Variability, correlation and path analysis for seed yield and yield related traits in common beans

Abstract

Ten common bean genotypes were used to study their performance, genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance, correlation and path analysis for yield and yield contributing characters viz., days to 50% flowering, plant height (cm), number of pods/plant, pod length (cm), number of seeds/pod, 100-seed weight (g) and seed yield (q/ha). Significant variations were observed for all the characters in all the genotypes used in the experiment. Highest genotypic and phenotypic variations were observed for plant height followed by No. of pods/ plant and pod length. Plant height, 100-seed weight and days to 50% flowering showed high heritability with high genetic advance. Seed yield was found to be positively correlated with days to 50% flowering, plant height and number of seeds/ pod. Path coefficient analysis revealed that days to 50% flowering, No. of pods/ plant, pod length and 100-seed weight showed positive direct effects on seed yield. Hence, selection for these traits for improving seed yield in French bean is suggested.