Genetic evaluation of some economic traits in broad bean (Vicia faba L.)

Twenty seven collections of broad bean (Vicia faba L.) were studied for genetic variability and their relative performance for seed yield/plant, protein content in fresh pods & dry seeds and some agronomic traits. Genotypes Palampur Local 3, EC 284347, EC 284374 and JV 9 depicted maximum seed and biological yield whereas, highest harvest index was observed in lines DPBB 5, DPBB 6, EC 284375 and JV 2. Protein content in fresh edible green pods was high in lines Palampur Local 1, Palampur Local 3, EC 284368, SV 1, JV 1 & JV 8, whereas protein content in dry seeds was high in JV 1, JV 5, EC 284374 and EC 284347. The characters like, seed yield/plant biological yield, pod weight, 100-seed weight, protein content and harvest index exhibited wide range of variability, maximum genotypic and phenotypic co-efficients of variation, heritability (broad sense) and genetic advance. High estimates of heritability coupled with high genetic advance for biological yield, seed yield/plant, 100-seed weight and days to flowering showed additive gene action indicating the importance of these traits for the varietal improvement programme of the crop.