Comprehensive Evaluation Of Early-Maturing And High-Yielding Soybean (Glycine Max L.) Genotypes Under Competitive Variety Testing Conditions
Abstract
Developing early maturing and high yielding soybean cultivars is essential for improving production efficiency and ensuring crop stability under increasingly variable climatic conditions. In this study, eight soybean genotypes were evaluated under competitive variety testing conditions in 2020, with the early maturing cultivar ‘Orzu’ serving as the standard check. Field trials were conducted in 14 m² plots at a sowing density of 400,000 seeds ha⁻¹, and phenological, morphological, reproductive, and yield-related traits were comprehensively assessed. Growth duration among the tested genotypes ranged from 88 to 102 days, compared with 109 days for the standard cultivar. Lines L 125 and K 9182 matured 18–21 days earlier than Orzu, demonstrating strong potential for short season environments. Considerable variation was observed in plant height (72–122 cm), first pod height (10–17 cm), number of branches (1–3), and pods per plant (72–136), indicating significant morphological diversity within the evaluated germplasm. Seed yield varied from 210 to 375 g/m², with the highest productivity obtained from L 125, which also displayed the greatest pod setting capacity. Correlation analysis further confirmed that yield was most strongly influenced by the number of pods per plant (r = 0.91), while early maturity exhibited a negative relationship with yield (r = –0.72), reinforcing the value of early maturing, intensively fruiting genotypes. Based on integrated trait evaluation, genotypes L 125, K 122, K 137, and K 171 were identified as promising breeding sources for future cultivar development. The superior line L 125, later named ‘Zarbuloq’, was submitted to the State Variety Testing Commission for official evaluation due to its high yield potential, early maturity, and favorable plant architecture.