Genetic Analysis of Seed Morphological Traits and its Correlations with Grain Yield in Common Bean

This work investigated the genetic control of seed morphological traits and its correlations with grain yield in common bean. Three crossings among bean cultivars with different growth habit and seed characteristics were analyzed. F1 progenies gave origin to F2, RC1P1F1 and RC1P2F1 generations. Random samples of seeds from F2 generations and parents, F1 and backcrossings were sown during the season 2003/2004. Plant grain yield and seed morphological traits were determined by a sample of 150 plants from F2 generations and 20 plants from parents, F1 and backcrosssings. Genetic effects involved in each crossing were obtained from estimates of genetic components means and genetic and environmental components of phenotypical variance. Results showed that the seed morphological traits were controlled by a complex of genes, with additive effects predominance although dominance effects were present. High and negative correlations among seed length and thickness with grain yield suggested greater grain yield in bean plants with smaller seeds