Abstract
Variability in leaf gas-exchange traits in thirteen soybean (Glycine max L. Merr) genotypes was assessed in a field experiment conducted at high altitude (1 950 m). Leaf net photosynthetic rate (PN) exhibited a high degree of variability at all the growth stages studied. PN and other gas-exchange parameters exhibited a seasonal pattern that was similar for all the genotypes. PN rate was highest at seed filling stage. PN was positively and significantly associated with aboveground dry matter and seed yield. The area leaf mass (ALM) exhibited a strong positive association with leaf PN, aboveground dry matter, and seed yield. The positive association between ALM, PN, and seed yield suggests that this simple and easy to measure character can be used in breeding programmes as a surrogate for higher photosynthetic efficiency and eventually higher yield.
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