Peculiarities of the soybean gene pool under irrigation in the south of Ukraine

Abstract

The study aim was to investigate the genetic diversity of plant collections under irrigation, to select valuable genotypes, basing in multi-year studies, and to use them for creating new varieties and unique information for breeders and researchers. Results and Discussion. The article presents the results of studying soybean accessions, which were introduced in 2016-2020, in the Breeding Department of the Institute of Irrigated Agriculture. Thirty-seven new soybean accessions have been studied. Using correlation analysis, we found that the plant height, the lowest pod attachment height, the productive node number on branches, the number of additional branches per plant, the pod and seed numbers per plant the most significantly and directly correlated with the performance (seed weight per plant). Reference accessions have been chosen for the following characteristics: high 1000-seed weight (B 19/622, UD0202677 (KAZ)); very short length of the “seedlings-full ripeness” period (Aktai, UKR01200 (HUN), А 9/562, UD0201408 (KAZ)); large lowest pod attachment height above the soil level (A 16/145, UD0201414; A 14/253, UD0202637 (KAZ)); high seed yield (B 46/6-, UD0201425 (KAZ)). Some varieties have been distinguished due to several economically valuable traits: very short length of the “seedlings-full ripeness” period and moderate lowest pod attachment height above the soil level; short length of the “seedlings-full ripeness” period and disease and drought resistance; large lowest pod attachment height above the soil level and resistance to diseases and drought; high yield of seeds, disease resistance and ultra early ripeness; high 1000-seed weight, disease and drought resistance; ultra early ripeness and yield. Conclusions. Enrichment of the collection with new soybean accessions, investigations and involvement of them in breeding is a way to create high-yielding soybean varieties adapted to irrigation, resistant to diseases and lodging.