Multivariate techniques were used to evaluate the genetic divergence among genotypes of common bean, aiming to identify segregating populations with large genetic variability. The multivariate techniques used were: the average Euclidean distance based on standardized variables (d e), on scores of the three first canonical variables (d vc), on scores of the first three principal components (d cp), on the first three factor loads (d ft), and the Mahalanobis generalized distance (D²). Twelve common bean genotypes were used (Aporé, H-4-7, PF-9029975, CI-128, Carioca MG, CI-21, Carioca 300V, Ouro Negro, A-285 Rudá, ESAL 693, Pérola e IAC Carioca Aruã), and evaluated in four seasons (Jul-Nov/97, Nov/97-Feb/98, Feb-Jun/98 and Jul-Nov/98), based on ten morpho-agronomic traits. A randomized block design with three replications was utilized. The multivariate techniques showed similar results mainly for identifing the more divergent genotypes. Among them, ESAL 693 and Ouro Negro were genetically different between themselves and among the other genotypes. PF-9029975 and Carioca MG were genetically similar, although different of other genotypes according to average Euclidean procedures. It should be pointed out that Aporé genotype was divergent of Pérola genotype, although the last one is a selected line in the Aporé. Therefore, all of those genetically divergent genotypes are promissing to cross for obtaining higher segregating populations, specially ESAL 693 with the others that have a carioca grain type. A resonable correspondence was found in the identification of traits with smallest contribution to genetic diversity.
morpho-agronomic traits; Euclidean distance; canonical variables; principal components; factorial; Mahalanobis (D²) generalized distance
