ABSTRACT

An investigation on “Genetic variability, diversity and stability studies in French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) genotypes” was conducted during 2023-24 at RARS, Vijayapur. Thirty genotypes were evaluated in RCBD with three replications across three seasons: late Kharif 2023, Rabi 2023 and summer 2024. A genotype was considered stable with high mean yield and minimal fluctuation across different environments. AMMI (Additive Main Effects and Multiplicative Interaction) analysis of variance indicated significant genotype × environment interactions for all yield traits under study. The AMMI biplot analysis and ASV (AMMI Stability Value) were used to determine the stability of the genotypes. The Rabi season was identified as the most favorable for yield traits. Genotypes EC-566209, EC-559573, Arka Komal and EC-21750 showed higher yields than the general mean with less environmental responsiveness, while Kashi Sampanna, although the highest yielder, was more responsive to environmental changes, indicating less stability.
Genetic variability studies showed that plant height (25 and 50 DAS), leaf area, number of clusters per plant and number of pods per plant exhibited high GCV, PCV, heritability and GAM values, suggesting potential for improvement through direct selection due to additive gene effects. Mahalanobis D2 analysis, using Tocher’s method, grouped the genotypes into six clusters, with green pod yield per plant contributing most to total divergence. Crosses between genotypes from clusters VI and III are recommended for enhancing growth and yield parameters. Integrating resistant genotypes in hybridization programs could develop French bean varieties with better resistance to diseases such as leaf curl, wilt complex and bean common mosaic, supporting sustainable and cost-effective disease management in agriculture.