Multi‐environment trials and participatory validation identify soybean genotypes with mechanized harvest‐enabling traits in Ghana

Abstract

Abstract Soybean ( Glycine max [L.] Merr.) harvesting in Ghana is predominantly manual, and labor shortages frequently delay harvest beyond physiological maturity, exacerbating shattering losses. Mechanization could mitigate these losses, but effective combine harvesting requires cultivars with elevated first pod height (FPH) to minimize header losses. Twenty soybean genotypes were screened across three environments (2022–2023), from which three early‐maturing candidate varieties (ENT1, ENT3, and ENT4 where ENT is Experimental Entry [Candidate Variety Code]) were advanced into a six‐environment validation trial (2024). Genotype performance was evaluated using analysis of variance and genotype + genotype × environment (GGE) biplots, while participatory varietal selection (PVS), proximate analysis, sensory evaluation, and benefit‐cost analysis were employed to assess farmer preference, end‐use quality, and economic viability for adoption. Genotypic differences were highly significant ( p ≤ 0.001) for FPH and grain yield (GY) in both screening and validation trials. Genotype × environment interactions were nonsignificant for all traits in the validation trials, confirming success in selection. The candidate varieties exhibited FPH > 15 cm and GY of ∼2686–2778 kg ha −1 , representing a 60%–66% yield advantage over the check (FPH = 4.5 cm; GY = ∼1678 kg ha −1 ). GGE biplot analysis supported ENT3 and ENT4 as high‐performing and stable, with ENT4 ranking highest under PVS involving 540 farmers. Candidate varieties matched the checks for protein and oil concentrations and maintained acceptability for soy milk and tofu. Benefit‐cost ratios were higher for the candidate varieties (1.60–1.64) than the check (0.98), confirming economic viability. These results support ENT1, ENT3, and ENT4 as promising candidate varieties possessing mechanized harvest‐enabling traits for future on‐farm combine‐harvest validation in Ghana.