Performance Evaluation of Haricot bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.

) Varieties in
Buno Bedele and Ilubabor Zones, South West Oromia

Garoma Firdisa1* Mohammed Tesiso1 and Gebeyehu Chala1

Oromia Agricultural Research Institute (IQQO), Bedele Agricultural Research
Center (BeARC), Bedele, Ethiopia. P.O. Box. 167.

ABSTRACT
Haricot bean is one of the most economically important pulse crops cultivated in Ethiopia.
However, its average yield reported at national level remains far below the potential yield to be
attained. This is partly due to low soil fertility management, inappropriate agronomic packages
and diseases and pest problems and lack of improved varieties. Hence, this experiment was
conducted with the objectives of to test the performance of released improved Haricot bean
varieties on yield and yield related components and Insect and disease resistant varieties for the
study at Western parts of Oromia. The experiment was conducted in Buno Bedele (D/Hana) and
Ilu Ababor (Bure) districts during 2020 to 2021 cropping season. Nine (9) improved Haricot
bean varieties were used as testing materials. The experimental design was RCBD with three
replications. Data were collected on six quantitative morphological traits like days to 50%
flowering, days to maturity, number of seed per pod, pod length and grain yields. Analyses of
data revealed significant varietal differences (P<0.05) in grain yield, days to 50% flowering,
days to 95% maturity, seed per pod and for plant height. However, no significant varietal
differences were observed in Number of pods per plant. SER 119 and SER 125 varieties were
significantly yielder than the rest and recommended as promising variety under the study area.
Therefore, these two varieties are recommended for demonstration and further scaling up.

Key words: Haricot beans, phaseolus vulgaris L. adaptations, varieties

1. Introduction
All species of the genus of common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) are diploid and most have 22
chromosomes (2n =22). A few species show an aneuploidy reduction to 20 chromosomes. The
genome of common bean is one of the smallest in the legume family at 625 Mbp per haploid
genome. The genus Phaseolus contains some 50 wild-growing species distributed only in the
American. Asian Phaseolus have been reclassified as Vigna (McLean et al., 2008). These species
represent a wide range of life histories (annual to perennial), growth habits (bush to climbing),
reproductive systems, and adaptations (from cool to warm and dry to wet). The genus also
contains five domesticated species. Common bean belongs to family Fabaceae. Common bean
plays a paramount role in human nutrition and market economies in the world. World common
bean production can be conveniently grouped into twelve regions, the most important of which
are Brazil, Mexico and Eastern African highlands. Beans are a major staple in these regions,
which together contribute to half of the world’s production. Latin America, the center of origin
for the common bean particularly central Mexico is the leading common bean production in the
world (Binam et al., 2003).

Common bean is a major legume crop with significant nutritional importance. It is a major
source of calories and protein source in many developing countries throughout the world (ADA,
2004). According to Safari (1978) With regard to morphological variation of Ethiopian common
bean germplasm introductions, no study has been done in the past. Since common bean is grown
in most parts of Ethiopia with a wide range of variation in altitude, rain fall, temperature,
agricultural system and socio-economic factors, it is essential to assess the pattern of character
variations among and between accessions to resolve the problems in different regions and
adaptation zones. Economic significance of common bean in Ethiopia is quite considerable since
it represents one of the major food and cash crops. It is often grown as cash crop by small-scale
farmers and used as a major food legume in many parts of the country where it is consumed in
different types of traditional dishes (Habtu, 1994). The estimated production area and yield of
common bean in Ethiopia in 2020/2021 cropping season were 208,295.03 hectares and
3,670,300.05 quintals, with respective increment of 2.99 % and 2% in area and production,
respectively. In addition, the average national yield was reported to be 17.62 Qt/hec.

The largest common bean production areas are found in Oromiya, Benshangul-Gumuz,SNNPR,
Tigray and in Amhara regional states (CSA, 2013). Somalia and Gambela regional states also
produce a considerable amount of common bean. Production and productivity of common bean
is increasing from year to year in western Oromia (CSA, 2021). Access to new and improved
agricultural technologies is limited in Buno Bedele and Ilu Abba Bora zones of Oromia most
probably due to remoteness from the center and inaccessibility of improved agricultural
technologies in the areas. The potential of pulse crops is not exploited in this part of the region
due to lack of improved varieties, poor management practices, biotic factors (weeds, diseases and
insect pests etc.), and a biotic factors (soil acidity, high intensity and long duration of rainfall).

So far, the national and regional research institutions in the country have released many varieties
for commercial Production. However, these technologies did not tested for their adaptability
potential under western part of Oromia and did not reach the smallholder farmers living in
western parts of Oromia. Therefore, to overcome the above stated problems and to acquaint
smallholder farmers with new technologies of widely grown pulse crops production, the well-
performed, adaptable and high yielding haricot bean varieties were tested and identified to study
area. Therefore, the objective of this activity was to evaluating and selects better adapted haricot
bean varieties for yield and yield components for the study areas and other similar agro-
ecologies.

2. Materials and Methods

Description of the study area
The experiment was conducted at Dabo Hana district (Dhaye sub-site) in Buno Bedele and Bure
(Toli cheka sub-site) district during 2020-2021 main cropping seasons.
Bure District
Bure is one of Southwest of Ethiopia located in Ilubabor Zone of Oromia Region. The district is
bordered on the south by Nono, on the west by Kelem Welega Zone, on the north east by Metu,
and on the Southwest by Gembela Region. The administrative center of this district is Bure. The
district is located 683 km away from the capital city of the country and 80 km away from Ilu Aba
Bora Zone. The district is located at an average elevation 1730 m.a.s.l and located at 08 017’to
08018’55.4” N latitude and 03506’to 0350311’.6” E longitude.
It is generally characterized by warm climate with a mean annual maximum temperature of 89°F
(31.66°C) and a mean annual minimum temperature of 50°F (10°C.) The driest season lasts
between June and September, while the coldest month being November.
The annual rainfall ranges from 2000 mm. The soil of the area is characterized as an old soil
called Nito soils. The economy of the area is based on mixed cropping system and livestock
raring agricultural production system among which dominant crops are Coffee, Hot paper,
sorghum and haricot bean, sesame and also horticultural crops.

Map Of Ethiopia Map of Oromia Region

34°50'0"E 35°0'0"E 35°10'0"E 35°20'0"E

8°0'0"N 8°10'0"N 8°20'0"N 8°30'0"N

8°0'0"N 8°10'0"N 8°20'0"N 8°30'0"N

±
Map of Bure District Map of Ilu Abbabor Zone

Legend
Study site
0 5 10 20
Bure_District
Km

34°50'0"E 35°0'0"E 35°10'0"E 35°20'0"E

Figure 1. Map of the study area (Bure) district

Dabo Hana District
Dabo Hana is one of the districts in Buno Bedele Zone, Oromia Regional State Southwest part of
Ethiopia. The district is bordered on the south by Chora, on the west by Chawaka, on the north
by Nekemte, and on the east by Bedele. The administrative center of this district is kone. The
district is located 521 km away from the capital city of the country and 38 km away from Bedele
Town of Buno Bedele Zone. The district is located at an average elevation 1190-2223 m.a.s.l and
8°30″ 21' N-8° 43″29' N latitude and 36° 5″27' E-36° 36″19' E longitude.
It is generally characterized by warm climate with a mean annual maximum temperature of
28°C and a mean annual minimum temperature of 11°C. The driest season lasts between
December and January, while the coldest month being December. The annual rainfall ranges
from 900 mm-2200mm. The soil of the area is characterized as an old soil called Nit soils. The
economy of the area is based on mixed cropping system and livestock raring agricultural
production system among which dominant crops is maize, sorghum and coffee and also
horticultural crops like hot paper.

Map of Oromia Region

Map of Ethiopia

36°10'0"E 36°20'0"E 36°30'0"E

±
Map Of Dabo Hana District Map of Buno Bedele Zone
8°50'0"N

8°50'0"N
8°40'0"N

8°40'0"N
8°30'0"N

8°30'0"N

Legend
Dahe_subsite study area
Dabo_Hana_District
0 5 10 20
Km

36°10'0"E 36°20'0"E 36°30'0"E

 Figure 2. Map of the study area (Dabo Hana) district

Table 1. Description of Haricot bean varieties used in the experiment

S. No Variety Altitude ranges (m.a.s.l) Year of Release Use/Type Maintainer

Names

1 Dimtu 1200-1800 2003 Food MARC/EIAR

2 Dinkinesh 1400-1850 2006 Food MARC/EIAR
3 Dursitu NA 2008 Food HU
4 Dandesu 1300-1650 2013 Food MARC/EIAR
5 Nasir 1200-1800 2003 Food MARC/EIAR
6 SER 119 1450-2000 2014 Food MARC/EIAR
7 SER 125 1450-2000 2014 Food MARC/EIAR
8 SCR15 NA 2019 Food MARC/EIAR
9 Anger NA 2005 Food BARC/OARI
MARC=Melkessa Agricultural Research Center, BARC= Bako Agricultural Research Center,
HU=Haramaya University, OARI= Oromia Agricultural Research Institute, EIAR= Ethiopian
Institute of Agricultural Research, NA= Non-available.
Experimental Materials and Design
Nine (9) haricot bean varieties were brought from Melkasa Agricultural Research Center and
evaluated as experimental materials. These materials were randomly assigned to the
experimental block and the experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design
(RCBD) with three replications. The spacing between blocks and plots was 1m and 0.5m,
respectively. The gross size of each plot was 7.2m 2 (3m x 2.4m) having six rows with a row-to-
row spacing of 40cm.The total area of the experimental field was 285.2m2 (31m x 9.2m).
Planting was done by keeping the distance between plants to the spacing of 10cm. NPS fertilizer
was applied at the rate of 100kg ha-1 at the time of planting. All other recommended agronomic
management practices were applied properly
Data collected
Data were collected both at plot and plant basis. The four central rows were used for data
collection based on plots, such as days to flowering, days to maturity and 1000 seed weight. Five
plants from the central rows were randomly selected for data collection on plant basis and the
averages of the five plants in each experimental plot were used for statistical analysis for traits
such as plant height, number of pods/ plants and number of seeds/plants.
Days to 50% flowering initiation: this was determined by counting the number of days from
planting to the time when first flowers appeared in 50% of the plants in a plot by counting the
number of plants.
Days to physiological maturity: it was determined as the number of days from planting to the
time when 90% of the plants started senescence of leaves (yellowing of the foliage) and pods
started to turn yellow. This was done by counting the number of plants.
Plant height (cm): it was measured at physiological maturity from the base to the tip of a plant
for randomly pre-tagged ten plants in harvestable rows using meter tape and averaged on a plant
basis.

Number of pods per plant: it was recorded based on five pre-tagged plants in each net plot area
at harvest and the average was taken as number of pods per plant

Pod length (PL) (cm): was determined by measuring the length in cm from 15 randomly taken
pods from 5 sampled plants at physiological maturity using a ruler.
Number of seeds per pod: the total number of seeds in the pods of five plants was counted and
divided by the total number of pods to find the number of seeds per pod.
Number of Seeds per Pod (SPP): Average number of seeds per pod, counted at physiological
maturity in 15 randomly taken pods per five sampled plants.
Grain yield (kg ha-1): Grain yield was measured by harvesting and threshing of the crop from
the net plot area. The moisture was adjusted to 10%.

Data Analyses
Analysis of variance was done using Genstat 18 th computer software. Mean separations were
estimated using Least Significant Difference (LSD) for the comparison among the experimental
varieties at 0.05 probability level. Combined analysis of variance for both years and seasons was
done to test the response of varieties to both environment and seasons after testing the
homogeneity of the data.
3. Results and Discussions
The analysis of variance for each location and the combined analysis of variance over locations
were performed following the standard procedure given by Gomez and Gomez (1984). Simple
inspection of the residual plot was used to examine if there is an issue on heterogeneity of
variances or homogeneity of error variances of the locations was tested using Bartlett test
(Bartlett, 1947 in Steel and Torrie, 1980).

The combined analysis of variance across the two locations was presented in Table 2. The mean
square from the analysis of variance over the two test locations showed significant location
effects (p ≤ 0.05) for all of the traits evaluated except number of pods per plant. Based on the
individual location, the highest seed yield was observed at the two districts from SER-119
Variety produced 33.27 Qt/ha followed by SER-125 which produced 29.72Qt/ha, This result
also line with (Fitsum et al., 2020) while the lowest yield at both tested locations was observed
from variety Dandessu 17.96Qt/ha. The existence of genotypic variation in grain yield and yield
components of common bean has been reported by various authors, reported that, wide genetic
variation in yield and its related traits among different common bean varieties (Emishaw
W.,2007)

The current result was in agreement with the finding of (Kebere et al., 2006, Nigussie 2012,
Solomon 2016, and Barili et al., 2016) were showed that reported the presence of the significant
effect of genotype, environments and their interaction on common bean grain yield.

Table 2. Combined mean ANOVA of 9 Haricot bean varieties for grain yield in qt ha-1 in 2020-
2021 cropping season
SOV Degree of Sum of squares Mean of squares F-Value Pr(<F)
freedom
Var 8 7885.7 985.7 6.95 <0.001**
Loc 1 5887.3 5887.3 41.48 <0.001**
Var*Loc 8 609.5 76.2 0.54 0.828
Year 1 8705.4 8705.4 61.34 <0.001**
Year*Loc 1 3093.3 3093.3 21.80 <0.001**
Year*Var 8 1139.5 142.4 1.00 0.434
Year*Loc*Var 8 822.6 102.8 0.72 0.67
Residuals 232 32926.0 141.9
Remarks: Var=variety, Loc=Location, **significant at 0.01 probability level,
 Based on combined mean separation(Table 4), the highest days to 90% maturity was obtained for
variety Dursitu (87.18 days) followed by Anger (86.82 days) and the lowest days to 90%
maturity was obtained for variety Dandessu (75.82days) followed by SER-119 (80.30 days)
which indicated that Ser119 and Dandessu were matured earlier.
The highest plant height was recorded for variety Nasir (74.52 cm) followed by Dinkinesh
variety (70.72 cm) and the lowest plant height was recorded for Dandessu variety (38.97 cm).
The highest number of of pods per plant was obtained from Dursitu (21.82 pods/plant), while the
lowest number of pods per plant was obtained for Dandessu (18.49) followed by SCR-15
(18.71). Maximum number of seeds per pod was noted in SER-119 variety (2.69), whereas, the
lowest number of seeds per pod (1.52) was obtained for Dandessu Variety (Table 4). Grain yield
was ranged from 1491.60 kg ha-1 (variety Sab 632) to 2929.70 kg ha-1 (variety Nasir).
Therefore, the maximum grain yield ((33.27Qt/ ha) was recorded for variety SER-119 followed
by Ser125 (29.72Qt.ha) and Nasir (29.52 Qt/ha) (Table 3). Likewise, Kassaye (2006), Yayis et
al, (2011), and Solomon (2016) were indicated that differences in yield among different common
bean genotypes. Perreira et al., (2010), Fikre et al., (2011), and Faria et al., (2013) indicated that
bean genotypes can have a different response and relate highly to environmental change.
Table 3. Combined mean grain yield (qt ha-1) of Haricot bean varieties tested at D/Hana and Bure
districts for two years (2020/21-2021/22) years
S. No Varieties Dabo Hana District Bure District Over All
Combination
1st year 2nd year Combined 1st year 2nd year Combined
1 Dimtu 25.81b 22.06bc 24.56c 21.60c 21.99bc 21.76cde 23.29c
2 Dinkinesh 27.89b 15.21de 23.67cd 22.84c 14.58d 19.54de 21.79cd
3 Dursitu 27.43b 18.10cde 25.39c 21.14c 18.52cd 20.09de 22.98cd
4 Dandesu 23.38bc 12.45e 18.66d 23.46bc 7.64e 17.13e 17.96e
5 Nasir 34.49a 26.69ab 31.89ab 27.16abc 25.93ab 26.67abc 29.52b
6 SER 119 38.77a 30.46a 36.00a 29.17ab 31.25a 30.00a 33.27a
7 SER 125 36.00a 22.08bc 31.36ab 30.25a 24.07bc 27.78ab 29.72ab
8 SCR15 19.33a 19.88cd 19.51d 22.07c 15.04d 19.26de 19.40de
9 Anger 34.61a 23.52bc 30.91b 25.46abc 21.99bc 24.07bcd 27.80b
GM 29.75 21.16 26.88 24.79 20.11 22.92 25.08
LSD5% 5.49 6.18 5.00 6.09 6.74 5.00 3.65
CV% 22.8 25.1 28.4 26.1 28.8 30.2 30.1
P-v ** *** *** * *** **** ***
GM=Grand mean, LSD= Least significant different, **=significant at P<0.01, *=significant at P<0.05, CV=
coefficient of variation
Table 4. Combined mean yield related traits of Haricot bean varieties tested at Bure and Dabo
Hana districts for two years
Varieties DM (days) PH (cm) NPPP NSPP PL (cm)
a a bc
Dimtu 85.27 66.66 19.84 1.93 9.06bcd
a a bc
Dinknesh 86.09 70.72 21.36 1.88 9.46b
Dursitu 87.18 a
65.07 a
21.83 1.97 bc 8.66de
c b c
Dandesu 75.82 38.97 18.49 1.52 8.51e
a a ab
Nasir 86.64 74.52 21.37 2.46 8.86cde
b a a
SER-119 80.30 66.38 19.99 2.69 9.52b
bc a ab
SER-125 79.33 65.23 20.62 2.40 9.17bc
SCR-15 85.55a 66.42a 18.71 1.71c 10.01a
Anger 86.82 a
70.02 a
20.87 2.35 ab 9.06bcd
GM 83.67 64.89 20.31 2.11 9.16
LSD 5% 4.15 11.69 3.53 0.61 0.47
CV % 10.3 37.2 36.00 60.5 10.8
P-Value ** ** NS * ***
DM= Days to Maturities, PH= Plant height (cm), NPPP= Number of Pod per plant,
NSPP=Number of seed per plant, PL= Pod length, GM= Grand mean, LSD= Least significant
different, CV= Coefficient of variation,*=significant at P<0.05 level, **=significant at P<0.01,
***= very highly significant
Correlation between yield and yield-related traits
Phenotypic correlations between yield and yield-related traits based on data averaged over two
locations are reported in Table 5. The table revealed that grain yield had positive associations or
higher magnitude values were obtained for the phenotypic correlations with plant height
(r=0.32*), Number of pod per plant (r=0.40*) and number of seed per pod (r=0.25*) at P< 0.01
probability. While grain yield had a negative association with pod length (r=-0.38*). According
to the results of the present study, grain yield showed a positive and high level of relationship
with plant height, number of seed per pod and number of pod per plant. This suggests that the
selection of high-yielding varieties with considerations of those traits. In agreement with the
current study, Mebrahtu et al. (2001) reported a positive and significant correlation of a number
of pods per plant with grain yield. While the current study also shows that pod length was
negative and significant correlated with grain yield. Likewise, Singh et al., (2007) showed that
there is a negative association between seed weight and yield in medium seeded cultivars.
Table 5. Correlation coefficients among evaluated between grain yield and yield related traits of
nine (9) Haricot bean varieties Adaptation trials for two consecutive years.
Traits DM PH NPP PL NSPP GY(Kg/ha)
DM 1
PH 0.07 1
*
NPP 0.23 0.23* 1
PL 0.02 -0.47* -0.41 1
*
NSPP 0.12 0.35 -0.08 -0.32 1
* *
GY(Kg/ha) 0.18 0.32 0.40 -0.38* 0.25* 1
DM= days to maturity, PH= plant height, NPP= Number of pod per plant, PL= Pod length,
NSPP=Number of seed per plant
4. Conclusion and Recommendation
Common bean is an important food and cash crop in Ethiopia and the estimate of genetic
progression, the evaluation of high-yielding and stable cultivars are necessary. Different haricot
bean varieties are released by different research centers but the adaptability and genetic
progression of these varieties were not tested in Buno Bedele and Ilu Ababor Zones. Considering
this nine improved haricot bean varieties were tested at Dabo Hana and Bure districts for two
consecutive years. Generally, the present study entails the presence of significant variations
among common bean varieties for grain yield and yield related traits. The analysis of variance
indicated that there was a significant difference among varieties for days to flowering, days to
maturity, plant height, and pod length, number of seed per pod and grain yields. From the
combined results of the two years across the two locations revealed that SER-119 (33.27 Qt/ha),
showed the highest yielder variety followed by SER-125 (29.72 Qt/ha). Hence, these two
varieties are recommended to be demonstrated and popularized to the small-scale holder farmers,
that they can boost the income of poor farmer.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The authors would like to acknowledge Oromia Agricultural Research Institute (OARI) for
funding the project “Adaptation trial of improved Haricot bean varieties under agro ecology of
western Oromia” from 2020-2022 and Bedele Agricultural Research Center for facilitating the
working conditions throughout the research period and also Melkassa Agricultural Research
center highly acknowledged for providing the improved Haricot bean varieties for the
experiment.
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