Elite Lines of Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) are Showing Diversity for Yield Promoting Traits

Abstract

Twelve elite lines of common bean were evaluated to identify diversity for morphological traits under rainfed conditions of Rawalakot, Azad Kashmir. The elite lines were found statistically different for the parameters under study. The elite line G-3990 produced highest grain yield per plant (23.45g) while lowest yield was recorded in NKB-1 (0.871g). G-3990 could be released as a variety in the mountainous regions for example in Azad Kashmir. Cluster analysis based on metric traits showed that the elite lines G-4258 and G-3661 having moderate grain yield per plant and 100-seed weight were grouped in same cluster. These lines could be utilized for the common bean improvement programme through breeding and hybridization. High heritability and genetic advance was estimated for 100-seed weight which indicated preponderance of additive genetic effects. For grain yield per plant, days to maturity and days to flowering the heritability estimates were moderate. It indicated a possible involvement of non-additive genes in their regulation.