Yield Performance of Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) Genotypes under Rust Infestation Field

Abstract

Soybean is an important cash and food crop cultivated throughout the tropics and sub-tropics. In Ghana, the crop is mostly cultivated in all regions of the country; however major production areas are the three northern regions. Soybean yields in Sub-Saharan Africa can be affected by a numerous constraints. This study was conducted to find the yields potentials of genotypes under rust infestation field caused by Phakopsora pachyrhizi (H. Sydow and Sydow), an obligate biotrophic fungus. Soybean genotypes used were thirty four, consisting of 32 breeding lines and two local varieties. Grain yield (t/ha) of the genotypes did vary significantly (p < 0.05). The yield potential of the genotypes evaluated ranged from 0.9 - 2.6 t/ha with the mean yield as 1.62 t/ha with lowest yields recorded by genotypes TGx1909-3F, SIT-M TGx1990-67F, SIT-M TGx1990-97F, SIT-M TGx1990-45F; and the highest by genotypes SIT-M TGx1989-45F.