Association of Traits in Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) Genotypes in Northwestern Ethiopia

Eighty-one genotypes were tested in 9x9 simple lattice design to assess association of traits using quantitative, qualitative and quality traits at Pawe main station and Dibate substation during 2018/2019 cropping season. Highly significant and significant genotypic positive correlation with yield was showed by plant height (0.23*) at Dibate, number of pods per plant (0.35**) and number of seeds per pod (0.3*) at Pawe. Highly significant and positive phenotypic correlation with grain yield was recorded by number of branches (0.23**) and number of pods per plant (0.20**) at Pawe and number of branches (0.23**) and number of pods per plant (0.20**) at Dibate. Positive and high direct effect at genotypic level was observed by number of pods per plant and number of seeds per pod at both locations. Maximum phenotypic direct effect on grain yield was observed by number of pods (0.44) at Pawe and (0.48) at Dibate. Thus, genotypes with traits such as number of pods and number of seeds per plant having high and positive association with grain yield and with high direct effects on grain yield are important for grain yield improvement through direct selection and considered as a parental material for further breeding work.