Genetic control of zinc and iron concentration in common bean seeds

Abstract

The objective of this study was to obtain information regarding genetic control of zinc and iron levels in common bean seeds. For that purpose, four lines with high iron and zinc concentration and four with low concentration were crossed in a partial diallel design. Hybridizations were carried out in a greenhouse, as well as obtaining F1, reciprocal F1 and F2 generations. The data obtained were submitted to analysis of variance for each generation. To verify the occurrence of maternal effects, the possible contrasts between parents and F1 and reciprocal F1 generations were tested for each cross. It was observed that an expressive part of the variation in zinc and iron concentrations among the lines used is due to the seed coat. In the case of zinc, the additive allelic interaction alone explained the variation. For iron, the occurrence of dominance is also important. Key words: Phaseolus vulgaris L., maternal effect, combining ability, allelic interaction, nutritional quality.