Seed size is an important trait in common bean. The objective was to identify RAPD markers associated with QTL for seed weight, seed length, and seed height in a molecular marker-based linkage map in a recombinant inbred (RI) population from the common bean cross of the larger seeded (100 seed/39 to 47 g) PC-50 (ovate seed shape) × smaller seeded (100 seed/26 to 35 g) XAN-159 (flat rhomboidal seed shape). The parents and RI lines were grown in two separate greenhouse and two field (Wisconsin, Dominican Republic) experiments using a RCBD. Continuous distributions for seed weight, seed length, and seed height were observed for RI lines indicating quantitative inheritance. One to three QTLs affecting seed weight explained 17% to 41% of the phenotypic variation. Two to three QTLs for seed length explained 23% to 45% of the phenotypic variation. One to four QTL associated with seed height explained 17% to 39% of the phenotypic variation. A RAPD marker M5.850 in linkage group 3 was consistently associated with seed weight, seed length, and seed height in all experiments and explained 7% to 13% of the phenotypic variation for these traits. A seedcoat pattern morphological marker (C) in linkage group 1 was associated with seed weight and seed height in two greenhouse experiments.
