Selection of lima bean accessions for fresh and dry production¹

Seleção de acessos de feijão-fava nos estádios verde e seco

HIGHLIGHTS:

There is genetic variability in bean germplasm for production components.

Lima bean accessions should be selected independently for fresh and dry lima bean production.

Dry lima beans showed an inverse relationship between the traits associated with pod production and number of pods.

ABSTRACT

The selection of lima bean accessions in the fresh and dry stages is an excellent tool to increase crop yield in Brazil and ensure a source of vegetable protein for the population. Principal component analysis and nonparametric indices can be used to identify promising accessions based on the desired agronomic variables. The aim of the present study was to select accessions from traditional lima bean varieties in the fresh and dry stages using principal component analysis and nonparametric selection indices. The experiment consisted of a randomized block design, evaluating 13 treatments in four replicates. The experimental plot contained 20 plants in its study area. The first two principal components for the two stages explained more than 80% of the variation found among the accessions. The Mulamba & Mock and Genotype-Ideotype selection indices were efficient in classifying promising varieties for breeding programs. The UFPI 1111 accession can be used in fresh lima bean production, and its UFPI 1248 and 1294 counterparts in lima bean breeding programs.

Key words:
Phaseolus lunatus L.; heirloom varieties; breeding programs