International Journal of Plant Breeding and Crop Science IJPBCS

Vol. 5(1), pp. 352-360, March, 2018. © www.premierpublishers.org. ISSN: XXXX-XXXX

Research Article

Correlation and Path analysis studies among yield and

yield related traits in Soybean (Glycinemax (L.) Merrill)
varieties grown at Bako Tibe Western Ethiopia
*Deresse Hunde Desissa1, Hirpa Legesse Gemechu2
1
Ethiopian Institutes of Agricultural Research (EIAR), Pawe Agricultural Research Center, P.O. Box: 25, Pawe,
Ethiopia
2
Wollega University Department of plant science P.O. Box: 395, Nekemte, Ethiopia

The16 Soybean genotypes were evaluated for Association of characters and path coefficient
analysis on eleven important yield and grain yield contributing characters at Bako Tibe during the
main cropping season of 2015/16. The experiment was designed as RCBD with three- replication.
Generally, the magnitudes of genotypic correlation coefficients for most of the characters were
higher than their corresponding phenotypic correlation coefficients that indicate the presence of
inherent association among various characters. In this study yield was positively correlated with
hundred seed weight, number of seed/pod and number of pod per plant so, increasing these traits
ultimately increases in grain yield and days to maturity can be exploited through improvement
and selection program. Based on findings it can be concluded that pod length, number of pod
/plant, biological yield, grain yield and days to maturity can be exploited through selection and
improvement program to develop high yielding soybean genotypes.

Keywords: Genotypic correlation, Phenotypic correlation, Path coefficient, Characters, Soybean, Genotypes

INTRODUCTION

Many developing countries in the tropics show interests in
the production of soybean due to raised demands for use
in animal feed, regulating soil fertility and reducing the cost
of nitrogen fertilizer and increasing demands of protein and
vegetable oil (Rashed et al., 2012). Soybean production in
Ethiopia is very important to overcome malnutrition and
substitutes domestic animal products. The area production
of soybean in the country is increased due to increasing
demands of soy cooking oil, soy fortified food, animal feed
and improving human nutrition (CIAT, 2010). However its
cultivation is still now not spread much and its average
yield is very low as compared to other crop grown at the
same season (CSA, 2014).This low productivity of this
crop is due to various reasons, but, the major reason is
lack of improved varieties, limited knowledge on its
potential as food, difficulty in processing (knowledge and
technology) and difficulty in marketing the crop
Correlation and Path analysis studies among yield and yield related traits in Soybean (Glycinemax (L.) Merrill) varieties grown at Bako Tibe Western Ethiopia
(Gebremedhine and Hoekstra, 2008). Development of
high yielding varieties with desired plant characters and
duration of maturity are paramount importance for any
crop improvement program. So that, genotypes with
suitable plant types are to be selected from a diverse pool
for their future utilization as parents in the hybridization
program.
*Corresponding Author: Deresse Hunde Desissa,
Ethiopian Institutes of Agricultural Research (EIAR), Pawe
Agricultural Research Center, P.O. Box: 25, Pawe,
Ethiopia. Email: deressehunde20@gmail.com, Tel: +251-
912-349-587, Fax: +251-585-500-325 Co-Author Email:
hirpalegese@gmail.com, Tel: +251-930-419-622 Fax:
+251 576617980
Deresse and Hirpa 353
Yield is a complex character influenced by yield influencing
traits controlled by many gene and influenced by env’t
(Aravind et al., 2006). Therefore, variability for these
characters is the result of genetic effect and environmental
effect. Hence it is necessary to predict the relationships
between yield and its contributing characters that affecting
through direct or in direct path and measures the
magnitudes and directions of characters in relations with
yields, Many farmers still know unable to distinguish
Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] from common bean
(Phaseolus vulgaris) in Bako-Tibe district and there was
no any genetic correlation, association of characters and
path coefficient analysis studies conducted in western
Ethiopia Bako-Tibe district. Therefore, there is a scarcity of
information regarding genetic correlation, association of
characters and path analysis of traits on yield and its
components in Ethiopia in general and at Bako Tibe in
particular. Hence the present studies were conducted to
attain the following objectives: To estimate genotypic
correlation and characters associated with seed yield and
yield contributing traits in Soybean [Glycine max (L.)
Merrill] genotypes; To masseur the natures and
magnitudes of characters at phenotypic and genotypic
levels of characters among 16 Soybean genotypes
evaluated To estimates and identify the most influential
traits which have direct and indirect path coefficient effects
on Soybean yield and
To identify the most important traits that influencing yield
and to be used as character for parental selection that
breeder used in future crossing program
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Description of the study area
The study was conducted at Bako Tibe district on Farmers
Training Center during the main cropping season of
2015/16. The site is located in West Showa zone Oromia
regional states western Ethiopia, at 223km west of Addis
Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia. The site lies at906’North
latitude and 3709’East longitude and at an altitude of about
1650 meter above sea level (m.a.s.l).The area receives an
annual rainfall of 1237 mm. The annual average minimum
and maximum temperatures of Bako Tibe are ranges from
13.5-29.7 0c with average annual rain fall of 1237 mm.
The specific soil type of the site is reddish-brown in color
well drained Niti soil with the Ph value ranges from 5.5-5.6.
EXPERIMENTAL MATERIALS
The experimental materials used for the current
experiment consisted of a total of 16 entries (Table1).
Genetic materials were obtained from Bako Agricultural
Research Center (BARC) in 2015/16, which comprised of
eight released and eight pipelines and two standard
checks namely, Belessa-95 and Jalele.
Correlation and Path analysis studies among yield and yield related traits in Soybean (Glycinemax (L.) Merrill) varieties grown at Bako Tibe Western Ethiopia
Experimental Design and Field Management
The experiment was laid out in RCBD design with three
replications. At planting, 80kg DAP per hectare were
applied and Planting was done manually by placing two
seeds per hill, which were later thinned to one plant per
hill. Each plot consisted of four rows of 4 m length with
spacing of 2 m between block, 1m between plot, 0.6 m
between rows and 5 cm between plants. Necessary
agronomic packages such as 80kgDAP, thinning to one
plant per hill, proper weeding after two weak of emergence
were applied and data were collected on 13 yield
contributing traits on the two middle harvestable rows for
Days to 50% flowering: number of days after planting when
50% of plants in the plot give the first flower. Days to 50%
pod setting: Number of days after planting when 50% of
plants in the plot give the first pod formation. Days to 50%
maturity: Number of days after planting when 95% of
plants in the plot is matured. Plant height(cm): The
average height of five random sampled plants in each plot
measured in centimeter from the ground surface to the top
of the main stem at maturity (sum of five randomly selected
plants divided by five). Leaf area index(cm): Measured by
using centimeter and its index is the ratio of leaf area to
ground covered. Number of branch per plant: The average
number of branch of five random sampled plants in each
plot (total number of branch of five randomly selected
plants divided by five. Number of nodule per plant: The
average number of nodule of five random sampled plants
in each plot (total number of nodules of five randomly
selected plants divided by five.
Effective nodules: The average number of effective
nodules of five random sampled plants in each plot (total
number of effective nodule of five randomly selected plants
divided by five. None-effective nodules: The average
number of none-effective nodules of five random sampled
plants in each plot (total number of None-effective nodule
of five randomly selected plants divided by five. Number
of pods/plant: The average number of pods of five random
sampled plants in each plot (total number of pods of five
randomly selected plants divided by five. Pods length (cm):
The average number of pods length of five random
sampled plants in each plot (total number of pods length
of five randomly selected plants divided by five. Biological
yield ton/hectares (g), Seed yield ton/hectare (g): Seed
yield (in gram) from the harvestable plot area. It will be
adjusted to 10% moisture level to give adjusted yield.
Hundred seed weight (g): The average weight in gram of
random sample of 100 seeds of each plot. Number of seed
/ pod: The average number of seeds of five randomly
sampled plants in each plot divided by the average number
of pods of those five randomly selected plant and harvest
index as the ratios of biomass yield to seed yield (g): The
ratio of biological yield to seed yield. Data obtained from13
selected characters were statistically analyzed using GLM
procedure of SAS software version (9.0) and the treatment
mean that exhibited significance difference were
 Int. J. Plant Breed. Crop Sci. 354

separated using student Neumankeullstest (SNK) at 5% 𝑃𝑐𝑜𝑣𝑥. 𝑦 = phenotypic co-variance between variable
level of significance (SAS,2004). 𝑥 and𝑦,
2
𝜎𝑝𝑥 𝑖𝑠 = phenotypic variance for variable
RCBD ANOVA was computed using the following model 2
x,𝜎𝑝𝑦 is phenotypic variance for variable y.

Yij = µ +rj + gi+ µ ij Path coefficient analysis

Where, Yij= the response of trait y in the ith genotype and Path analysis has been used by plant breeders to identify
the jth replication, µ= the grand mean of trait y, rj= the traits that are useful as selection criteria to improve crop
effects of the jth replication, gi=effect of the ith genotype yield (Dewey and Lu, 1959, Samonte et al., 1998). Yield,
and µ ij = experimental error effect being a complex trait, has been observed to be associated
with a number of yield influencing traits. For full
Table 1: List of the study materials understanding of the complex relationships between yield
S/No Genotypes Seed Pedigree Genotypes and other characters, the computation of direct and
sources (released/ indirect effects of these traits on yield is essential.
pipline) Therefore, Path coefficient analysis is a statistical tool
1 BOSHE BARI/OARI IAC-13-1 RELEASED developed by Wright (1921) and is a useful technique
2 AWASSA-95 BARI/OARI AG-2261 RELEASED designed to ascertain the path along which relationships
3 NVT-P41 BARI/OARI - PIPLINE among variables are oriented and facilitated the
4 NVT-P11 BARI/OARI - PIPLINE understanding of the causal relationship between the
5 NVT-P28 BARI/OARI - PIPLINE interrelated variables. Path coefficient analysis was
6 CHARI BARI/OARI IPB-81-EP-7 RELEASED conducted as suggested by Wright (1921) and worked out
7 BELESSA95 BARI/OARI PR-149 RELEASED by Dewey and Lu (1959) using the phenotypic as well as
standard
genotypic correlation coefficients to determine the direct
check)
8 ETHIO BARI/OARI YUGOSLAVIA RELEASED
and indirect effects of yield components on seed yield
based on the following relationship. rij = Pij + ∑ rik Pkj
9 DIDESSA BARI/OARI PR-149-81- RELEASED Where, rij = Mutual association between the independent
EP-7-2
character (i) and dependent character, grain yield (j) as
10 JALALE BARI/OARI - RELEASED
(Local check) measured by the correlation coefficients. P= Components
11 NVT-P32 BARI/OARI - PIPLINE of direct effects of the independent character (i) as
12 AWASSA- BARI/OARI - RELEASED measured by the path coefficients and rij, ∑ rikp =
O4 summation of components of indirect of a given
13 NVT-P36 BARI/OARI - PIPLINE independent character (i) on a given dependent character
14 NVT-P23 BARI/OARI - PIPLINE (j) via all other independent characters (k). The
15 NVT-P22 BARI/OARI - PIPLINE contribution of the remaining unknown factor was
16 NVT-P42 BARI/OARI PIPLINE measured as the residual factor (PR), which is calculated
as: PR=√( 1 − ∑𝑟𝑖𝑗𝑝𝑖𝑗) the magnitude of PR indicates how
Source: Ethiopian Institutes of Agricultural Research (EIAR),
Bako Agricultural Research Center (BARC) best the causal factors account for the variability of the
dependent factor (Singh and Chaudhary, 1999). That is, if
Correlation Coefficient among quantitative traits PR value is small (for instance, nearly zero) the dependent
characters considered (seed yield) is fully explained by the
Both genotypic and environmental effects of variation and variability in the independent characters, whereas higher
genotypic correlation coefficient are the inherent PR value indicates that some other factors which have not
association between two variables, where estimated by been considered, need to be included in the analysis to
using the formula of (Gibouri et al., 1958) as (rgxy) account fully the variation in the dependent character(seed
𝑟𝑔 = 𝐺𝐶𝑂𝑉.𝑋𝑌 yield).
√ (2 𝑔𝑥−2
𝑔𝑦 )

Where, 𝑟𝑔 genotypic correlation coefficient RESULTS AND DISCATION

𝐺𝑐𝑜𝑣𝑥. 𝑦 = Genotypic co-variance between variable ‘x’ and
’y’ Analysis of Variance (ANOVA)
𝜎𝑔2𝑥 = Genotypic variance for variable ‘x’,
2 The analysis of variance revealed that mean squares due
𝜎𝑔𝑦 = is genotypic variance for variable ’y’
to genotypes were significant (P< 0.05) for days to 50%
Phenotypic correlation coefficient (rpxy) flowering, days to 50% maturity and number of branch per
𝑟𝑝 = 𝑃𝑐𝑜𝑣. 𝑥𝑦
plant and highly significant (P<0.01) for grain yield,
√(𝜎2 𝑝𝑥) (𝜎2
𝑝𝑦 ) biomass yield, plant height, hundred seed weight pod
Where, 𝑟𝑝 = phenotypic correlation coefficient, length, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per
Correlation and Path analysis studies among yield and yield related traits in Soybean (Glycinemax (L.) Merrill) varieties grown at Bako Tibe Western Ethiopia
Deresse and Hirpa 355

pods and effective nodules (Table 2). The significant mean NSPP = NO. Seed/pod,
squares due to genotypes indicated the existence of LAI = Leaf area index,
variability among the studed genotypes, which could be HI = Harvest index,
exploited for the improvement of selected traits. Significant CV= coefficient of variation
differences (P<0.01 or P<0.05) were observed between
Estimates of Phenotypic correlation coefficient
genotypes for the studied traits.

Table 2: Mean Value, Coefficient of variation, Range and Estimates of phenotypic correlation coefficient between
Mean squares of some yield contributing traits of 16 each pair of characters are presented in (Table3). The
Soybean genotypes. magnitudes of phenotypic correlation coefficient for most
of the characters were lower than their corresponding
Characters Mean CV Range Mean squares
(%) Minimum Maximum Genotypes Error
genotypic correlation coefficient except few cases which
df=15 df=30 indicates the influence of the environment effects among
DF 50% 68.1 2.84 61.3 72.3 19.72** 3.74 themselves and with grain yields and it is not essential to
DP 50% 76.5 1.81 70.0 80.0 16.93** 1.92 establish selection criteria for such traits. However, seed
DM 50% 136.5 4.80 122.0 145.0 79.33** 2.39 yield is positive and significantly associated with number
PH 57.5 4.81 49.9 71.91 0.079** 0.022 of pod per plant, number of seed/pod, hundred seed
NBPP 3.8 6.17 2.5 4.5 134.0** 7.67 weight and number of branch/plant (Table 3). Fikiru (2004)
NPPP 61.3 3.21 46.2 68.2 0.66** 0.55 reported positive phenotypic correlation of seed yield with
PODL 2.6 6.35 2.0 3.2 107.13** 3.89
number of seeds per pod and hundred seed weight in
Gytha 4.4 3.69 3.7 5.0 0.72** 0.028
Bytha 10.3 2.06 8.9 12.3 14.49** 0.278
soybean. Therefore, any improvement of these characters
HSW 11.2 2.97 10.1 12.4 0.47** 0.026 would result a substantial increment on seed yield. In
NSPP 3.1 6.01 2.5 3.4 1.61** 0.278 addition, seed yield showed positive and significant
LAI 3.5 4.24 3.3 3.92 0.32** 0.034 phenotypic association with number of pods per plant,
HI 0.42 2.66 0.4 0.43 0.0003** 0.00012 number of seeds per pod, hundred seed weight and
** Significant at P < 0.01 or p<0.05 indicated that mean squares number of branch per plant (Table 3). Therefore, any
due to genotypes were either highly significant (P< 0.01) or improvement of these Characters would result a
significant (P<0.05) for most traits studied. substantial increment on seed yield. Fikru (2004) reported
number of pods per plant followed by number of branch
Where, DF = Days to 50% flowering, per plant and 100 seed weight were positively associated
DP = Days to 50% initiates pod setting, with seed yield in soybean genotypes. Seed yield had
DM = Days to 50% maturity,
significant negative phenotypic correlation with days to
PH = Plant height,
NBPP = NO. Of branch/plant, maturity and days to 50% flowering, this may be related to
NPPP = NO. Of pods p/ plant, the fact that when days to maturity increase the phenology
PDL = Pod length, of the crop enters in to the dry spell, which leads to yield
Grain yield tone/ha = G. yield/ tone / hectare, loss.
Bytha = Bio.yield/tone/ hectare,
HSW = Hundred seed weight,

Table 3: Phenotypic correlation coefficient of 16 Soybean Genotypes Evaluated at Bako Tibe Western Ethiopia in 2015/16
Traits DF DM PH NBPP LAI EFNO NPPP PL NSPP HSW GYTHA BYTHA HI
DF 1 0.36 0.13 -0.21 -0.69 -0.2 -0.22 -0.52 -0.49 -0.43 -0.32 -0.28 -0.16
DM 1 -0.46 -0.27 -0.61 -0.29 -0.11 -0.19 -0.17 -0.47 -0.31 -0.43 -0.35
PH 1 -0.12 0.25 -0.1 -0.37 -0.24 -0.21 0.27 0.04 0.22 -0.58*
NBPP 1 0.14 0.66** 0.49* 0.67* 0.67** 0.39* 0.58* 0.61** -0.12
LAI 1 -0.03 -0.11 0.01 0.11 0.21 0.22 0.29 -0.21
EFNO 1 0.76** 0.79** 0.81*** 0.48* 0.66** 0.63** 0.1
NPPP 1 0.76** 0.61** 0.14 0.46 0.39 0.19
PL 1 0.92*** 0.62* 0.79** 0.72** 0.25
NSPP 1 0.59* 0.81** 0.70** 0.39
HSW 1 0.83** 0.82** 0.14
GYTHA 1 0.97** 0.28
BYTHA 1 -0.03
HI 1
Where DF = Days to 50% flowering, DP = Days to 50% initiates pod setting, DM = Days to 50% maturity, PH = Plant height, NBPP =
NO. Of branch/plant, NPPP = NO. Of pods p/ plant, PDL = Pod length, G ytha = Grain yield/ tone / hectare, Bytha = B.yield/tone/
hectare, HSW = Hundred seed weight, NSPP = NO. Seed/pod, LAI = Leaf area index, HI = Harvest index, *, **, *** = indicants strongly,
highly and positively association of seed yield contributing traits at genotypic level respectively at 5% and1% probability level.

Correlation and Path analysis studies among yield and yield related traits in Soybean (Glycinemax (L.) Merrill) varieties grown at Bako Tibe Western Ethiopia
 Int. J. Plant Breed. Crop Sci. 356

Table 4: Genotypic correlation of 16 Soybean Genotypes Evaluated using 13 traits at Bako Tibe Western Ethiopia in 2015/16
Traits DF DM PH NBPP LAI EFNO NPPP PL NSPP HSW GYtha BYtha HI
DF 1
DM 0.33 1
PH 0.16 -0.39 1
NBPP -0.18 -0.24 -0.11 1
LAI -0.49 -0.49 0.17 0.03 1
EFNO -0.14 -0.27 -0.09 0.58* -0.1 1
NPPP -0.16 -0.09 -0.34 0.39* -0.22 0.71** 1
PL -0.42 -0.17 -0.17 0.63** 0.11 0.73** 0.68** 1
NSPP -0.3 -0.3 -0.15 0.58* 0.14 0.71 0.51 0.82** 1
HSW -0.3 -0.39 -0.25 0.39 0.41* 0.43 0.13** 0.57* 0.63** 1
Gyth -0.27 -0.27 0.05 0.51* 0.17 0.62** 0.43 0.74** 0.71** 0.72** 1
BythA -0.26 -0.26 0.2 0.557* 0.23 0.59* 0.37 0.69** 0.64** 0.73** 0.95*** 1
HI -0.08 -0.08 -0.32 -0.09 -0.11 0.12 0.17 0.2 0.26 0.12 0.17 -0.09 1
Where DF = Days to 50% flowering, DP = Days to 50% initiates pod setting, DM = Days to 50% maturity, PH = Plant height, NBPP =
NO. Of branch/plant, NPPP = NO. Of pods p/ plant, PDL = Pod length, G ytha = G.yield/ tone / hectare, Bytha = B.yield/tone/ hectare,
HSW = Hundred seed weight, NSPP = NO. Seed/pod, LAI = Leaf area index, HI = Harvest index, *, **, *** = indicants strongly, highly
and positively association of seed yield contributing traits at genotypic level respectively at 5% and1% probability level.

Estimates of Genotypic correlation coefficient
Estimates of genotypic correlation coefficient between
each pair of characters are presented in (Table 4). The
magnitudes of genotypic correlation coefficient for most of
the characters were higher than their corresponding
phenotypic correlation coefficient except few cases which
indicates the inherent association among themselves and
with seed yields and it is essential to establish selection
criteria for such traits (sigh et al., 1990).Seed yield showed
positive and strong genotypic correlation with yield
contributing traits biological yield tone/hectare, number of
seed/pod, pod length, hundred seed weight and number of
pod per plant (Table 4), this result were in agreement with
previous report by Agtarwal etal (2001),Kumar and Arora
(1991). Therefore, any improvement of these characters
would result a substantial increment on seed yield. Seed
yield showed positive and strong genotypic correlation with
yield contributing characters and is strongly correlated with
pod length, number of seed per pods, hundred seed weight
and number of pods per plant (Table 4). Similar results
were reported by Fikru (2004) for the character pod length
and number of seed per pod.
Correlations among 13 soybeans yield contributing
Characters with each other’s
Seed yield had highly significant positive association with
number of seed per pod, number of branch per plant,
hundred seed weight, and effective nodules (Table 3 and
4). While significant and positive association were
observed with harvest index ((Table 3 and 4). Days to 50%
flowering was strongly and positively correlated with days
to 50% pod setting, days to 50% maturity and number of
branch per plant, however; highly significant and negative
correlations were observed with leaf area index, pod
length, hundred seed weight, number of seed per pod,
biological yield, Seed yield, number of pod per plant, plant
height, harvest index and effective nodules (Table 3 and
4). Days to 50% pod setting showed significant positive
Correlation and Path analysis studies among yield and yield related traits in Soybean (Glycinemax (L.) Merrill) varieties grown at Bako Tibe Western Ethiopia
correlation with days to 50% maturity but, negative
correlation with number of branch per plant, number of
pods per plant, pod length, leaf area index, plant height,
biological yield, Seed yield, number of seed per pods and
hundred seed weight (Table 3 and 4).Number of Seeds per
pod was strongly correlated with pod length, effective
nodules, number of nodules per plant, number of branch
per plant and harvest index, Adhikari and Pandey(1982)
were reported high number of seed per pod for the same
characters in soybean. Hundred seed weight was highly
significant and positively associated with pod length, grain
yield, and biological yield, number of seed per pod, number
of branch per plant, number of nodules per plant, effective
nodules, leaf area index and harvest index (Table 3 and
4). This result was similar with Adhikari and Pandey (1982)
who reported high and positive association of hundred
seed weight with pod length, grain yield, and number of
seed per pods. The genotypes studied showed wide range
of variability for most of the characters.
Moreover, the high positive relationships between
characters could be effectively exploited in soybean yield
improvement program. For instance, the positive relation
of days to flowering with plant height would indicate that
tall plants will ordinarily produce more flowers with a
consequent high pods production taking into consideration
the environmental factors prevalent during the
reproductive stage. Positive association of plant height
with hundred seed weight, leaf area index, and pod length,
number of seed per pod, biological yield and Seed yield
was observed. Chand (1999) and Rajanna et al. (2000),
observed similar results and showed positive and
significant correlations of plant height with number of pods
and number of branches in soybean. Whereas, highly
significant and negative correlation were observed with
number of branch per plant, number of pods/plant, days to
50% maturity and days to 50% flowering, number of seed
per plant, effective nodules were negatively correlated with
plant height (Table 4). Rajanna et al. (2000) observed
similar results for characters Number of pods per plant,
Deresse and Hirpa 357

Table 5: Phenotypic Path coefficient analyses of the direct (Bold Diagonal) and indirect path coefficient above and below the diagonal
matrix of ten yield contributing soybean characters Evaluated at Bako Tibe Western Ethiopia in 2015/16
DF DM PH NBPP LAI EFNO NPPP PL NSPP HSW BYTHA HI Yield
DF 0.21 0.03 -0.01 -0.002 -0.058 0.12 -0.17 0.54 -0.53 -0.30 -0.16 0.003 -0.32
DM 0.08 0.08 0.04 -0.002 -0.051 0.18 -0.09 0.20 -0.18 -0.30 -0.24 0.006 -0.31
PH 0.03 -0.04 -0.09 -0.001 0.021 0.06 -0.29 0.25 -0.23 0.19 0.12 0.010 0.04
NBPP -0.04 -0.02 0.01 0.01 0.012 -0.40 0.38 -0.70 0.72 0.28 0.34 0.002 0.58
LAI -0.14 -0.05 -0.02 0.001 0.083 -0.40 -0.09 -0.01 0.12 0.71 0.16 0.004 0.22
EFNO -0.04 -0.02 0.01 0.006 -0.003 -0.61 0.59 -0.83 0.87 0.34 0.35 -0.002 0.66
NPPP -0.05 -0.01 0.03 0.004 -0.009 -0.46 0.77 -0.79 0.66 0.10 0.22 -0.003 0.46
PL -0.11 -0.02 0.02 0.006 0.001 -0.48 0.59 -1.05 0.99 0.44 0.40 -0.004 0.79
NSPP -0.10 -0.01 0.02 0.006 0.009 -0.49 0.47 -0.96 1.07 0.42 0.39 -0.007 0.81
HSW -0.09 -0.04 -0.02 0.003 0.018 -0.29 0.11 -0.65 0.63 0.71 0.46 -0.002 0.83
BYTHA -0.06 -0.04 -0.02 0.005 0.024 -0.38 0.30 -0.75 0.75 0.58 0.56 0.001 0.97
HI -0.03 -0.03 0.05 -0.001 -0.018 -0.06 0.15 -0.26 0.42 0.10 -0.02 -0.018 0.28
Residual=0.99
Where DF = Days to 50% flowering, DP = Days to 50% initiates pod setting, DM = Days to 50% maturity, PH = Plant height, NBPP =
NO. Of branch/plant, NPPP = NO. Of pods p/ plant, PDL = Pod length, G ytha = Grain yield tone / hectare, HSW = Hundred seed
weight, NSPP = NO. Seed/pod, LAI = Leaf area index, HI = Harvest index

number of nodules per plant, effective nodules, grain yield,
hundred seed weight and harvest index were positively
and high significantly correlated with number of branch per
plant. Similar results were previously reported by Lee et al.
(2008).
Harvest index were positively correlated with number of
nodules per plant. This result was in agreement with Samal
et al. (1995) work who reported positive relation with
number of nodules per plant. There was a positive and
highly significant correlation between number of pod
preplan with pod length, number of seed per plant, number
of nodules per plant and effective nodules. Whereas Seed
yield tone/ha, biological yield, harvest index and hundred
seed weight were positively and significantly correlated
with number of pods per plant (Table 3 and 4). But,
numbers of pod per plant were negatively correlated with
leaf area index, plant height, days to maturity, days to
flowering and days to pod setting (Table 3 and 4). Pod
length is positively and high significantly correlated with
number of seed per pod, Seed yield tone/ha, biological
yield, hundred seed weight, effective nodules, number of
branch per plant, number of pod per plant and harvest
index. The result observed in this study agreed with the
finding of Oz et al. (2009). This suggests that selection
based on these characters will be worthwhile for
improvement. Positive and highly significant correlation
was observed between biological yield with Seed yield,
hundred seed weight, number of seed per pod, effective
nodules, pod length, number of nodules per plant, number
of branch per plant. Hundred seed weight were positive
and significantly correlated with number of seed per pod
(Table 3 and 4). This result was similar with Malik et al.,
(2006) they found high number of seed per pod for the
same characters.
Phenotypic path coefficient
Path analysis was done to know the direct and indirect
effects of various characters on seed yield and to identify
Correlation and Path analysis studies among yield and yield related traits in Soybean (Glycinemax (L.) Merrill) varieties grown at Bako Tibe Western Ethiopia
the most influential traits in crop improvement program.
The characters number of branch per plant, days to 50%
flowering, and days to maturity had positive direct
phenotypic effect on seed yield. Similar findings were
reported by Ramana et al. (2000), Gohil et al. (2003),
Mukhekar et al. (2004), Kumar et al. (2005), Gaikwad et al.
(2007), Malik et al. (2007), Kamwal et al. (2009), Shaikh
et al. (2010), Machikowa and Laosuwan (2011) and Patil
et al. (2011) for pods per plant. The effective nodules and
pod length had negative phenotypic direct effect on seed
yield (Table 5). Similar result was reported for plant height
by Shrivastava et al. (2001). The phenotypic path indirect
effects of pod length and effective nodule were maximums
through days to flowering 50%, days to maturity and plant
height. The highest phenotypic direct effect of number of
seed per pods accompanied by maximum indirect effects
of other traits via Number of branch per plant, Leaf Area
Index, Effective nodules, number of pods per plant and pod
length (Table 5), established this character to be the most
important component trait of seed yield, Kumar et al.(2005)
found that the number of branches per plant, number of
pods per plant and days to flower had high positive
phenotypic path direct effects on seed yield, whereas plant
height has negative phenotypic direct effect on seed yield.
The indirect contribution of number of pods per plant, pod
length, number of seed per pod, hundred seed weight and
biological yield were the highest among the phenotypic
path indirect effects (Table 5). Singh et al. (1995) using
phenotypic path analysis reported that biomass per plant
was a potent contributor to seed yield either through direct
or indirect effects via pods per plant, plant height, and
number of secondary branches per plant.
Genotypic Path coefficient
In present study the Path analysis revealed that genotypic
direct and indirect path values for number of seed per
pods, number of pods per plant, hundred seed weight and
biological yield had high direct and positive effect
respectively on seed yield and followed by Days to50%
 Int. J. Plant Breed. Crop Sci. 358

Table 6: Genotypic Path coefficient analysis the direct (Bold Diagonal) and indirect path coefficient above and below the diagonal matrix
for ten yield contributing Soybean characters evaluated at Bako Tibe Western Ethiopia in 2015/16
Traits DF DM PH NBPP LAI EFNO NPPP PL NSPP HSW BYTHA HI Yield
DF 0.016 0.17 0.03 -0.02 -0.11 0.02 -0.09 0.31 -0.13 -0.20 -0.12 -0.02 -0.27
DM 0.005 0.52 -0.07 -0.03 -0.11 0.03 -0.05 0.12 -0.13 -0.27 -0.12 -0.02 -0.27
PH 0.002 -0.20 0.19 -0.01 0.04 0.01 -0.19 0.12 -0.06 -0.17 0.09 -0.09 0.05
NBPP -0.003 -0.12 -0.02 0.13 0.01 -0.06 0.22 -0.46 0.06 0.28 0.11 -0.03 0.17
LAI -0.008 -0.25 0.03 0.00 0.22 0.01 -0.12 -0.08 0.06 0.28 0.11 -0.03 0.17
EFNO -0.002 -0.14 -0.02 0.08 -0.02 -0.11 0.40 -0.53 0.30 0.29 0.28 0.03 0.62
NPPP -0.002 -0.05 -0.06 0.05 -0.05 -0.08 0.57 -0.50 0.21 0.09 0.17 0.05 0.43
PL -0.007 -0.09 -0.03 0.08 0.02 -0.08 0.38 -0.73 0.34 0.39 0.32 0.05 0.74
NSPP -0.005 -0.15 -0.03 0.08 0.03 -0.08 0.29 -0.60 0.42 0.43 0.30 0.07 0.71
HSW -0.005 -0.20 -0.05 0.05 0.09 -0.05 0.07 -0.60 0.26 0.68 0.34 -0.02 0.72
BYTHA -0.004 -0.13 0.04 0.07 0.05 -0.06 0.21 -0.51 0.27 0.50 0.47 -0.02 0.95
HI -0.001 -0.04 -0.06 -0.01 -0.02 -0.01 0.10 -0.15 0.11 0.08 -0.04 0.27 0.17
Residual =0.89
Where DF = Days to 50% flowering, DP = Days to 50% initiates pod setting, DM = Days to 50% maturity, PH = Plant height, NBPP =
NO. Of branch/plant, NPPP = NO. Of pods p/ plant, PDL = Pod length, G ytha = Grain yield/ tone / hectare, HSW = Hundred seed
weight, NSPP = NO. Seed/pod, LAI = Leaf area index, HI = Harvest index

maturity, plant height, number of branch per plant, leaf CONCLUSION

area index and harvest index (Table 5 and 6) were
confirming highly significant association of traits with seed
yield. Singh et al. (1990) reported 100 seed weight, plant
height, days to flowering and days to maturity contributed
to seed yield mainly through indirect effect via biological
yield and harvest index. Yucel et al. (2006) found that plant
height and number of pods per plant had the highest direct
effect on biomass yield. Yucel et al. (2006) reported that
number of seeds per plant and number of pods per plant
had highest direct influence on seed yield. Fikru (2004)
reported that number of pods per plant, number of
secondary branches per plant and 100 seed weight had
exerted positive direct effect on seed yield. Conversely,
effective nodules and pod length had a negative and small
direct effect on seed yield.
The highest genotypic direct effect on hundred seed
weight, followed by number of pods per plant accompanied
by maximum indirect effects of other traits via pod length,
seed per pod, leaf area index and biological yield (Table
6), established this character to be the most important
component trait of seed yield. Katiyar et al. (1977) found
that the number of branches per plant, number of pods per
plant and days to flower had high positive direct effects on
seed yield, whereas pod length has the negative direct
effect on seed yield accompanied by maximum number of
seed per pod, hundred seed weight, leaf area index,
biological yield and harvest index. The indirect contribution
of number of pods per plant, number of seed per pod,
hundred seed weight and biological yield were the highest
among the genotypic path indirect effects (Table 6). Singh
et al (1995), using path analysis reported that biomass
yield per plant was a potent contributor to seed yield either
through direct or indirect effects via pods per plant, plant
height, and number of secondary branches per plant. The
genotypic path indirect effects on number of seed per pod,
hundred seed weight and biological yield were also
maximums through number of branch per plant, leaf area
index, effective nodules and number of pod per plant.
Correlation and Path analysis studies among yield and yield related traits in Soybean (Glycinemax (L.) Merrill) varieties grown at Bako Tibe Western Ethiopia
The 16 soybean genotypes were planted in randomized
complete block design with three replications and all
genotypes were showed direct and indirect association for
13 quantitative traits. In these studies, genotypic and
phenotypic correlation of Seed yield was positive and
significantly related with number of pod per plant, number
of seed per pod, biological yield, hundred seed weight, and
number of branch per plant and leaf area index. This
suggests that while selecting for improvement in Seed
yield is performed, these traits can be kept in mind,
provided that the character should show high variability,
which is the basis for selection. Plant height, days to 50%
flowering and days to50% maturity were negative and not
significantly associated with grain yield, hence these traits
are not needed to be emphasized, while selection for
improvement of Seed yields is performed. In these studies
genotypic direct path and phenotypic direct path
correlation of Seed yield was positive and maximum for
number of pod per plant, number of seed per pod,
biological yield and hundred seed weight, whereas
characters having high genotypic and phenotypic indirect
path effects on seed yield were number of pod per plant,
number of seed per pod, hundred seed weight and
biological yield. Therefore, in soybean yield improvement
program it is essential to consider traits that are having
maximum direct or indirect effects on seed yield while
selection is performed for further breeding program to
improve seed yield in soybean
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to those
individuals helping me during my study starting from
writing proposal thought preparation and execution of
thesis research work. Next my gratitude, special thanks
and appreciation goes to Dereje Terefe for his generously
shared with me his experience, knowledge and good
wishes at the experimental sight. I wish to extend my
Deresse and Hirpa 359
deepest and heartfelt gratitude to Bako Agricultural
Research Center (BARC) for giving me the soybean
varieties used for the studies. At the last but not the list my
deepest gratitude goes to my brother Lemma Hunde and
my mother Gete Sagn for their endless support, helping,
encouragement and dedication in shaping me at early
school age.
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Accepted 3 March 2018
Citation: Deresse H, Hirpa LG (2018). Correlation and
Path analysis studies among yield and yield related traits
in Soybean (Glycinemax (L.) Merrill) varieties grown at
Bako Tibe Western Ethiopia. International Journal of Plant
Breeding and Crop Science 5(1): 352-360.
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