Review Article
Review on Genetic Variability Studies of Soybean (Glycine Max L.) in Ethiopia: Challenges and Opportunities
Mohammed Tesiso Gemeda*
,
Essubalew Getachew Seyum,
Ashebir Seyoum Feyisa,
Seada Habib Abadiga
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 3, September 2026
Pages:
111-122
Received:
3 September 2026
Accepted:
14 September 2026
Published:
29 September 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.sdplants.20260103.11
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Abstract: Soybeans represent a major oilseed and protein crop in Ethiopia, contributing substantially to food security, income generation, and soil fertility improvement. Optimal production relies on refined cultivation practices, including effective land preparation, appropriate plant spacing, and timely weed management, all of which maximize genetic yield potential. Genetic variability remains essential for crop improvement and breeding initiatives. However, the efficiency of soybean breeding in Ethiopia is constrained by several factors, including limited application of molecular breeding techniques, a narrow genetic base of germplasm, environmental variability, and inadequate research infrastructure. Opportunities exist to advance soybean improvement through the adoption of modern genomic tools such as marker-assisted selection and genomic selection, expansion of multi-environment trials, and participatory plant breeding strategies. This review synthesizes findings from genetic variability studies conducted in Ethiopia over the past decade, with a focus on parameters such as genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation, heritability, genetic advance, and trait associations. The evidence consistently demonstrates significant variability among soybean genotypes across diverse agro-ecological zones. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance for yield-related traits indicates the predominance of additive gene action, facilitating effective selection. Persistent challenges include limited molecular breeding, environmental variability, and a restricted genetic base. While Ethiopia has begun to implement Marker-Assisted Selection (MAS), integration of multi-omics data and high-throughput phenomics remains limited. There is considerable potential to modernize the sector by adopting precision breeding approaches, emphasizing climate resilient ideotypes and industrial quality traits, such as reduced anti-nutritional factors, which are currently under represented in the national research agenda.
Abstract: Soybeans represent a major oilseed and protein crop in Ethiopia, contributing substantially to food security, income generation, and soil fertility improvement. Optimal production relies on refined cultivation practices, including effective land preparation, appropriate plant spacing, and timely weed management, all of which maximize genetic yield ...
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Research Article
Pre-basic Seed Multiplication and Evaluation of Improved Soybean Varieties on Seed Quality and Seed Yield at Gobu Sayo District of Western Oromia, Ethiopia
Megersa Debele*,
Belay Teressa
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 3, September 2026
Pages:
123-130
Received:
15 September 2026
Accepted:
28 September 2026
Published:
21 October 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.sdplants.20260103.12
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Abstract: One of the most significant sources of vegetable oil in the global economy has been soybeans. An essential component of increasing crop yield and output is seed. Improving seed quality is one of the most cost-effective and efficient inputs for agricultural development because it can significantly boost the crop's potential output. The Bako Agricultural Research Center carried out the seed multiplication during the cropping seasons of 2024, 2025, and 2026. Five Soya bean varieties, Bilo, Gute, Korme, Dhidhesa and kata were multiplied. Seed rate was used 60 kg ha-1 and spacing was used 40 cm between rows. The maximum yield (1766.7kg/ ha), were recorded for Bilo varieties and the minimum yield (1126.6 kg/ ha) was recorded from kata variety. Bilo variety is maximum thousand seed weight because of large seed size when compere to other varieties. The average yield of soybean in the study area was 1401.44 kilo gram per hectare which showed very satisfactory in respect to average yield. Over all, on an average the cost of cultivation per hectare of soybean was found to be a 98700 per hectare. The overall gross return and net return was found to be 208114.94ETBirr and 109414.94ETBirr respectively and the overall Benefit cost ratio was observed 1.108.
Abstract: One of the most significant sources of vegetable oil in the global economy has been soybeans. An essential component of increasing crop yield and output is seed. Improving seed quality is one of the most cost-effective and efficient inputs for agricultural development because it can significantly boost the crop's potential output. The Bako Agricult...
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