Author(s): Orkhan Bayramli | Zeynal Akparov | Shader Alizadeh | Babak Shahmorad
Moghanloo
Published: Apr 15 2026
Keywords:
Keywords: soybean; Glycine max L. Merr.; genotype; yield components; pod length; cluster analysis;
genetic resources; Azerbaijan
ABSTRACT
This study provides a morphological and productivity analysis of 20 soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.)
genotypes maintained in the Azerbaijani Genetic Resources collection (AZGR), with emphasis on the
relationships between plant development characteristics and yield components. The 20 genotypes
originated from Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Turkey, Canada, and Australia and were evaluated at the
Saray Support Point, Institute of Genetic Resources, during 2024–2025. A hierarchical cluster
analysis was performed using PAST v4.16 software (Hammer et al., 2001) based on predetermined
morphological and yield-related criteria. Three distinct genetic clusters were identified. Cluster
I (9 genotypes, including Kanata and Gen-8) was distinguished by the longest pod length and
highest pod number per plant. Cluster II comprised predominantly Uzbek genotypes, further
divided into two sub-clusters. Cluster III included genotypes with intermediate morphological
profiles most similar to the Australian (Anjelica) and Kyota accessions in productivity metrics. The
results demonstrate that genotype origin and genetic background significantly influence key yield
components and provide a practical basis for targeted selection in soybean breeding programmes
aimed at improving productivity under Azerbaijani agro-ecological conditions