Evaluation of growth and yield components of Lima beans (Phaseolus lunatus L.)

Abstract

Lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus L.) is an underutilized legume with potentials for alleviating food insecurity.
This study was carried out to analyse genetic diversity among seventeen accessions of lima bean (Phaseolus
lunatus L.) collected from SouthWest Nigeria. The experiment was carried out at the research field of the
Institute of Agricultural Research and Training using a randomized complete block design with three
replications. Data were collected on seven quantitative traits and subjected to analysis of variance. Correlation
analysis was also carried out to obtain information on associations among the traits studied. Highly significant
variations were observed for growth and yield components. NSWP 51A was the earliest to emerge at 6 days
after planting. Days to budding, 50% flowering and podding ranged between 66-86 days, 77-102 days and 73-
103 days respectively. NSWP 27 was the earliest to attain maturity at 118.67 days. Days to budding had
positive and highly significant correlation with days to 50% flowering, pod set and days to maturity. Variations
observed among the genotypes studied indicate the amenability of Lima beans to genetic improvement.