Selection of Advanced Soybean Lines in Dry Conditions Using Stability Methods

To identify soybean with higher grain yield and stability in low water regions of the country, 14 superior soybean lines along with two control lines (Saba, Kowsar) were evaluated in two separate experiments in a randomized complete block design with three replications in two years 2015-16 in Karaj. In this study, both experiments were similarly irrigated until seedling establishment and the emergence of stage V4-V5, which coincided with the full development of the fourth to fifth leaflets. After that, in the first and second experiments, were irrigated every week and every other week, respectively. At the end of two years, the stability of the lines was evaluated by 16 stability methods and a three-dimensional graph of mean grain yield, rank and rank variance of stability statistics were investigated. The results of combined analysis of variance showed that the line effect and the interactions of year by stress, year in line and year by stress in the evaluated line were significant and lines G1, G3, and G2 had the lowest average of sum stability statistics (Ar) and standard deviation of rankings (SD) and had been higher yield than average yield and control regions cultivars of Kowsar and Saba and were identified as stable lines. Therefore, these lines can be selected and introduced as a high yield and sustainable cultivar for cultivation in low water areas.