Understanding of G × E interactions of yield attributes in soybean MAGIC population and characterization for charcoal rot resistance.

Multi‐parent advanced generation inter‐cross (MAGIC) populations have been developed and utilized in crop improvement programs in several economically important crops. In the current study, soybean (Glycine max L.) MAGIC population was evaluated at four locations to identify stable and high‐yielding MAGIC RILs (recombinant inbred lines) and to understand the genotype and environmental interaction for grain yield and attributing traits. For different traits under study, pooled analysis of variance indicated the significant genotype × environmental interactions at p < 0.01. RILs such as G236, G455, G159, G493, and G488 found ideal for grain yield across the four environments. Through multi‐trait genotype‐ideotype distance index ideotype‐MAGIC RILs have been identified for each location. Significant positive correlation of grain yield with pods per plant, 100‐seed weight, plant height, number of nodes per plant, and branches per plant has been identified. Under field conditions, screening of F2:3 generation of MAGIC population revealed that only 59 progenies exhibited adult plant resistance for charcoal rot disease (caused by Macrophomina phaseolina). Although under controlled conditions parental genotypes EC 572136 and EC 572109 found to be partially resistant with least mean necrosis length, MAGIC RILs (F2:8) showed variable reaction. Thus, the study established diverse genetic resources useful for both mapping and varietal development program. Core Ideas: The study on G × E interactions identified number of ideal genotypes performing better across the four locations.These genotypes were valuable resources for direct release as varieties or large‐scale testing under All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) trials.Charcoal rot screening revealed significant variation for the mapping studies in the population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]