SEASONAL AND CULTIVAR EFFECTS ON NODULATION POTENTIAL OF SOYBEANS

Abstract

Indigenous land races of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) have great potential for seed quality and grain yield. However information on its nodulation potential are limited. The objective of the present study was to explore its nodulation potential in comparison with improved varieties. Three indigenous land races, viz., Kulat brown, Kulat white and Mothi and two improved varieties (NARC-II, Swat-84) of soybean were planted at monthly interval from April to July in 2004 and 2005 growing season at K.P.K Agricultural University, Peshawar, Pakistan. The number and fresh biomass weight of nodules plant-1 was determined. The two years average of nodules plant-1was significantly affected by years, planting dates, varieties and planting dates x varieties interaction. Maximum nodules number (24.3 plant-1) was recorded for May planted crop. The smallest number of nodules (7 plant-1) were produced by April planted crop. Kulat brown produced maximum nodules (18.4 plant-1). Land races produced greater number of nodules than improved varieties. Nodules plant-1decreased when planting was delayed from May to July. Maximum nodules weight (53.2 mg plant-1) was recorded for May planted crop. Years, varieties and planting dates x varieties interaction did not affect nodules weight plant-1. Land races exhibited greater nodulation potential than improved varieties.