Genetic parameters of agronomic and nutritional traits of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) populations with biofortified grains

The objective of this study was to estimate genetic parameters for agronomic and nutritional traits in four common bean populations with biofortified grains for minerals, and to identify the superior population for these traits. Thus, four common bean populations were obtained by controlled crossings between parents contrasting for potassium (P1), phosphorus (P2), zinc (P3) and copper (P4). A total of 40 lines in F6:8 generation of each population and nine parents were evaluated in two field experiments (rainy season of 2012 and dry season of 2013) in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The studied populations presented genetic variability for cycle, insertion of the first pod, grain yield, and potassium, phosphorus and zinc concentrations in grains. Heritability estimates and selection gain of intermediate and high magnitude were obtained for cycle, insertion of the first pod, grain yield, and potassium concentration in grains in P2. In P4, insertion of the first pod, grain yield and phosphorus and zinc concentrations in grains presented high heritability and selection gain estimates. From the tested crossings, it is possible to select common bean inbred lines biofortified for potassium, phosphorus and zinc and with high agronomic performance.