AGRONOMIC BEHAVIOR AND GRAIN PHYSICAL-CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF BEANS AT AGUASCALIENTES, MÉXICO

Abstract

In grains of six common bean cultivars cultivated during 2002 at Sandovales, Aguascalientes, México, 14 physical and chemical characteristics were determined to identify grain characteristics associated to high grain yield and disease tolerance. Grain characteristics were negatively associated to the growing cycle, whereas seed size and water absorption ability were positively associated to grain yield. Early cultivars ('Pinto Villa', 'Pinto Zapata' and 'Azufrado Tapatío') showed higher grain yield than late cultivars ('Bayo Criollo del Llano', 'Tlaxcala 62' and 'Flor de Mayo M38') although they were susceptible to root rots (Fusarium sp. and Rhizoctonia solani). Varieties 'Pinto Villa' and 'Pinto Zapata' showed the best grain quality.