Development of new promising varieties of faba bean through traditional pedigree method for commercial cultivation in plain zone of India

Abstract

A long term experiment was carried out in MAP Section (GPB), CCS HAU, Hisar from 2005-2019, beginning with evaluation of germplasm identification of superior parental lines, hybridization and selections as per the traditional pedigree method for development of high yielding varieties of Faba bean. In the present investigation, a number of germplasm lines were screened for seed yield and other related traits including a national check Vikrant during 2004-05. As a result, ten elite genotypes were identified. These selected genotypes were inter-mated to produce a series of F1 hybrids followed by raising of F2 to F6 progenies for selection of superior recombinants during 2007-08 to 2011-12. This rigorous evaluation and selection process resulted in identification of 20 superior transgressive segregant progenies which could be used as new entries. During 2012-2013, these superior entries were evaluated at Hisar center against Vikrant and were found to be promising. Consequently, these 20 genotypes were evaluated in Small Scale Trial during 2013-14, Large Scale Trial during 2014-15 and Final Yield Trial during 2015-16. On the basis of the above evaluations, five genotypes i.e., HB12-8 (47.77 q/ha), HB12-42 (47.70 q/ha), HB12-15 (46.70 q/ha), HB12-34 (46.14 q/ha) and HB12-37 (45.31 q/ha) were found to be promising. These were further evaluated in multi-location trials for seed yield, quality and resistance against insect pest and disease in IVT and AVT during 2016-17 and 2017-18, respectively. Out of these, HB 12-8 and HB12-34 exhibited yield superiority over national checks, Vikrant and HFB-1 and free from insect pest and disease as well as low vicine-convicine and high protein content. Therefore, HB 12-8 and HB 12-34 may be recommended for commercial cultivation in plain zone at national level.