Diversity in scarlet runner bean (Phaseolus coccineus)

Abstract

An experiment was conducted during 2000 to study variation in 3 accessions of scarlet runner bean (PhaseoIus coccineus L.) for seed morphological characters, crude proteins and lipid contents of dry seeds. Most pronounced differences were noted for seed morphological characters, viz length and breadth (L:B) ratio, seed coat texture and colour, hilum length and shape, 1OO-seed weight and seed germination (%). Differences in the total crude proteins and lipids in dry seeds of 3 accessions (black, white and mottled types) were noticeable. The protein values showed positive correlation with seed size and 100- seed weight values, whereas the same showed a negative correlation with the lipid contents and gennination %. Amongst the 3 accessions (black, white and nlottled types), the white seeded type was distinctly diverse in all seed morphological traits and germination (%) and showed highest protein values (20.53%) and lowest lipid contents (1.928%).