Genetic resources of common (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and runner bean (Phaseolus coccineus L.) from the Slovene plant genetic bank at the Agricultural Institute of Slovenia were evaluated using morphometric parameters. Several Phaseolus spp. seed descriptors (UPOV, CPVO, IBPGR, Phaselieu) were used to characterize 953 accessions of common and 47 accessions of runner bean accessions. Ten fully developed and undamaged seeds for each accession were evaluated using 6 quantitative (numerical) parameters: seed length; seed thickness; seed width; length/width ratio; width/ thickness ratio; and 100 or 10 seeds weight. For common bean accessions 100 seeds weight and for runner bean accessions 10 seeds weight was measured. In addition, seeds were evaluated using 8 qualitative (descriptive) parameters: seed colour; number of colours on seed; primary seed colour; secondary seed colour; distribution of secondary seed colour; seed veining; seed shape; and colour and the pattern on the seed coat. For each accession high resolution photography was recorded. On the basis of 6 numerical parameters the geographical origin for the common bean accessions was explained. Of the 6 numerical parameters used, 10 seeds weight was the most important parameter to distinguish runner bean accessions. Based on 8 descriptive parameters, two groups were formed in each of the bean collections. The first group included seeds with primary and secondary colour, the second group represents seeds with primary colour of different light or dark shades. On the basis of all 14 morphometric parameters two groups could be clearly distinguished in both collections. The first group included accessions from Andean and second from Mesoamerican origin.
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