Twenty-four genotypes of soybeans ( Glycine max (L.) Merr) were grown
in a randomized complete block experiment. Genotype and phenotypic
correlation coefficients were calculated for 12 characters. Phenotypic
correlation coefficients were generally lower than genotypic
coefficients. While no character was phenotypically correlated with
seed yield, days to maturity, nodulation, number of flowers per plant,
height at harvest, shattering and 300-seed weight were genotypically
correlated with seed yield. The genotypic correlation coefficients with
seed yield of selected eight characters were partitioned into direct
and indirect causes. Nodulation and number of flowers per plant had the
largest positive direct effects on seed yield with largest indirect
effect through height at flowering and reduction in nodulation,
respectively. The study indicated that since no one character was
absolutely important for seed yield, selection should be based on
simultaneous consideration of various characters