Twenty-four genotypes of soybeans (
Glycine max
(L.) Merr) were grown in a randomized complete block experiment. Genotype and phenotypic correlation coefficients were calculated for 12 characters. Phenotypic correlation coefficients were generally lower than genotypic coefficients. While no character was phenotypically correlated with seed yield, days to maturity, nodulation, number of flowers per plant, height at harvest, shattering and 300-seed weight were genotypically correlated with seed yield. The genotypic correlation coefficients with seed yield of selected eight characters were partitioned into direct and indirect causes. Nodulation and number of flowers per plant had the largest positive direct effects on seed yield with largest indirect effect through height at flowering and reduction in nodulation, respectively. The study indicated that since no one character was absolutely important for seed yield, selection should be based on simultaneous consideration of various characters.
