Performance of biofortified climbing common bean genotypes (Phaseolus vulgalis L.) across different locations in Tanzania

Full text: Common beans is an important key source of nutrition food in the world as source of protein, dietary fiber, minerals and vitamins also as source of income to their low income people in developing and developed country. In Tanzania about 44% of children under 5 years old suffer from stunted growth low height-for-age, low weight-for height, low weight-for-age while 72% are anemic. Introduction of cheap sources and economic feasible fortified crops such as high iron and zinc beans is the complementary approach to reduce malnutrition. The objective of this study was to assess yield performance and identify criteria which farmers use in selection of the new improved common beans technology. Five high iron climbing common bean genotypes MAC 44 (80.3 mg/kg), RWV (78 mg/kg), MAC9 (64 mg/kg), MAC49 (66.6 mg/kg) and Selian (35.2 mg/kg) were planted in three replications at Selian and Lambo both in the Northern zone, Uyole southern zone, Maruku Western zone of Tanzania. Data was collected were grain yield, diseases (leaf spot, anthracnose, common bacteria bright), and farmers' preference criteria. Data analysis were done by using Genstat 15th edition software. Genotypes showed significance difference (P≤0.05) for grain yield and diseases. Grain yield ranged from 1538kg/ha to 3530 kg/ha. Genotypes RWV1129 was the best genotypes for grain yield with 3091 kg/ha at Selian site in 2014/2015 where as MACC44 had a high yield of about 3530kg/ha at Selian site in 2015/2016 season. Farmers participatory variety selection for new improved bean genotypes depicted best three criteria as high yield, high market demanded, and resistant to diseases. Genotypes MACC44 and RWV 1129 were the best genotypes accepted by farmers due to high yield, and high market value and recommended for registration as variety to be cultivated and consumed as supplement iron deficient vulnerable groups. (author)