Phenotypic correlation and direct and indirect effects of aerial part components with root distribution of common bean

Abstract

Abstract: The objective of this work was to estimate the phenotypic correlation and the direct and indirect effects of the aerial part components of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) that are associated with root distribution, in order to facilitate the indirect selection for this character. Sixteen genotypes were used, from which 12 are segregating populations in the F6 generation and four are fixed populations, which were conducted in field conditions in a randomized complete block design, with two replicates. The root system evaluation was performed according to Böhm’s method. Pearson’s phenotypic correlation was estimated by the path analysis. The characters stem diameter, leaf area index, first pod set, and root angle showed the highest positive correlations with root distribution and, therefore, may help the indirect selection for this character. The residual effect was higher than the determination coefficient, which indicates that the independent characteristics do not have a total influence on root distribution, and the low values of the determination coefficients can be attributed to environmental effects, competition for nutrients, and to different physiological mechanisms that control the expression of several genes with minor effects.

Keywords

• Phaseolus vulgaris
• abiotic stress
• indirect selection
• path analysis.