A Dwarfing Gene that Reduces Seed Weight and Pod Length in Common Bean1

Abstract

Abstract Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) genotype, MITA 10597, has small seeds (x = 122 mg, s = 31) and short, narrow pods (x = 44 mm, s = 13.2) with tight constrictions between seeds. A bean breeding line, 7-1404, has longer pods (x = 99 mm, s = 18.4) and larger seeds (x = 269 mg, s = 32). The inheritance of the dwarf seed and pod type of MITA 10597 was studied in the F2 and backcross populations from the cross MITA 10597 × 7-1404 and also from F2 populations from backcrosses of 7-1404 to an F3 plant (from 7-1404 × MITA 10597) selected for the dwarf seed (DS) character. The DS character was found to be controlled by a single, recessive gene that restricts development in seeds with the ds//ds genotype. The apparent phenotypic segregation for seed size in the pods of heterozygous (+//ds) F1 plants was found to be under genetic control.