Diallel analysis of the combining ability of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivars

Six common bean cultivars (LPSPI 93-17 LPSPI 93-19, FT-Nobre, Apore Ruda an d Campedo-1) and their 15 diallel hybrids were evaluated for four agronomic characteristics using Griffing's methodology (1956). The analysis indicate d the predominance of non-additive gene effects for days to germination and plans height. The mean number of days to flowering and mean height of the first pod insertion were predominantly controlled by genes showing additive effects. The results showed that LPSI 93-19 and Apore were indicated for i ntra-population breeding, while the combinations LPSPI 93-17 x FT-Nobre, LP SPI 93-17 x Apore LPSPI 93-17 x Ruda', LPSPI 93-19 x Campeao-1, FT-Nobre x Apore and Ruda x Campeao-1 were indicated for interpopulational breeding. P lants with reduced height, greater height of first pod insertion, fewer num ber of days to flowering and to emergence can be obtained from the segregan t population of the crosses LPSPI 93-17 x FT-Nobre and LPSPI 93-19 x Ruda.