Influence of Drought Stress on Growth and Yield of Soybean (Glycine max L.) Genotypes in Northern Ghana

Abstract

Studies on induced mutation were conducted and the results indicated that stable, but desirable soybean mutant genotypes with improved agronomic traits have been produced. A series of evaluations of these mutant genotypes had earlier on been carried out and high-yielding ones such as 150, 200, 250, and 300 Gy have been identified. In the present study, the above genotypes were planted together with an improved variety, Jenguma (standard check), to evaluate them for drought tolerance. Pot and field experiments were conducted in the dry and wet seasons of the year 2020, using factorial experiments in RCBD at Nyankpala in the Guinea Savannah agroecological zone of Ghana. In the pot experiment, 150, 120, 90, and 60 mL/day of water was applied, whilst two different planting date regimes were involved in the field study. Data on growth, yield parameters, as well as water use efficiency were taken for statistical analysis using Genstat statistical package edition 12. From the two experiments, the 150, 200, and 250 Gy mutants performed better (relative to 300 and Jenguma) in terms of grain yield, yield components, and growth parameters. These mutants also performed comparatively better in terms of reduced pod shattering. From the study, the mutants 150, 200, and 250 Gy were found to be tolerant to drought.