Evaluation of soybean varieties for seed yield and pod shattering resistance in Minna, Niger state

Abstract

Seed yield and pod shattering resistance are of great value to soybean producers. Consequently, twenty-six soybean varieties were evaluated for seed yield and pod shattering resistance. This was conducted in Minna, Niger state during 2019 and 2020 cropping seasons. In each year, the experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. After harvest, pod shattering evaluation was done using the sun-dry method. Data on seed yield and pod shattering were collected and analyzed using analysis of variance. Out of 26 varieties, 2 (NCRI SOYAC77 and NCRI SOYAC78) were identified to produce high yield; two (NCRI SOYAC77 and NCRI SOYAC76) had best resistance to pod shattering. Therefore, NCRI SOYAC77 is the only variety with outstanding high yield and resistance to pod shattering and is recommended for large scale soybean production in order to ensure adequate production and food security.