Selection of lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus L.) genotypes based on morpho-agronomic descriptors in univariate and multivariate analyses

Seleção de genótipos de feijão-fava (Phaseolus lunatu L.), com base em descritores morfo-agronômico em análises uni e multivariadas

Abstract

Lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus L.) is a legume of great agricultural, nutritional, and socioeconomic importance in tropical and subtropical regions. Although it shows high adaptation and elevated protein content, its productive and genetic potential remains underexplored due to the lack of regional studies and limited information on genetic variability. Thus, the characterization and evaluation of genetic variability are essential to support conservation and the selection of superior materials. This study aimed to morpho-agronomically characterize lima bean genotypes and analyze genetic variability using univariate and multivariate techniques to identify promising genotypes. Ten landraces of P. lunatus were cultivated of the Paraíba. The evaluated descriptors followed the recommendations of the International Plant Genetic Resources Institute and included qualitative traits seed [background color, primary color, and secondary color] and quantitative traits [number of seeds per pod, leaflet length and width, plant height, pod width, and pod length]. Data were subjected to descriptive analysis, ANOVA with Tukey’s test (1%), and estimates of genetic parameters. Selection was performed using Tocher’s clustering method and three selection indices: Williams, Mulamba & Mock, and the genotype–ideotype distance index (IDGI). Significant effects were observed for all variables at 1% and 5% probability levels, except for leaflet width, indicating high genetic variability. Heritability estimates were high, particularly for leaflet length (89.68%). Genetic variability was observed among the materials, and Branca Pequena, Cara Larga, Roxinha, and Moita stood out due to their superior performance across key agronomic traits, being recommended for selection and use in breeding programs.

Keywords:
legume; landraces; genetic diversity

Resumo

O feijão-fava (Phaseolus lunatus L.) é uma leguminosa de grande relevância agrícola, nutricional e socioeconômica em regiões tropicais e subtropicais. Embora apresente alta adaptação e elevado teor proteico, seu potencial produtivo e genético permanece pouco explorado devido à falta de estudos regionais e à informação limitada sobre a variabilidade genética. Assim, a caracterização e a avaliação da variabilidade genética são essenciais para apoiar a conservação e a seleção de materiais superiores. Este estudo teve como objetivo caracterizar morfoagronômica e agronomicamente genótipos de feijão-lima e analisar a variabilidade genética utilizando técnicas univariadas e multivariadas para identificar genótipos promissores. Dez variedades crioulas de P. lunatus foram cultivadas na Paraíba. Os descritores avaliados seguiram as recomendações do Instituto Internacional de Recursos Fitogenéticos e incluíram características qualitativas da semente [cor de fundo, cor primária e cor secundária] e características quantitativas [número de sementes por vagem, comprimento e largura do folíolo, altura da planta, largura da vagem e comprimento da vagem]. Os dados foram submetidos à análise descritiva, ANOVA com teste de Tukey (1%) e estimativas dos parâmetros genéticos. A seleção foi realizada utilizando o método de agrupamento de Tocher e três índices de seleção: Williams, Mulamba & Mock e o índice de distância genótipo-ideótipo (IDGI). Efeitos significativos foram observados para todas as variáveis nos níveis de probabilidade de 1% e 5%, exceto para a largura do folíolo, indicando alta variabilidade genética. As estimativas de herdabilidade foram elevadas, particularmente para o comprimento do folíolo (89,68%). Observou-se variabilidade genética entre os materiais, sendo que Branca Pequena, Cara Larga, Roxinha e Moita se destacaram devido ao seu desempenho superior em relação às principais características agronômicas, sendo recomendadas para seleção e uso em programas de melhoramento.

Palavras-chave:
leguminosa; variedades tradicionais; diversidade genética

1. Introduction

The lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus L.), is a legume belonging to the Fabaceae family, and is the second most economically important species within the genus Phaseolus (Martínez-Nieto et al., 2020). In Brazil, the species is widely cultivated in subsistence farming systems, mainly due to its high genetic diversity, hardiness, and adaptability to different edaphoclimatic conditions (Jacinto Júnior et al., 2019; Soares et al., 2021; Assunção Filho et al., 2022).

In the Northeast region of Brazil, lima bean is extensively cultivated and consumed, playing an important role in food security and the local economy (Lopes et al., 2024). The state of Paraíba stands out, with an average productivity of 353 kg ha^-1 in the 2023 harvest (IBGE, 2025. The crop represents an important traditional food source due to its nutritional composition, particularly its high protein and fiber contents, which are essential for human nutrition (Soares et al., 2021; Lopes et al., 2024).

Despite its socioeconomic and nutritional importance, cultivation of Phaseolus species still faces limitations, including a scarcity of regional studies and a lack of systematized information, which hinder the development of efficient management strategies aimed at increasing productivity (Brito et al., 2020; Gonçalves et al., 2019). Additionally, many family farmers lack access to essential inputs such as fertilizers, irrigation systems, and adequate planting technologies to ensure uniform plant stands (Medeiros et al., 2024). Adverse environmental conditions, including high temperatures, low soil nitrogen availability, and weed competition, also negatively affect crop productivity (Medeiros et al., 2024).

Given these challenges, the development of more productive and adapted cultivars, with resistance to pests and diseases, improved seed quality for commercialization and shorter cooking times (Coimbra et al., 2000) is essential. The selection of genotypes combining multiple desirable agronomic traits is therefore strategic to meet both farmers needs and market demands.

In this context, morpho-agronomic characterization of genotypes is fundamental for understanding existing phenotypic variability and supporting breeding programs. The use of univariate and multivariate methods has proven effective in identifying superior P. lunatus genotypes and providing technical support for selection decisions (Assunção Filho et al., 2022).

Despite the relevance lima bean to diversified and sustainable agricultural systems, regional morpho-agronomic studies remain scarce. This gap limits the effective use of the genetic potential conserved in germplasm banks, which often contain a wide genetic diversity but remain underutilized. Such diversity could be explored both for conservation purposes and for the development of cultivars adapted to specific environmental conditions, including regions exposed to climatic stresses (Lopes et al., 2024).

Morpho-agronomic characterization plays a crucial role by providing essential information on phenotypic and agronomic diversity, supporting management decisions, identifying elite genotypes, and defining priorities in breeding programs. Furthermore, this type of study directly contributes to the conservation of traditional genetic resources, strengthening the foundations of food security, productive sustainability, and the resilience of agricultural systems in the face of challenges such as climate change, environmental degradation, and emerging market demands (Almeida, 2020; Silva et al., 2026).

Therefore, this study aimed to characterize morpho-agronomic traits of lima bean genotypes and analyze their genetic variability using univariate and multivariate techniques to identify the most promising materials.

2. Material and Methods

2.1. Location where the experiment was conducted

This study was carried out at the experimental garden of Fazenda Olho d’agua located in Chã de Jardim, at the Center for Agricultural Sciences (CCA) of the Federal University of Paraíba (UFPB), Areia, PB, Brazil (6°57’46” S, 35°41’31” W; 574.62 m altitude), in the micro-region of Brejo Paraibano. The experiment was conducted under rainfed conditions during the 2017/2018 growing season, which was characterized by above-average temperatures in the region and climatic conditions comparable to those observed in 2025. During the experimental period, mean temperatures ranged from 19.7 to 28.8 °C, total rainfall was 228 mm, and average relative humidity varied between 79 and 84%.

The soil in the area was classified as an Oxisol (USDA, 2022), corresponding to a Latossolo Vermelho-Amarelo in the Brazilian Soil Classification System (EMBRAPA, 2018).

2.2. Plant material and experimental design

Ten traditional varieties of the species P. lunatus, cultivated and collected from smallholder farms in the main producing regions of the state, were evaluated: Orelha de Vó, Branca Grande, Eucalipto, Moita, Cara Larga, Rosinha, Amarela Cearense, Roxinha, Boca de Moça, and Branca Pequena.

Seeds were sown manually in planting holes, with three seeds per hole. Thinning was performed eight days after emergence, maintaining one plant per hole. The experiment was conducted under rainfed conditions. Soil preparation was carried out conventionally using a disk harrow. Topdressing fertilization was performed 32 days after sowing with 30 kg ha⁻¹ of N (urea) and 40 kg ha⁻¹ of K₂O (potassium chloride).

Weed control was performed manually throughout the crop cycle. Phytosanitary management of the main pests affecting the crop (aphids and caterpillars) was carried out weekly using mineral oil with neutral detergent at 2% concentration and pepper extract at 1% concentration. Leaf-cutting ants were controlled manually using granular bait formicide at a rate of 10 g m⁻².

The experiment was arranged in a randomized complete block design with four blocks and ten genotypes. Each experimental plot consisted of four rows, each 4 m long, spaced 1.0 m apart, with planting holes spaced 0.70 m within rows. Each row contained approximately six plants, totaling 24 plants per plot. Only the two central rows were considered as the useful plot, excluding border effects, resulting in approximately 12 plants used for evaluations. The total area of each plot was 16 m² (4 rows × 4 m × 1.0 m), and the total experimental area was 640 m².

Quantitative traits were evaluated in plants from the useful plot at 90 days after sowing, when the plants had completed the vegetative cycle and were at the pod formation stage. Descriptors followed the recommendations of the International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI, 2001) for Phaseolus lunatus. Qualitative traits were assessed by standardized visual observation according to the IPGRI descriptors.

The qualitative traits evaluated were seed background color, standard color, and standard secondary color. Quantitative traits included number of seeds per pod, leaflet length (cm), leaflet width (mm), plant height (cm), pod width (mm), and pod length (cm). Leaflet length, leaflet width, pod length, and pod width were measured using a digital caliper, while plant height was measured using a tape.

2.3. Statistical analysis

The experiment was conducted in randomized blocks with four replications. Quantitative data were initially tested for normality using the Shapiro–Wilk test. Since the variables met the assumptions of normal distribution, no data transformation was required. The quantitative data were then subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by Tukey’s test at a 1% probability level. Genetic parameters, including broad-sense heritability, genotypic, environmental, and phenotypic variances, and the CV_g/CV_e ratio, were also estimated.

Tocher’s clustering method was used to select superior genotypes. Genetic parameters were also estimated for these data. Tocher’s clustering method was used to select superior genotypes. Furthermore, three selection indices were applied to select the best genotypes: the basic index of Williams (1962), the sum of ranks proposed by Mulamba and Mock (1978), and the genotype–ideotype distance index (IDGI) (Cruz, 2006). The use of multiple indices is justified by the complementarity between the methods, allowing for a more robust and reliable evaluation, increasing the reliability in identifying superior genotypes.

Qualitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, based on phenotypic variation expressed as percentage coincidence.

All statistical analyses were performed using the GENES computer program (Cruz, 2013).

3. Results

The initial morphological characterization (Table 1) revealed high diversity in seed coat color patterns, with a predominance of light brown (30%) and brown (20%) tones. For the standard color, eight varieties expressed pigmentation, mostly in light brown tones (50%). In the secondary colors, variations were observed, including black, reddish-purple, and dark red patterns, indicating wide phenotypic diversity associated with characteristics of commercial and cultural interest. The number of seeds per pod was relatively uniform among the genotypes, varying from three to four seeds, suggesting stability of this trait among the evaluated varieties.

Table 1
Descriptive characterization of ten traditional varieties of lima bean seeds (Phaseolus lunatus L.), cultivated in Areia (PB), UFPB, 2017.

Genotype	Background Color	Pattern Color	Secondary Pattern Color	Number of seeds per pod
Orelha de Vó	White	White	Black	3
Branca Grande	White	Absent	Absent	3
Amarela Cearense	Brown	Light Brown	Absent	4
Eucalipto	Light Brown	Light Brown	Dark Red	3
Cara Larga	Light Brown	Light Brown	Dark Red	4
Roxinha	Brown	Red	Purple Red	3
Rosinha	Pink	Absent	Absent	3
Moita	Gray	Light Brown	Purple Red	4
Branca Pequena	Light Brown	Red	Black	4
Boca de Moça	Brown	Light Brown	Absent	3

The analysis of variance (Table 2) demonstrated significant differences for almost all evaluated traits, except for leaflet width (LF), which confirms the existence of significant genetic variation among the genotypes. Heritability showed high values, especially for leaflet length (H² = 89.68%), indicating that a large part of the observed phenotypic variation is genetic in nature.

Table 2
Summary of the analysis of variance for the characters evaluated in ten traditional varieties of lima bean Phaseolus lunatus L., cultivated in Areia (PB), UFPB, 2017.

			Medium square
SV	DF		PH	LL	LW	PW	PL
Genotype	9		388.27**	3.97**	0.40ns	0.32**	0.24*
CV%			7.56	10.27	11.89	12.24	2.80
Average			161.69	7.12	7.19	2.61	7.10
			Genetic parameters
SV			PH	LL	LW	PW	PL
H2%			61.43	86.55	0.00	68.62	69.08
σ2E			12.47	0.04	0.06	0.08	0.01
σ 2G			19.87	0.28	0.00	0.01	0.02
CVg/CVe			0.36	0.73	0.00	0.42	1.01

• ^*
  and **significant at 5% and 1% probability, respectively, by the T-test. SV: Sources of variation; CV%: Coefficient of variation; DF: degree of freedom PH: Plant height; LL: Leaflet length; LW: Leaflet width; PW: Pod width; PL: Pod length; H²%: Heritability; σ²_E: Environmental variance; σ²_G: Genotypic variance; CV_g /CV_e:. Genetic Coefficient of Variation and Environmental Coefficient of Variation.

Genotypic variance was greater than environmental variance for the traits plant height, leaflet length, and pod length (Table 2). The CV_g/CV_e ratio was greater than one only for the pod size of the pod (1.01), suggesting a predominance of genetic additive effects and greater efficiency of direct selection in this trait. The comparison of means (Table 3) shows that the Moita genotype presented the greatest plant height (167.58), in addition to wider leaflets (8.13 cm), a desirable characteristic in agricultural systems that aim for greater biomass input, indicating potential for a larger photosynthetic area. For the leaf length variable, the average values ranged from 8.60 to 6.54 cm, with the Cara Larga genotype being superior to the others. Regarding the size of the pod (Table 3), a variation between 6.79 and 7.37 cm was observed, with the Boca de Moça genotype showing the best performance, suggesting greater productive potential.

Table 3
Comparison of evaluated characteristics in ten traditional varieties of lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus L.), cultivated in Areia (PB), UFPB, 2017.

Genotype	PH	LL	LW	PL
Orelha de Vó	154.00b	6.54b	6.28de	6.81bc
Branca Grande	157.41b	6.59b	6.00e	6.93abc
Amarela Cearense	165.25a	7.00ab	6.52cde	6.79c
Eucalipto	167.75a	7.04ab	7.13bcd	7.12abc
Cara Larga	164.00a	8.60a	7.54ab	7.04abc
Roxinha	164.25a	7.03ab	7.49abc	7.23abc
Rosinha	164.91a	7.12ab	7.47abc	7.31ab
Moita	167.58a	7.22ab	8.13a	7.11abc
Branca Pequena	160.33ab	7.19ab	7.83ab	7.29abc
Boca de Moça	151.41b	6.77ab	7.53ab	7.37a

• Means followed by the same letter in the columns do not differ significantly from each other by Tukey's test at the 1% probability level. PH: Plant height; LL: Leaflet length; LW: Leaflet width; PL: Pod length.

The three selection indices used, the Mulamba and Mock method, Williams, and the genotype-ideotype distance (Table 4), were consistent in highlighting the Branca Pequena, Cara Larga, Roxinha, and Moita genotypes, demonstrating stability in the superiority of these materials. In the Mulamba & Mock ranking sum selection index and the genotype-ideotype distance, percentage gains were shown for the characteristics plant height (1.59%), leaflet length (2.57%), and leaflet width (5.33%). On the other hand, in the Williams selection index, the leaflet width trait stood out with the highest gain of 7.99% (Table 4).

Table 4
Estimates of selection gains (GS%) obtained for five lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus L.) characters, using the sum of ranks index of Mulamba and Mock (1978), Williams’ (1962) base index, and genotype-ideotype distance index.

Selection Index
Mulamba and Mock (1978)			Williams (1962)			Genotype-ideotype distance ( Cruz, 2013 )
Characters	Ind. Selected		Characters	Ind. Selected		Characters	Ind. Selected
PH 1.59	Branca Pequena		PH 1.8	Branca Pequena		PH 1.59	Branca Pequena
LL 2.57	Cara Larga		LL 0.88	Cara Larga		LL 2.57	Cara Larga
LW 5.33	Roxinho		LW 7.99	Moita		LW 5.33	Roxinho
PW 0.00			PW 0.00			PW 0.00
PL 0.83			PL 0.44			PL 0.83

• PH: Plant height; LL: Leaflet length; LW: Leaflet width; PW: Pod width; PL: Pod length.

The Tocher grouping formed five distinct groups, confirming the wide genetic divergence between the varieties (Table 5). Groups I and II showed the largest intergroup distances, suggesting promising combinations for crosses capable of maximizing heterosis. Groups IV and V, formed by a single accession, represent genetically very distinct materials, reinforcing their importance as unique sources of variability.

Table 5
Grouping into ten traditional varieties of lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus L.), Walp), according to Tocher’s optimization method, where each variety represents an accession.

GROUPS	ACCESS
I	Orelha de Vó, Eucalipto, Moita
II	Rosinha, Boca de Moça, Branca Pequena
III	Amarela Cearense, Roxinha
IV	Cara Larga
V	Branca Grande

4. Discussion

According to the results obtained, genetic variability was found among the evaluated genotypes of P. lunatus, mainly for the traits of plant height, leaflet length, and pod length. These characteristics are essential for productivity and plant architecture, furthermore, the observed genetic variability is essential for breeding programs, as it allows the selection of genotypes with superior agronomic attributes (Gonçalves et al., 2019; Shferaw and Tarekegne, 2024).

The high heritability observed indicates that a large part of this variability is hereditary, allowing for significant gains through direct selection, as also reported by Gonçalves et al. (2019) and Carvalho (2021). The CV_g/CV_e r suggested predominantly non-additive genetic control for most traits, suggesting that hybridization-based strategies may be more efficient for exploiting available variability (Cruz et al., 2012). Only pod length showed a predominance of genetic additive effects, indicating greater efficiency of direct selection for this trait (Souza et al., 2024).

The convergence between the methods reinforces the robustness of the selection, of choosing Branca Pequena, Cara Larga, Roxinha, and Moita as promising materials, and indicates that these genotypes possess potentially useful traits for breeding, whether due to superiority in vegetative traits, reproductive performance, or phenotypic seed characteristics. The results allowed the identification of materials with superior performance in the main agronomic characteristics, favoring the development of plants with desirable attributes for commercialization and consumption (Assunção Filho et al., 2022).

The observed variability was confirmed by Tocher's clustering method, which organized the genotypes into five distinct groups. This classification highlights the genetic structure of the population and guides the selection of parents with greater genetic divergence, which is fundamental to maximizing heterosis expression in hybridization programs (Singh et al., 2021). This result is especially relevant for the lima bean, whose cultivated genetic base remains narrow and underexplored in Brazil (Guimarães et al., 2021; Moraes et al., 2017).

Furthermore, the characterization of local varieties contributes to valuing regional genetic heritage, strengthening germplasm banks, and encouraging ex situ and on-farm conservation, essential practices for maintaining genetic resources adapted to environmental and cultural conditions. As farmers understand the importance of heirloom seeds for preserving plant diversity and food security, a continuous conservation cycle is reinforced that benefits both production systems and the resilience of rural communities (Guimarães et al., 2021).

Therefore, the results obtained in this research reinforce the importance of the combined application of univariate and multivariate analyses in the selection of superior genotypes. This approach significantly contributes to the progress of lima bean breeding programs aimed at climate adaptation, expanding the production base, and strengthening sustainable agricultural systems, by promoting the generation of adapted and productive cultivars with a positive and sustainable impact on regional agriculture.

5. Conclusion

The study showed significant genetic variability among lima bean genotypes, particularly for pod length, which exhibited additive genetic control and greater potential for direct selection. For the other characteristics, non-additive gene action predominated, indicating that hybridization is an appropriate strategy to increase genetic gain.

The use of different selection indices made it possible to identify promising genotypes, such as Branca Pequena, Cara Larga, Roxinha and Moita, which can be used in breeding programs and recommended for cultivation, contributing to the appreciation of the crop and regional food security. These materials have the potential to contribute to more sustainable and resilient agricultural systems aligned with regional food security.

The information generated is valuable for researchers, conservation institutions, and producers, strengthening both the preservation of diversity and the development of new cultivars adapted to the edaphoclimatic conditions of the Northeast.

Data Availability Statement

The data supporting the results of this study are available upon request from the corresponding author.

References

• ALMEIDA, R.C., 2020. Estabelecimento da coleção principal de feijão-lima no banco de germoplasma de Phaseolus da UFPI. Teresina: Universidade Federal do Piauí, 187 p. Tese de Doutorado em Agronomia.
• ASSUNÇÃO FILHO, J.R., COSTA, M.F., PINHEIRO, J.B., CARVALHO, L.C.B., FERREIRA-GOMES, R.L. and LOPES, A.C.D.A., 2022. Selection of superior genotypes of lima bean landraces by multivariate approach. Revista Caatinga, vol. 35, no. 1, pp. 87-95. https://doi.org/10.1590/1983-21252022v35n109rc
  » https://doi.org/10.1590/1983-21252022v35n109rc
• BRITO, M.V.D., SILVA, V.B.D., MATOS FILHO, C.H.A., GOMES, R.L. and LOPES, A.C.D.A., 2020. Univariate and multivariate approaches in the characterization of lima bean genotypes. Revista Caatinga, vol. 33, no. 2, pp. 571-578. https://doi.org/10.1590/1983-21252020v33n230rc
  » https://doi.org/10.1590/1983-21252020v33n230rc
• CARVALHO, L.S.D., 2021. Estimativas de parâmetros genéticos, correlações e seleção de progênies segregantes de soja em diferentes épocas de semeadura. Uberlândia: Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, 61 p. Dissertação de Mestrado em Genética e Bioquímica. https://doi.org/10.14393/ufu.di.2021.325
  » https://doi.org/10.14393/ufu.di.2021.325
• COIMBRA, J.L.M., GUIDOLIN, A.F., CARVALHO, F.I.F.D. and AZEVEDO, R.D., 2000. Correlações canônicas: II – análise do rendimento de grãos de feijão e seus componentes. Ciência Rural, vol. 30, no. 1, pp. 31-35. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0103-84782000000100005
  » https://doi.org/10.1590/S0103-84782000000100005
• CRUZ, C.D., 2013. Genes: a software package for analysis in experimental statistics and quantitative genetics. Acta Scientiarum. Agronomy, vol. 35, no. 3, pp. 271-276. https://doi.org/10.4025/actasciagron.v35i3.21251
  » https://doi.org/10.4025/actasciagron.v35i3.21251
• CRUZ, C.D., REGAZZI, A.J. and CARNEIRO, P.C.S. Modelos Biométricos Aplicados ao Melhoramento Genético, 4th ed.; UFV: Viçosa, Brazil, 2012; 514 pp.
• CRUZ, C.D., 2006. Programa genes: biometria1st ed. Viçosa: UFV, . 382 p.
• EMPRESA BRASILEIRA DE PESQUISA AGROPECUÁRIA – EMBRAPA, 2018. Sistema Brasileiro de Classificação de Solos Brasília: EMBRAPA.
• GONÇALVES, G.D.M.C., GONÇALVES, M.D.M.C., MEDEIROS, A.M., LOPES, A.C.D.A. and GOMES, R.L.F., 2019. Genetic dissimilarities between fava bean accessions using morphoagronomic characters. Revista Caatinga, vol. 32, no. 4, pp. 1125-1132. https://doi.org/10.1590/1983-21252019v32n430rc
  » https://doi.org/10.1590/1983-21252019v32n430rc
• GUIMARÃES, G.H.C., MOREIRA, M.G.D., SOUSA, F.R.M., MELO, D.A. and SILVA, R.W.A., 2021. A importância das sementes crioulas de Phaseolus lunatus L. para a agricultura. In: M. L. S. LEITE, ed. Políticas públicas, agricultura familiar e sustentabilidade. Foz do Iguaçu: CLAEC, p. 94-102.
• INTERNATIONAL PLANT GENETIC RESOURCES INSTITUTE – IPGRI, 2001. Descritores para Phaseolus lunatus (feijão-fava). Rome: IPGRI, 51 p.
• INSTITUTO BRASILEIRO DE GEOGRAFIA E ESTATÍSTICA – IBGE, 2025 [viewed 19 December 2025]. Pesquisa da Produção agropecuária [online]. Available from: https://www.ibge.gov.br/explica/producao-agropecuaria/fava/pb
  » https://www.ibge.gov.br/explica/producao-agropecuaria/fava/pb
• JACINTO JÚNIOR, S.G., MORAES, J.G.L., SILVA, F.D.B., SILVA, B.N., SOUSA, G.G., OLIVEIRA, L.L.B. and MESQUITA, R.O., 2019. Respostas fisiológicas de genótipos de fava (Phaseolus lunatus L.) submetidas ao estresse hídrico cultivado no estado do Ceará. Revista Brasileira de Meteorologia, vol. 34, no. 3, pp. 413-422. https://doi.org/10.1590/0102-7786343047
  » https://doi.org/10.1590/0102-7786343047
• LOPES, A.C.A., ARAÚJO, A.S.F., BESERRA JÚNIOR, J.E.A., TORRES, K.K.B., MEDEIROS, L.D.S.A., MARTINS, L.V. and GOMES, R.L.F., 2024. Vinte anos de pesquisas com o feijão-fava (Phaseolus lunatus L.) na Universidade Federal do Piauí. Revista RG News, vol. 10, no. 1, pp. 1-8.
• MARTÍNEZ-NIETO, M.I., ESTRELLES, E., MOSSI, J.P., ROSELLÓ, J. and SORIANO, P., 2020. Resilience capacity assessment of the traditional Lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus L.) landraces facing climate change. Agronomy (Basel), vol. 10, no. 6, pp. 758. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10060758
  » https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10060758
• MEDEIROS, A.M., SILVA, J.V.J., PEREIRA, G.A., SOUZA, J.F.F., CUNHA, J.G., AZEVEDO, A.M. and BARROSO, P.A., 2024. Optimal Lima Bean Plot Size.https://doi.org/10.1142/S0218348X24500956Fractals, vol. 32, no. 5, pp. 2450095. https://doi.org/10.1142/S0218348X24500956
  » https://doi.org/10.1142/S0218348X24500956
• MORAES, C.S., DIAS, T.A.B., COSTA, S., VIEIRA, R.D.C., NORONHA, S.E. and BURLE, M.L., 2017. Catálogo de fava (Phaseolus lunatus L.) conservada na Embrapa. Brasília: Embrapa Recursos Genéticos e Biotecnologia. Documentos, no. 351.
• MULAMBA, N.N. and MOCK, J.J., 1978. Improvement of yield potential of the Eto Blanco maize (Zea mays) population by breeding for plant traits. Egyptian Journal of Genetics and Cytology, vol. 7, pp. 40-57.
• SHFERAW, S.S. and TAREKEGNE, W., 2024. Genetic variability and cluster analysis of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) genotypes in Debre Tabor, northwestern Ethiopia. Advances in Applied Sciences, vol. 9, no. 3, pp. 37-50. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.aas.20240903.11
  » https://doi.org/10.11648/j.aas.20240903.11
• SILVA, J.N., PÁDUA, G.V.G., RODRIGUES, C.M., BERNARDO, M.K.F., GOMES, C.L.S., FARIAS, G.E.S. and ALVES, E.U., 2026. Morphophysiological characteristics of Hymenaea martiana Hayne seeds in Northeastern Brazil are influenced by interannual environmental variations. Brazilian Journal of Biology, vol. 86, pp. e301155. https://doi.org/10.1590/1519-6984.301155 PMid:41849526.
  » https://doi.org/10.1590/1519-6984.301155
• SINGH, D.V., NATH, S., SINGH, S.P., MISHRA, U. and SINGH, S., 2021. Genetic diversity association of different quantitative traits in faba bean (Vicia faba L.). The Pharma Innovation Journal, vol. 10, no. 4, pp. 514-516.
• SOARES, L.A.A., MEDEIROS, T.L.F., COLMAN, V.G.C., PALMEIRA, I.V.S., SILVA, J. and MOREIRA, R.C.L., 2021. Supervision strategies with water deficit in the phenological stages of cowpea under potassium fertilization. Irriga, vol. 26, no. 1, pp. 111-122. https://doi.org/10.15809/irriga.2021v26n1p111-122
  » https://doi.org/10.15809/irriga.2021v26n1p111-122
• SOUZA, J.S., RODRIGUES, L.N., FERREIRA, L.T., UNÊDA-TREVISOLI, S.H. and NASCIMENTO, N.F.F., 2024. Future-ready crops: genetic variability in lima bean seeds. Acta Scientiarum. Agronomy, vol. 46, no. 1, pp. 66767. https://doi.org/10.4025/actasciagron.v46i1.66767
  » https://doi.org/10.4025/actasciagron.v46i1.66767
• U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE – USDA. Soil Survey Staff, 2022. Keys to soil taxonomy. Washington, D.C.: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.
• WILLIAMS, J.S., 1962. The evaluation of a selection index. Biometrics, vol. 18, no. 3, pp. 375-393.

Edited by

• Editor:
  Takako Matsumura Tundisi

Publication Dates

• Publication in this collection
  24 July 2026
• Date of issue
  2026

History

• Received
  28 Feb 2026
• Accepted
  08 May 2026