Interplay of Genotype × Environment and Multi‐Trait Stability in Early‐Generation F2 Soybean Populations

ABSTRACT

Soybean breeding faces the ongoing challenge of developing genotypes that combine high yield performance, nutritional and grain quality, with phenotypic stability and adaptation to different environmental conditions. The objective of this study was to investigate genetic variability, genotype × environment interaction and phenotypic stability to ensure the relationship among nutritional, agronomic and industrial traits in soybean for the selection of superior parents and genotypes. Thirty‐six genotypes, including 28 F ₂ genotypes and eight parental lines, were evaluated in two environments. Nutritional traits (P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Mn, Zn, Cu, Fe), agronomic traits (days to maturity, plant height, grain yield) and industrial traits (protein, oil, fibre, ash content) were analysed. Variance analyses indicated genetic variability and genotype × environment interaction for most traits. The first two canonical variables (45.9%) showed that genotype P16 was associated with oil content, while genotypes P20, P21 and G4 were related to Fe, K, Zn, protein content and grain yield. Genotypes P1, G2 and G6 were associated with Mg content and days to maturity, whereas genotype P23 was linked to Cu, fibre and Ca content. Adaptability and stability were estimated using the Lin and Binns index and the multivariate P _im index. The multivariate index combined with the GT‐biplot explained 77.5% of the total results. Three genotypes were selected: P20 exhibited good averages and stability for the group of nutritional and agronomic traits, while P2 and P4 were indicated for the group of industrial traits. These three genotypes can be developed and utilized in breeding blocks for multiple traits, meeting the demands of producers, industry and consumers.