Effect of the genetic and environment interaction on yield, Fe and Zn content among locally cultivated common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) germplasm

Publication Type

Journal Article

Journal Name

Frontiers in Plant Science

Name of Author

• Eric Nduwarugira, Institut des Sciences Agronomiques du Burundi (ISABU)
• Susan Nchimbi-Msolla, Sokoine University of Agriculture
• Paul M. Kusolwa, Sokoine University of Agriculture
• Teshale Assefa, Alliance of Bioversity (ABC) and International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) Arusha
• Clare Mugisha Mukankusi, Kawanda Agricultural Research Institute
• Jean Claude Rubyogo, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology Nairobi

Publication Date

1-1-2026

Abstract

Introduction: Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is a key source of dietary protein and micronutrients, in low- and middle-income countries. Improving both yield and micronutrient density requires a clear understanding of genotype (G), environment (E), and genotype-by-environment interaction (GEI) effects to support nutrition-sensitive breeding strategies. Methods: This study assessed the effects of G, E, and GEI on grain yield and micronutrient concentration using the Additive Main Effects and Multiplicative Interaction (AMMI) model. A total of 83 bush and 84 climbing common bean genotypes were evaluated across three locations and two cropping seasons (2024A–2024B) in Burundi. AMMI and GGE biplot analyses were applied to examine genotype performance, stability, and adaptation across environments. Broad-sense heritability was estimated for yield and micronutrient traits, and a multi-trait selection index (MTSI) was used to identify superior genotypes combining agronomic and nutritional attributes. Results: Combined AMMI-analysis revealed highly significant (p <0.001) effects of genotype and environment on grain yield, iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn), together with significant GEI for most traits. Significant genetic variation was observed for Fe (52.86–76.5 ppm in bush beans; 53.38–59.7 ppm in climbing beans), Zn (≈17–23 ppm), and grain yield (≈950–2240 kg ha^-1). Several genotypes surpassed check varieties for Fe and Zn, though enhanced micronutrient levels were not consistently associated with high yield. AMMI and GGE biplots identified both stable, high-performing genotypes and those with specific environmental adaptation. Broad-sense heritability was high for Fe and Zn (h² = 0.68–0.82) but low for yield (h² ≈ 0.30–0.33). The multi-trait selection index (MTSI) effectively identified genotypes combining good yield and micronutrient density. Discussion: These findings highlight the importance of integrated multi-environment evaluation and multi-trait selection for developing high-yielding, micronutrient-dense common bean varieties adapted to diverse agro-ecologies.

Keywords

ammi, common bean, GxE interaction, heritability, micronutrients

Recommended Citation

Nduwarugira, E., Nchimbi-Msolla, S., Kusolwa, P., Assefa, T., Mukankusi, C., & Rubyogo, J. (2026). Effect of the genetic and environment interaction on yield, Fe and Zn content among locally cultivated common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) germplasm. Frontiers in Plant Science, 17 https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2026.1719270