Studies on genetic variability components and character association of french bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) for growth, yield and quality attributes under the Gangetic alluvial plains of West Bengal

Abstract

Twelve genotypes of bush type french bean were evaluated to study the genetic variability, correlation and path analysis for twenty- three yield and yield contributing parameters. Significant differences were observed among all the genotypes. Both GCV and PCV corresponded closely for all the characters which indicate low environmental influence. Higher phenotypic and genotypic co-efficient of variability were observed for leaf fresh weight, leaf dry weight, pod weight, ascorbic acid, total chlorophyll, reducing sugar, total sugar and pod protein. Characters like primary branches/plant (no.), leaf fresh weight (g), leaf dry weight (g), flowers/Inflorescence (no.), pod set/Inflorescence (no.), pods/plant (no.), pod girth (cm), pod weight (g), ascorbic acid (mg/100g), total chlorophyll (mg/100g), reducing sugar (%), total sugar (%), pod protein (mg/100g) and green pod yield/plant (g) exhibited high heritability coupled with high genetic advance as percent over mean indicating the presence of additive gene action and thus selection based on phenotypic performance may prove useful. Pod weight and pods/plant exhibited high positive significant correlation with green pod yield/plant as well as high positive direct effect on green pod yield/plant. Hence, these traits can be directly considered for yield improvement programme in french bean.