Genetic control of soybean seed quality using partial diallel

Abstract: The selection of soybean genotypes with seeds of high physiological quality is key to increasing the likelihood of establishment and success in the field and thus reaping higher yields. The aim of this study was to evaluate the genetic control of the physiological quality of soybean seeds from a partial diallel cross. Six previously selected soybean cultivars, group 1 (CD 201, CA 115, MS 8400) and group 2 (CD 202, Syn 1263, Syn 1279), were intercrossed by a partial diallel cross, totalizing 24 treatments. Seeds from these cultivars and crosses were evaluated for seed physiological quality based on germination tests, first germination count, accelerated aging, seedlings emergence, and emergence speed index. The lignin content in the soybean seed coat was evaluated. The effects on general and specific combining ability and reciprocal effects were analyzed. There were significant additive and non-additive effects of the genes on the seed quality traits and pronounced effects on the reciprocal traits, which suggest the presence of a maternal effect. Lignin content was not correlated with the physiological test results in the studied genotypes.