Preliminary evaluation of genetic inheritance of root traits of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) for tolerance to low soil phosphorus

Common beans are an important nutritious food crop to many people in developing countries. Inadequate soil-P is one of the major constraints high bean seed yield productivity. Information about genetic effects that control inheritance root traits common grown under low conditions scarce, and a challenge for enhancement. This study was therefore implemented determine gene action tolerance soil-P. The six generations were evaluated completely randomised design with two replicates pot experiment. Generation mean analysis revealed both allelic non-allelic interactions controlled studied. Cumulative main effect higher than epistasis effects. Additive more predominant dominance additive × epistatic controlling Broad-sense heritability hypocotyl number highest (93.98 %) while narrow-sense moderate (51.13 %). To develop improved genotypes tolerant soil-P, recombination crossing should be followed by screening selection later yield, other preferred traits. Key words: bean, inheritance, genotype, effect, heritability,