Recurrent Mass Selection for Increased Seed Yield and Seed Protein Percentage in the Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Using a Selection Index1

Abstract

Recurrent mass selection based on a desired gain index was employed to increase simultaneously seed yield and seed protein percentage in the common bean. Seed protein was increased from 21.9 to 24.6% after 2 cycles of selection. Mean seed yields of selected populations were not significantly greater than the mean of the unselected parents, but high yielding individual families were identified. Of particular interest was the family 2-4-1, with seed yields equal to the highest-yielding parent, and seed protein percentage higher than all parental lines in both years in which the experiments were conducted. Modifications in the selection procedure were proposed which should increase the efficiency of selection for seed yield.