This study sought to investigate the genotypic variability in F₁ and F₂ populations and inheritance of key agronomic traits in soybeans (Glycine max L.) derived from diverse parental genotypes. The F₁ hybrids exhibited considerable heterosis and dominance deviations, especially in cross combinations involving parental genotypes Ehtiyoj and To‘maris, which consistently cross several traits. In F₂ populations, transgressive segregation appeared frequently, indicating the presence of wide phenotypic diversity and polygenic inheritance. The highest heritability estimates (h² ≥ 0.91) and trait stability in cross combinations like Ehtiyoj × To‘maris and Nena × Ehtiyoj suggested their suitability as donor genotypes in soybean breeding programs. The coefficient of phenotypic variation (V%) ranged from 4.8% to 55.9%, observing the highest variability in the seed weight. The 1000-grain weight showed moderate to high genetic control. The results underline the importance of parental genotype selection in breeding and support the integration of high-performing hybrids into future improvement strategies of soybeans.
Soybean (G. max L.), F₁ hybrids, F₂ populations, heritability, phenotypic variability, transgressive segregation, agronomic traits
The soybean (G. max L.) F₂ populations showed wide phenotypic variation and high heritability for key agronomic traits. The populations Ehtiyoj × To‘maris and Nena × Ehtiyoj exhibited considerable inheritance for the seed number and weight, indicating valuable potential for selection and high-yielding soybean breeding programs.