Genetic diversity and responses of soybean genotypes to water deficit induced by PEG 60001

Abstract

ABSTRACT Water stress is one of the limiting factors for obtaining maximum yield in soybean, which makes the identification of tolerant genotypes an important approach in breeding programs. The objectives of this work were evaluate soybean genotypes in conditions of water deficit, determine traits that allow the identification of genotypes tolerant to water deficit, and suggest promising crosses. Sixteen soybean genotypes were submitted to two osmotic potentials (0.0 MPa and -0.2 MPa) induced by PEG 6000 and the traits of germination and growing were evaluated. Genetic dissimilarity analysis was performed. There was genetic variability among genotypes for all traits, and significant interaction for root length, shoot and total fresh matter and dry root matter. Based on root length, it was possible to discriminate genotypes tolerant to water deficit. The cultivars BRS 7270 IPRO, TMG 2158 IPRO, UFUS Tikuna and UFU_P32 showed higher root length and stood out for dry root, fresh shoot and total fresh matter under water stress conditions and are indicated as promising parents in crosses.

Keywords

• Glycine max
• multivariate analysis
• polyethylene glycol
• water stress