Genetic diversity and marker trait association for yield attributing traits in accessions of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in India

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is a highly economically important crop worldwide and a particularly important source of protein and minerals for people in less developed countries. Improving yield is a vital objective to meet the increasing demand for food due to the expanding human population. The present study was undertaken to study the genetic architecture of agronomic traits of common bean in India, particularly in the north-western Himalayan region. Marker-trait association (MTA) analysis was performed in a population of 100 common bean accessions using polymorphic microsatellite markers. Population structure analysis based on SSR markers divided the accessions into three main subpopulations. Ten significant MTAs were found using general linear model (GLM) and mixed linear model (MLM) approaches. We found two markers i.e. BM142 and J04555 associated with 100 seed weight and pods per plant common in both the GLM and MLM approach markers. All the MTAs were considered as major MTAs contributing more than 25% phenotypic variation. The significant quantitative trait loci identified in this study could be used in marker-assisted breeding to accelerate the genetic improvement of yield and development of high yielding common beans lines.