Combining ability as an efficiency criterion in the parental bean selection

Abstract

The objective of the present work was to estimate the general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) in the grain yield traits components through diallel cross of six bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) genotype using the method 2, model B, suggested by Griffing. The experiment was carried out in a complete randomized block design, with four replications, in 1998. The studied traits were: average weight grain; number of grain/pod; number of pod/plant and grain yield. The results of GCA evidenced more importance than SCA for all traits. According to the estimate of GCA, the parent Rudá showed the best values to the traits evaluated. In this way, the greater effect of SCA for the general traits were to get in wrapping up cross with parent Rudá x CI 967/2V, Rudá x FT Nobre and Pérola x CI 9661, determining the importance of these parents for the species improvement programs.