Selection of lima bean accessions for fresh and dry production

ABSTRACT The selection of lima bean accessions in the fresh and dry stages is an excellent tool to increase crop yield in Brazil and ensure a source of vegetable protein for the population. Principal component analysis and nonparametric indices can be used to identify promising accessions based on the desired agronomic variables. The aim of the present study was to select accessions from traditional lima bean varieties in the fresh and dry stages using principal component analysis and nonparametric selection indices. The experiment consisted of a randomized block design, evaluating 13 treatments in four replicates. The experimental plot contained 20 plants in its study area. The first two principal components for the two stages explained more than 80% of the variation found among the accessions. The Mulamba & Mock and Genotype-Ideotype selection indices were efficient in classifying promising varieties for breeding programs. The UFPI 1111 accession can be used in fresh lima bean production, and its UFPI 1248 and 1294 counterparts in lima bean breeding programs.