Characterization of African Yam Bean (Sphenostylis stenocarpa) Mutant Lines using Phenotypic Markers

Phenotypic characterization has been recognized as very important for the identification and selection of promising lines in improvement programs. This study aimed at characterizing selecting early-maturing high-yielding African yam bean (AYB) mutant M2 generation. The experiment was carried out experimental field Institute Agricultural Research Training, Nigeria. design used a randomized complete block with three replications. Nineteen AYB were selected their four parents (making 23 lines) further evaluated agronomic characters field. results obtained revealed that coefficients variation ranged from 3.23% (maturity) to 141.81% (seed yield/plant). flowered matured earlier than outyielded by 62.64%. principal component (PC) showed first PCs accounted 75.54% total variation. PC flowering, 50% podding, podding. second responsible pod yield/plant seed yield/plant, whereas peduncle length associated third PC, while fourth maturity. breeding delineated into heterotic groups cluster I had lines; members highest (60.22 g), (27.33 early-maturing. Cluster II consisted 17 moderate longest length. III contained exhibited lowest peduncle. A highly significant association existed between (r = 0.97**), but negatively correlated flowering (r=-0.23*) (r=-0.24*). Therefore, identified could be utilized plant breeders/geneticists develop varieties are