Genetic Variability and Character Association among Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Genotypes at Areka, Southern Ethiopia

Evaluating genetic variability among genotypes is vital for identifying superior genotypes because selecting parents who create segregating populations is critical in breeding programs. The current study was done at Areka Agricultural Research Center during the 2020/21 major cropping season, with the goal of estimating genetic diversity and character connection among 25 common bean genotypes. The experiment consisted of two replications of a 5 x 5 simple lattice design. Data were obtained on 12 quantitative parameters, and the analysis of variance revealed extremely significant variations between genotypes for all characters. It demonstrated that genotypes vary significantly. GCV and PCV were highest in plant height, number of pods per plant, biological yield, number of seeds per plant, and seed yield, while lowest in days to flowering and days to maturity. Plant height, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per plant, biological yield, and seed yield all showed significant broad-sense heritability (H2) and high predicted genetic advance as a percentage of mean GAM. This suggested the presence of additive gene activity in the inheritance of these traits. The number of major branches per plant, biological yield, days of 50% flowering, hundred seed weight, and harvest index all show a highly substantial and positive link with seed yield at both genotypic and phenotypic levels. The biological yield and harvest index both have a strong positive direct effect on seed output. As indicated, these traits could be utilized for selection to increase seed output. Based on the D2 value, 25 common bean genotypes were divided into four clusters. Clusters I and IV had the greatest inter-cluster distance (766.78), whereas clusters I and II had the smallest (53.78). Breeding programs could use genotypes from distant clusters to increase variety. Thus, the enormous genetic variation among common bean genotypes must be evaluated for use in common bean breeding efforts.