Genetic Variation in the Methionine Levels of Mature Seeds of Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)1

Abstract

Abstract From 3600 bean cultivars, lines and single plant selections grown at Rancocas, New Jersey, in 1968, 82 were selected as having greater than 33% higher microbiologically available methionine in the mature seed than the ‘Sanilac’ standard. Of these, 63 again assayed more than 33% higher in 1969. Methionine levels varied more within lines of mixed lots than pure lines. A highly significant correlation existed between methionine levels in seed from 2 or 3 crop years. Commercial cultivars, regardless of the seed source, tended to have relatively uniform levels of available methionine. The level of methionine in mature seeds of the common bean is determined genetically and sufficient variation exists within the species to permit improvement through hybridization and selection.