Genetic Variability, Character Association and Path Coefficient Analysis in French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Genotypes of Nagaland

Abstract

Genetic variability, correlation and path coefficient analysis was studied in twenty French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) genotypes of Nagaland for grain yield and its attributing characters. The analysis of variance revealed significant differences among the genotypes for all the characters studied indicating a high degree of variability in the material. The highest PCV and GCV were recorded for plant height at maturity, 100 seed weight, yield per plant, protein content, pods per plant and seeds per pod indicating the presence of ample variation for these traits in the present material. In the present study high estimates of heritability and genetic advance as percent of mean were obtained for plant height at maturity, 100 seed weight, yield per plant, protein content, pods per plant, seeds per pod and pod length. Thus, selection of these traits is likely to accumulate more additive genes leading to further improvement of their performance and these traits may be used as selection criteria in French bean breeding program. The grain yield exhibited significant positive correlation with 100 seed weight indicating relative utility of this trait for selection. 100 seed weight exerted maximum positive direct effect and exhibited significant positive correlation with yield indicating a true relationship among the traits.