Genetic parameters in relation to the physiological quality of common bean seeds
Lourenço Viana de Souza, Magno Antonio Patto Ramalho and Édila Vilela de Resende Von Pinho
Bean breeders evaluate the water uptake (WU) capacity of lines with the aim of identifying those with the shortest cooking time. There is no information on the most likely effect of the selection for WU in the expression of traits related to germination. To obtain information in this respect, F2:4 families of crosses between the lines CI-107 with Carioca 80 and Amarelinho were evaluated in relation to WU, germination speed index (GSI), and emergence speed index (ESI). The genetic variance was greatest in cross CI-107 x Amarelinho. The estimate of heritability for ESI was similar in both crosses and inferior to the one obtained for WU. The correlated responses in ESI to the selection practiced in WU were particularly expressive in seeds stored for 6 months. Accordingly, a selection aiming at the identification of lines with shorter cooking time should additionally contribute to a better seed germination and emergence.