EVALUATION OF PRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCES OF COMMON BEAN (PHASEOLUS VULGARIS L.) GENOTYPES UNDER DROUGHT STRESS CONDITIONS AT ARDS TURDA

Abstract

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is a key legume crop, serving as an essential source of plant-based protein worldwide. In the context of climate change and the increasing frequency of drought events, developing and selecting drought-tolerant cultivars is a major priority in agricultural research. This study aims to identify valuable genotypes of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) with high productive potential and drought resistance, for their integration into breeding programs. The research was conducted at Agricultural Research and Development Station Turda during the 2024 agricultural year, which was characterized by high temperatures and significant water deficit. The field experiment evaluated 50 common bean genotypes, revealing significant variability in yield and yield parameters. Grain yields ranged widely from 690 kg/ha to 2682 kg/ha, demonstrating considerable genetic diversity in productivity potential under the given environmental conditions. Notably, 14 genotypes exceeded 2000 kg/ha, identifying them as promising candidates for breeding programs focused on improving yield. The integration of yield data with drought tolerance scores suggests that certain genotypes combine both high productivity and tolerance to drought conditions, making them valuable genetic resources. These findings support the selection of high-performing genotypes for future breeding efforts.