Environmental effects on yield and agronomic traits of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgar is L.) demand is increasing with an alarming rate around the world, especially in Latin America, Africa, and Asia. Therefore, increased bean yield per hectare i.s the best way to meet the world demand rather than expansion of area under cultivation. The objectives of this experiment were to determine the genotypic variations for green bean and dry seed yield and magnitude of genotype x environment interaction effects on yield and yield components of common bean. Thirteen genotypes were planted during the 1992, 1994, and 1995 growing seasons. Genotypes were evaluated for green pod and seed yield and yield components at R7 and R9 growth stages. Years differed significantly for all recorded parameters at both R 7 and R9 stages. Genotypes and genotype x year interaction were also differed significantly for most measured parameters at both stages. The genotype Eagle showed the highest green pod yield, while Branco and Blue Ridge ranked second and third, respectively when averaged over the three years. Number of pods plant-, hundred pod weight and pod length were positively and significantly correlated with green pod yield. Number of pods planf showed the highest correlation (r = 0.61 **) with green pod yield. All the recorded parameters were positively significantly correlated with dry seed yield. Plant height was negative!( correlated with seed size, number of seeds planf 1 and seed weight plant . Number of pods planf 1 was positively correlated (r = 0.51 **) and seed size exhibited highest correlation value (r = 0 .48**) with seed yield. Seed size and number of pods plant -I can be effectively used for indirect selection of green pod yield and dry seed yield of common bean.