Best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP)-based models aided in selection of high yielding charcoal rot and yellow mosaic resistant soybean genotypes

Soybean in India is facing many production challenges in the form of biotic and abiotic stresses. Among biotic stresses, yellow mosaic disease (YMD) and charcoal rot disease are causing significant yield losses. Current study was undertaken to identify promising genotypes for yellow mosaic and charcoal rot diseases and higher yield under high disease pressure. A total of 78 genotypes were screened for resistance against yellow mosaic and charcoal rot diseases, and grain yield under sick plot conditions over three years (2021, 2022 and 2023). In addition, these genotypes were also evaluated for seedling charcoal rot resistance through artificial inoculation. Genotypes JS 94–67, EC 34372, JS 21–78, JS 21–73, JS 21–05 and PS 1024 were found to be promising donors for yellow mosaic disease, while JS 22–18, JS 22–12 and JS 21–05 showed stable field resistance against charcoal rot disease. Through artificial inoculation for charcoal rot resistance, least area under disease progress curve (AUDPC) was found in JS 22–10 followed by PS 1613, JS 22–12, JS 22–16, JS 2–05, JS 22–15, JS 22–18 and KDS 1073. Two genotypes, JS 94–67 and JS 21–05 were found to be superior resistance donors for both diseases, while JS 22–10 and PS 1613 were found to be the best resistance sources for seedling charcoal rot disease. JS 21–13 was the only genotype selected for YMD and charcoal rot resistance and grain yield based on three multi-trait selection indices viz., Multi-Trait Stability Index (MTSI), Multitrait Genotype-Ideotype Distance Index (MGIDI) and Factor analysis and genotype-ideotype distance (FAI BLUP). Genotypes identified for different traits will be used as parents in developing high-yielding, yellow mosaic and charcoal rot resistant wider adaptable cultivars to sustain soybean production in India.