Abstract
Six seed characteristics, in a diverse sample of 23 soya bean [Glycine max (L.). Merr.] genotypes, were subjected to correlation and multiple regression analysis. Seed longevity was found to be significantly and positively correlated (r = 0.68) with hull percentage (100 × (seed coat weight/seed weight)] whereas it was significantly but negatively correlated with seed weight, seed volume, and seed coat weight. Path-analysis revealed that the seed coat weight had he maximum direct effect towards seed longevity followed by hull percentage. Through stepwise regression analyses, a subset consisting of hull percentage and seed weight was selected for prediction of seed longevity. Hull percentage emerged as the most important determinant of seed longevity in soya bean and could serve as a selection criterion in breeding programmes.
