Performance of Local Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) genotypes for breeding potential under unheated greenhouses using phenological and morphological characterization

This study aimed to assess the plant performance and cold tolerance of 12 local bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) genotypes including eight pure lines and four selected genotypes, under unheated greenhouse conditions, compared with the commercial cultivar HELDA. In addition, phenological and morphological observations were conducted for 41 traits in accordance with the UPOV and TTSM Bean Trait Certificate rules for four genotypes. For local genotypes, research was carried out on flowering time, pod width, thickness, length, and weight; pod number; yield per plant; seed number and yield per plant; and plot seed yield. Cell electrolyte leakage and chlorophyll fluorescence measurements were made to investigate cold tolerance. Results for pod length, BN-23, and HK-38 showed that the local genotypes had the most extended pod length, at 21.30 and 20.53 cm, respectively. GV-41 and HK-38 were superior to the commercial cultivar HELDA, with pod widths of 27.9 and 26.42 mm, respectively. While pod weight ranged from 9.05 g to 28.33 g for local genotypes, GV-41 had the highest pod weight (28.33 g). In terms of efficiency, GV-41, ANTO, and BN-23 stood out. Regarding cold tolerance, no significant change was observed. The high air temperatures may explain the observed results. Compared with the commercial cultivar HELDA, four local genotypes, BN-23, HK-38 and VN-16, showed promising phenological and morphological traits, making them suitable candidates for fresh bean and kidney bean breeding programs.