Evaluation of agro-morphological traits of Chitti bean lines using multivariate analyses

Improving knowledge on the relationships between agro-morphological traits in Chitti bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) will contribute to identifying key traits affecting grain yield for use in bean breeding programs. A field experiment was conducted using an augmented design consisting of 116 breeding lines and three checks (Sadri, Kousha, Khomein local). Statistical analysis showed that grain yield and seeds per plant had the largest variations. Regression analysis showed that days to emergence of the first trifoliate leaf (V3), seeds per pod, and plant height, explained more than 39 percent of the variation in grain yield. Path analysis indicated a high negative direct effect of V3 and a positive direct effect of seeds per pod on grain yield. Cluster analysis helped to classify all genotypes into four distinct groups. From the genotypes studied, 38 superior genotypes were selected, which can be used in the breeding programs of Chitti bean Also, number of days to emergence of the first trifoliate leaf and the number of seeds per pod were identified as traits useful to consider in bean breeding programs aiming at improving the grain yield of Chitti beans.