Understanding the genetic basis of characteristics related to the physiological quality of seeds is a crucial step towards the development of bean cultivars with superior performance and greater adaptation to different environmental conditions. This study aimed to estimate the components of genotypic variation, identify the predominant gene action, and explore its implications for selecting traits related to the physiological quality of bean seeds. The genotypes used in the study originated from the artificial crossing between the parents IPR88 Uirapuru x BAF35, with the advanced progenies bulked up to the F5 generation. In the field, progenies from the F2 and F5 generations were experimentally conducted. After harvest, in the subsequent generations (F2:3 and F5:6), traits such as seedling length, hypocotyl length, radicle length, and vigor index were evaluated. The distribution of probability density and kurtosis estimates confirmed the quantitative nature of the physiological seed quality traits. Genetic variation was observed in the segregating populations. Heritability estimates (both broad and narrow sense) were higher in the F5:6 generation compared to F2:3, indicating the predominance of the additive genetic component. These results suggest that plant selection in advanced generations (self-fertilization) is more effective for improving seed physiological quality traits.
Keywords: Phaseolus vulgaris L., Seedling performance, Variance components, Gene action.