Genetic variability in Ethiopian faba bean (Vicia faba L.) accessions

Abstract

Knowledge on genetic variability in faba bean (Vicia faba L.) is crucial to enhance its production and productivity. However, there has been very limited information on variability of Ethiopian faba bean accessions. Therefore, the present study was conducted to evaluate the phenotypic and genotypic variability, heritability and genetic advance of yield and associated traits in Mecha district during 2019 main cropping season. A total of 81 faba bean accessions were evaluated using 9 × 9 simple lattice design. Data were collected for 14 quantitative and three qualitative traits. The result of analysis of variance showed highly significant (p < 0.01) differences among accessions for all quantitative traits except days to maturity and number of seeds per pod. High phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation was observed for hundred-seed weight (24.02 and 20.29), biomass yield (27.25 and 25.35), harvest index (30.06 and 26.67), grain yield (31.32 and 30.77), number of branches per plant (36.81 and 27.52), number of pods per plant (43.66 and 37.600), and for scores for diseases like ascochyta blight (46.17 and 45.64), chocolate spot (50.1 and 47.9), and rust (66.03 and 64.43), indicating the presence of ample variability residing within the accessions; as a result, these traits could be improved through direct selection. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was observed for hundred-seed weight, harvest index, number of pods per plant, grain yield, biomass yield, and disease-related traits, indicating the importance of genetic variance for the expression of these traits, and these traits could easily be improved through direct selection.