Biofortification of Soybean Genotypes: A Selection Approach Based On EDXRF, UPLC, and Grain Yield Analyses

Selecting soybean genotypes for biofortification requires joint assessment of grain composition and yield. This study aimed to identify genotypes combining nutritional traits with agronomic performance. Thirty-two soybean genotypes were evaluated during the 2021/22 and 2022/23 growing seasons. Grain yield, mineral composition by EDXRF, and 17 amino acids by UPLC were evaluated using analysis of variance, principal component analysis, and Pearson correlations. G9 had Ni, Fe, Zn, Co, and Si concentrations 1%, 4%, 1.6%, 7%, and 58% higher, respectively, than the mean of the other genotypes. G3 belonged to the highest mean comparison group for seven amino acids, including arginine, isoleucine, and leucine, with concentrations of 345.51, 126.60, and 122.58 mg/100 g, respectively. Its grain yield exceeded the mean of the other 31 genotypes by 54.4%. G4 had the highest lysine concentration, at 877.70 mg/100 g, whereas G9 had the highest methionine concentration, at 337.43 mg/100 g. Principal component analysis associated mineral concentrations, lysine, and aspartic acid with 2022/23 and grain yield with 2021/22. Correlations among amino acids were generally stronger in 2021/22. These findings identify G9 as a candidate for mineral enrichment and G3 as a candidate for combining amino acid composition with grain yield. Joint evaluation of these traits can support soybean breeding for nutritional quality and productivity while accounting for seasonal variation. Integrating micronutrient, amino acid, and grain yield analyses to select the soybean genotypes. Variability among soybean genotypes to combine superior nutritional quality with high agronomic performance. Select soybean genotypes to characterize high micronutrient contents using XRF and UPLC. Demonstrate the genotypes capable to combine nutritional quality with yield efficiency. Biofortification of soybean genotypes to develop more nutritious cultivars adapted to varying environmental conditions.