Estimation of the adaptability of domestically bred soybean varieties in the Kursk region

Abstract

The current paper has presented the results of the study conducted during a stationary field trial at the Kursk FARC in 2023–2025. The purpose of the study was to select the most promising soybean varieties of Russian breeding for the Kursk region, based on an estimation of environmental adaptability, grain productivity and quality. There have been studied sixteen soybean varieties from three breeding centers. The plasticity and stability of the varieties were calculated using the methodology of Eberhart S.A. and Russell W.A. There has been found that favorable conditions for soybean cultivation developed in 2023, as the environmental index value was positive. In 2024 and 2025, the environmental index values were negative, which characterized them as unfavorable for the crop. The variety Bara had the lowest ecological adaptability (bi=0.52). The varieties Elana (bi=0.99) and Sarita (bi=1.02) fully complied with the growing conditions. The variety Aleksa demonstrated the highest ecological adaptability (bi=1.51). The varieties Bara, Sarita, Osmon, Farta, and Elana demonstrated high ecological stability values, ranging from 0.003 to 0.006 units. Valuable varieties with an agronomic stability coefficient of over 70 % were Bara, Sarita, Doka, Vita, Osmon, Artika, Farta, and Avanta. According to homeostasis, the most valuable varieties for breeding were Bara, Avanta, and Farta. The largest productivity was demonstrated by the varieties Sarita (3.01 t/ha), Unika (3.10 t/ha), Avrora (3.12 t/ha), and Aleksa (3.16 t/ha). Due to the estimation of adaptability of soybean varieties cultivated in the Kursk region, there have been identified the varieties Sarita, Osmon and Aleksa, which are characterized by a combination of high ecological adaptability and stability, agronomic value, stable productivity, and grain quality