| dc.description.abstract | The breeding programmes of many crops use diallel analyses because of the genetic information they
offer to breeders. Six morphological and agronomic traits of Snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) were
studied to investigate their gene action, and to estimate the general combining abilities (GCA) and
specific combining abilities (SCA) of parents and crosses. Three snap bean varieties - Amy, Monel and
Morlane and two dry bean varieties - GLP 20 and GLPX 92 were used as parents in a complete diallel
cross. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design in a greenhouse. Significant
(p < 0.01) additive and dominance effects were observed for days to flowering, plant height at flowering,
number of pods per plant, pod weight per plant, pod length and pod diameter. Additive gene effects
were predominant for all traits apart from pod weight. Significant (p < 0.01) maternal and non-maternal
reciprocal effects were detected on plant height and days to flowering. Estimates of GCA, SCA and
reciprocal effects suggested that Amy, Morlane and GLP 20 were generally the best combiners for
incorporation into snap bean breeding programmes. This basic information is valuable for snap bean
breeding programmes. | en_US |
