Variation in Grain Yield and Other Agronomic Traits in Soybean Evaluated at Makurdi (Southern Guinea Savanna Ecology), Nigeria.

Abstract

Twenty five varieties of soybean were evaluated in Makurdi (southern Guinea Savanna ecology), Nigeria, with the objective of identifying high yielding genotypes that could replace the popularly grown variety (TGX 1448 – 2E). Highly significant genotypic differences were observed for all the characters (days to flowering, days to podding, days to maturity, plant height, height of lowest pod, number of pods/plant, 100 seed weight, haulm yield and grain yield) studied. Seven varieties, namely TGX1990-98F, TGX1991-10F, TGX1990-86F, UG5, TGX1485-1D, TGX1990-48F and TGX1990-80F yielded higher than TGX 1448 – 2E and were identified as possible candidates for the replacement of TGX 1448 – 2E in Makurdi. Further studies on the evaluation of these seven varieties across more locations within the southern Guinea Savanna ecology of Nigeria are required prior to location specific selection and recommendation.

Keywords: southern Guinea Savanna, genotype, variety, yield, soybean.