MODE OF INHERITANCE AND GENE ACTION FOR YIELD AND ITS COMPONENTS IN PHASEOLUS AUREUS
A diallel study of yield and its components in F1, F2, F3 and backcross generations was used to estimate components of genetic variation and type of gene action. Graphical and components of variance analyses revealed the importance of non-additive gene action for yield, pods per plant and clusters per plant. Additive gene action was important for 100-seed weight. Partial dominance for yield and seed size and partial- to over-dominance for pods per plant, clusters per plant and pods per cluster was evident from the graphic analysis. Dominant genes seem to govern inheritance of high yield and fewer pods per plant. The study indicated the appropriateness of studying one additional generation, either F2 or backcross, to confirm the F1 results. Implication of this study on breeding methodology is discussed.