AGROMORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION AND PHENOTYPICAL DIVERSITY OF COMMON BEAN FROM PERU

Abstract

Background. Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is a species of great importance in Peru due to its high nutritional value, wide diversity, and its significant contribution to the economic income of thousands of families involved in the production of this crop. Objective. To characterize the agromorphological diversity of 50 common bean accessions from Peru. Methodology. 21 qualitative and 17 quantitative traits were evaluated using descriptive analysis, multiple correspondence analysis, analysis of variance, Scott-Knott test, principal components analysis, Pearson correlation coefficient, and hierarchical clustering analysis using Euclidean distance and the Ward method. Results. The multiple correspondence analysis revealed greater diversity in the qualitative traits of the predominant color of the wings, the standard leaf blade, green pod color, as well as the predominant seed shape and primary seed color. In the quantitative traits, the following were observed: hypocotyl length, epicotyl length, pod width, pod apex length, days to flowering, 100-seed weight, and yield. The Pearson correlation coefficient showed positive correlations for pod length and width, seed length and width, and 100-seed weight. Principal components analysis indicated that the first two dimensions explained 47.6 % of the total variance, and five hierarchical groups were established. Implications. Describing the agromorphological diversity of common bean contributes to the knowledge of this species in Peru, which is essential for establishing mechanisms for its preservation. Conclusions. The diversity of common bean in Peru is notably explained by the variability of qualitative and quantitative traits, influenced mainly by its geographical origin, with accession PER013004 standing out for its productivity and early flowering.