Morphological Characterization and Phenotypic Variability of Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Germplasm Lines from Kashmir

Saima Fayaz¹, Muneeb Ahmad Rather¹, Ajaz Ahmad Lone², Zahoor Ahmad Dar², Bilal Ahmad Mir³, Aijaz Ahmad Wani¹and Latif Ahmad Peer¹*

¹Department of Botany, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India.

²Division of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Dryland Agriculture Research Station, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Jammu and Kashmir, India.

³Department of Botany, North Campus, University of Kashmir, Delina, Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir, India.

Corresponding Author E-mail:peerlatif@gmail.com

Abstract:

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is an important legume crop valued for its nutritional richness, versatility, and contribution to sustainable agriculture. However, in Jammu and Kashmir, limited genetic diversity poses challenges to achieving its full yield potential and climatic adaptability. This study characterized 75 common bean germplasm lines, collected from various regions of Kashmir, through Distinctness, Uniformity, and Stability (DUS) testing following the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority guidelines. The evaluation identified promising genotypes, including Alr-37 (early flowering and erect growth habit), Alr-28 (robust growth habit and high pod yield), Kdr-12 (medium flowering time and concave pod sutures), Alr-61 (dark green foliage and pigmented pods), and Ppr-13 (spreading growth and late maturity). These genotypes exhibited desirable traits such as early flowering, high pod count, pigmented seeds, and robust growth habits. The study highlights the commercial potential of these genotypes, aligning with market demands for uniform pod size, seed pigmentation, storability, and high yield, enhancing their suitability for processing and consumer preference. Findings provide a structured framework for breeding efforts targeting high-yielding, stress-tolerant, and market-adapted cultivars, offering valuable resources for sustainable agriculture in Jammu and Kashmir and similar climate-stressed regions.

Keywords:

Breeding programs; Common bean diversity; DUS characterization; Morphological traits; Phenotypic variation

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