Genetic control of inflorescence in common bean

Abstract

ABSTRACT. The number of pods per common bean plant is a primary component of grain yield, which depends on the number of flowers produced and on the flower set. Thus, a larger number of flowers per plant would increase yield. Lines with inflorescences that had a large number of flowers compared to common bean plants now under cultivation were identified. We analyzed the genetic control of this trait and its association with grain yield. The cultivar BRSMG Talismã was crossed with 2 lines, L.59583 and L.59692, which have a large number of flowers. The F 1 , F 2 , and F 3 generations were obtained. These generations were assessed together with the parents in a randomized block experimental design with 2 replications. The traits assessed included length of inflorescence, number of pods per inflorescence, number of pods per plant, number of grains per plant, 100-grain weight, and grain yield per plant. Mean genetic components and variance were estimated. The traits length of inflorescence and number of pods per inflorescence exhibited genetic control with predominance that showed an additive effect. In the 2 crosses, genetic control of grain yield and of its primary components showed that the allelic interaction of dominance was high. The wide variability in the traits assessed may be used to increase yield of the common bean plant by increasing the number of flowers on the plant.

Research Article Genetic control of number of flowers and pod set in common bean.

“…Several studies have reported the presence of genes with an additive effect, similar to those found in the present study (Takeda et al, 1991;Vizgarra et al, 1992;Silva et al, 2004;Moreto et al, 2007). However, there are reports that occurrence of dominance was also important in W (Chung and Stevenson, 1973;Foolad and Bassiri, 1983;Guilherme et al, 2014).…”

“…The number of pods per plant (X) in common bean is one of the most important components for initial yield, as already mentioned (Costa and Zimmermann, 1988;Zilio et al, 2011;Guilherme et al, 2014). The number of pods depends on the number of flowers produced (N) and the percentage of pod set (V).…”

“…Y . Z = W. The contribution of each of these primary components of production is variable; however, in numerous situations, the number of pods/plant has been shown to be the most important (Zilio et al, 2011;Guilherme et al, 2014).…”