Phenotypic analysis of the diversity of nine (9) tepary bean (Phaseolus acutifolius) lines by agronomic performance evaluation in Burkina Faso

Tepary bean is a neglected and underutilized grain legume. Tepary bean has a greater potential to cope with the effects of climate change and contribute to food and nutritional security in Burkina Faso. Although it is a versatile legume, its use in human food and as fodder remains poorly understood. It is in this context that this study was initiated at the Gampèla experimental station with a view to improving knowledge of tepary beans by evaluating the agronomic performance of nine (9) lines introduced from Mexico. They were evaluated on seven (7) qualitative variables and fourteen (14) quantitative variables in a randomized complete block design with three (3) replications. The study showed the existence of agronomic variability within the lines studied with regard to qualitative parameters (type of plant, colour of flowering, colour of mature pods, dehiscence of pods, creeping stem, leaflet shape, seed colour) and quantitative parameters (emergence, flowering). Line 13IS-7500 scored highest in pod length (7.9 centimeters); pod weight (0.9 gram); seed length (9.36 centimeters); seed width (9.34 centimeters) and 100-seed weight (15.028 grams). The line 13IS-7500 deserves to be popularised for its seed size and was the best line on yield components.