Selection of snap beans progenies to improve physiological quality of seeds

Abstract

Research on snap bean seed production is essential for this crop to compete against other species that have better production technologies. This study aimed to select a physiological quality evaluation test for snap beans to improve progeny selection strategies. The experiment was conducted in the Seed Analysis Laboratory at the Federal Institute of Goiano, campus Iporá-GO. Seed from thirteen progenies were evaluated for physiological quality from a breeding program conducted by the genetic breeding department of the State University of Goiás, campus Ipameri. Seeds were evaluated for moisture content, thousand-seed weight, biometry (length, width, and thickness), germination, seedling vigor classification, length and seedling dry mass, emergence in the field, and emergence speed index of seedlings in the field. The genetic variability in the evaluated characteristics indicated that genetic breeding can contribute to a better performance in snap bean seed physiological quality. The germination test, vigor classification, emergence, and emergence speed index of seedlings can be used to design strategies for snap bean population selection that produces more productive seeds.