Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences between Phaseolus vulgaris landraces and to determine their adaptation to local climatic conditions to enrich the genetic diversity of the collection of the Institute of Plant Genetic Resources (IPGR), Sadovo with original plant material better adapted to current climatic changes. The study was performed in four different geographical regions of Bulgaria (Troyan, Smilyan, Velingrad and Sadovo) with six traditional P. vulgaris landraces. It was demonstrated that genotype was a more dominant influence on morphological characteristics of landraces than climatic factors or genotype/environment interaction. Differences in the reaction of separate genotypes to fluctuations in meteorological conditions were established based on agro-climatic indices. Tolerance of the studied genotypes to drought was assessed using physiological indices. Accession A9E1270 had the best indices and high adaptability. The influence of meteorological conditions on its growth rate during all interphase periods, even under drought conditions, was insignificant, and its biological specifications had a determining role. A9E1206, A9E1211 and A9E1259 were identified as potential candidates; the quantity of rainfall had a strong influence on their development rate, but they developed more quickly under drought conditions.

Key words: Common bean, phenology, morphology, climatic factors, photosynthesis, leaf water potential, drought.