VARIETAL DIFFERENCES FOR BEAN SEEDLING CHARACTERISTICS IN TWO PLANTING MEDIA

Abstract

Twenty genotypes of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) were evaluated in order to study their variability for different seedling characteristics as well as the correlations between these variables. The analysis of variance showed highly significant differences for number of roots, length of the primary root, total root length, seedling height and weight of 100 seeds. Individual analysis of
variance were performed from data obtained in petri dishes and polyurethane; a combined analysis was also made. Results showed a broad spectrum of genetic variability for these traits at seedling level. Five varieties: Agramejo, Ciateño, Mulato, Pinto Americano and Campeon, manifested superior values for all the seedling traits in both media. In polyurethane the varieties recorded 116.2%
higher rate of growth of primary root, 108% total root  length and the values of the coefficient of variation were very low when compared to values obtained with petri dishes. Positive and significants single correlations were detected between seedling heigh with total length roots and number of roots per seedling, respectively.