Abstract:
Several Bean growing areas in Tqnzania have unreliable and marginal rains necessitating
use of short maturing and high yielding varieties. Such varieties however, are not, readily
available. This'study was done to evaluate varieties for maturity, yield and its components in
the bean growing areas of Morogoro, Tanzania. Sixty four varieties from the Sokoine University
of Agriculture (SUA) collection and from a high percentage protein population were
grown at two locations, Mgeta (high altitude) and SUA (low altitude) in 8 x 8 partial lattice
with 3 replicatiqns during the 1991 season. Yield levels were low, ranging between 0.2 - 0.8
tlha at Mgeta and 0.06 - 2.Otlha atSUA. Earlier varieties were superior in yield due to' a
higher yield efficiency. Varieties grown in the cooler higher altitude areas matured late with
consequent reduction in yield. Significant G x E interaction effects were observedfor all the
variables, except number of seeds per pod. Positive genetic correlations were significant (P
~0.01) at both locations between yield and number of pods per plant, yield efficiency and
podjilling period. Yield was genetically and negatively corrected with days to first flower,
50% podfill and 85 % maturity. Path coefficient showed that days to first flower had a consistent
negative direct effect o!'l yield. At both locations, the negative genetic relationship between
days to 50% podfill with yield was attributed to the negative indirect influence through
days to first flower. Earlier flowering anq maturity, longer podfilling with high pod production
and yield efficiency are recomme.nded for higher yields of beans in the study area.
