height, number of branches per plant, hundred seed weight, protein and oil contents and yield showed highly significant (p<0.01) differences. Positive and significant associations of plant height (0.23*) and number of pods per plant (0.24*) with grain yield were observed. Highly significant and positive phenotypic correlation with grain yield was observed by number of pods per plant (0.31**). Positive and high direct effect at genotypic level was observed by number of pods per plant (0.38) and number of nodules per plant (0.21). High phenotypic and positive direct effect on grain yield was observed by number of pods per plant (0.48) and negative direct effect by number of branches (-0.28). About 0.88 and 0.90 residuals was observed from genotypic and phenotypic direct and indirect effects, respectively. Thus, genotypes with traits such as number of pods and number of nodules per plant having high and positive association and with high direct effects should be criteria for grain yield improvement through direct selection and considered as a parental material for further breeding programs.