Appraisal of Variability Across Soybean Genotypes Based on Qualitative Traits

Soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merrill) is a worldwide substantial legume crop esteemed for its nutritional richness, agronomic resourcefulness and wide adaptableness. The objective of this study was to evaluate the genetic description among soybean genotypes using a set of defined qualitative traits conducted during the Kharif 2023 at the Experimental Farm, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, RVSKVV, Gwalior, M.P., India. A total 92 diverse soybean genotypes were grown in a randomized block design with two replications. Qualitative traits following DUS guidelines viz., plant growth type, leaf shape and colour, flower and pod characteristics, seed morphology and hilum colour were investigated from representative plants. Significant phenotypic variation was observed among genotypes. Plant growth type included determinate (41), semi-determinate (27) and indeterminate (24) types. Leaf shape was predominantly pointed ovate (62 genotypes), tracked by rounded ovate (20) and lanceolate (10). Foliage colour varied between light (43) and dark green (49). Flower colour was nearly evenly split between white (42) and purple (50). Pod pubescence was absent in 52 genotypes and present in 40, with brown being the predominant pubescence colour. Seed characteristics exhibited broad diversity in shape, size, color, luster, and hilum pigmentation, highlighting valuable morphological markers for genotype classification. These findings indicated presence of substantial qualitative trait variability, which is crucial for parental selection, varietal identification and genetic improvement programmes. Future research integrating molecular tools with phenotypic data will facilitate the development of high-yielding, stress-tolerant and nutritionally superior soybean cultivars, contributing to sustainable agriculture and food security.