Character association and path analysis in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

The objective of this study was to estimate the correlation coefficients and carry out path analysis between seed yield, morphological traits and yield components. The experiments, in randomized complete blocks with three replications, were carried out in the counties of Iran (Broujerd agriculture and natural resources station, Lorestan province) in the 2008-2009 growing seasons. Ten common bean genotypes were assessed including advanced lines and commercial varieties. Results of combined analysis of variance revealed that the studied genotypes differed significantly for all of the traits. It could be concluded that environmental effects significantly affected the performance of the present bean genotypes. The results of path analysis indicated the number of pods per plant (Np) and 100 seed weight (Hs) were considered as the first-order variables among the various seed yield traits under in 2008. Hs and Lp were positively related with seed yield. The direct effect of these predictor variables on seed yield were 0.29 and 0.41, respectively. Seed yield was determined by the direct effect of seed length (Ls), 100 seed weight and pod length (Lp) as first?order variable in 2009 and the adjusted R square was 75%. Path coefficient analysis indicated that the traits number of pods per plant, 100 seed weight and seed length play major role in seed yield determination of common bean. Therefore, attention should be paid to these traits for augmentation of seed yield and these traits could be used as selection criteria in common bean breeding programs. These results reflect that the selection prospects within this genotype to improve the performance through breeding program.