Genetic progress in traits of yield, phenology and morphology of common bean

The genetic progress achieved by the research institutions that registered common bean cultivars in the State of Rio Grande do Sul between 1998 and 2005 was estimated in traits of yield, phenology and morphology of common bean, with the aim to orient future genetic breeding studies. A total of 75 genotypes were evaluated, in variable number in the seven years, in a random block design with three replications. Positive genetic gains were verified for the yield traits (grain yield and components), while negative genetic gains were stated for the phenological (flowering and cycle) and morphological traits (lodging, insertion height of first and last pod). Our results demonstrated the efficiency of the adopted breeding strategies in the development of germplasm with higher and earlier grain yield. For the morphological traits however, the focus of the programs should be reevaluated.