Common bean cultivars performance under Rhizobium inoculation and the relation between yield components traits

Abstract

The objectives of this study was to evaluate the Rhizobium inoculation effect on the grain yield characters in common bean cultivars, to quantify the possible relationship between these characters, and verify the genetic similarity among cultivars to suggest possible combinations to be adopted in crosses by breeding programs. It was evaluated six commercial common bean cultivars (IAPAR 81, Carioca, SCS-202 Guará, BRS Valente, FTS Soberano e IPR Uirapuru), with and without inoculation of Rhizobium bacteria. The experimental design was randomized block design with four replications, in factorial arrangement (6x2), with six cultivars and two inoculation levels. Each plot had six rows with three meters in length and 0.50 meters between rows, with 4 m² plot. The yield components traits in common bean, under the conditions of this study, do not show to be influenced by Rhizobium’s inoculation. The number of grains per pod has a relation with the definition of yield per area in commercial common bean cultivars, while the numbers of pods and grains per plant showed strong positive correlation with grain yield per plant. The SCS-202 Guará, FTS Soberano e IPR Uirapuru cultivars show high grain yield, characterizing potential parents to be adopted in bean breeding programs.