In order to genetically evaluate Iranian Soybean Collection (conserved in the seed and Plant Improvement Institute) 400 soybean genotypes (Glycin max) were studied in a simple lattice design using two replications. Sixteen traits including seed yield.,
100-seed weight, days to podding, days to maturity, plant height, first pod height, number of branches per plant, number of nodes in main stem, diameter of main stem, number of pods in main stem, number of pods in branches, number of seed in main stemspod, number of seeds in branches pod, percent of oil and protein on 400 genotypes in replications were recorded. Analysis of variance showed highly significant differences between the studied genotypes in all traits. Applying UPGMA method of cluster analysis for grouping and studing the pattern of genetic diversity, on the studied traits, ten groups or clusters were obtained (groups 9 and] 0 contained] genotype). To determine the maturity groups of these genotypes, cluster analysis was held for traits such as days to flowering, podding and maturity. Finally seven groups
were obtained (group 7 contained] genotype). The discriminate functions for 10 .
groups (obtained by cluster analysis)were also formulated. Nine functions described 100% of variance between genotypes. First and second functions explained about 73% of variations. The most important characters in distinguishing these groups were yield, and 100 seed weight. Also, discriminate functions for maturity groups were obtained. Three functions explained ]00% of variance. The first function described about 93.7% of variation and traits such as days to flowering and days to maturity were the most important ones in their related functions.
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