Influence of environment on soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] resistance to groundnut leaf miner, Aproaerema modicella (Deventer) in Uganda

Groundnut leaf miner (GLM) [Aproaerema modicella (Deventer)] is a serious problem for soybean cultivation in Uganda causing yield losses of up to 100%. The use of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] cultivars resistant to GLM attack is an important strategy in the integrated pest management program. The aim of this study was to determine the environment × genotype interaction influence on the soybean resistance traits to GLM attack. Eighteen soybean genotypes were evaluated for resistance to GLM attack. The experiment was set up using randomized complete block design replicated three times under natural pest infestation in Budaka (Eastern) and Arua (Northern) districts in Uganda. Data were subjected to analysis of variance, Pearson’s phenotypic correlation and cluster analysis. Highly significant (p < 0.001) differences among the genotypes were recorded for all the studied traits, except the number of pupae per plant which was significant (p < 0.05). GLM incidence and severity had significant negative correlations with rainfall and relative humidity. However, there were significant positive correlations between minimum temperature and GLM incidence as well as severity for most of the genotypes. Soybean genotypes VI046160 and VI046167 could be used as parents in breeding for resistance to GLM pest. Areas with high rainfall and humidity would be recommended for soybean production to minimize infestation by GLM.