Evaluation and Stability Analysis of Small Seeded Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Varieties at Selected Districts of Central Ethiopia

Background and Objective: One of the most significant gaps in the Central Ethiopia Region is low common bean productivity. The evaluation and stability analysis of common bean varieties were critical to enhancing production and productivity in the area. This study aimed to identify high-performing small-seeded common bean varieties with wide and specific adaptability. Materials and Methods: The experiment took place in the Central Ethiopia Region of Abeshge, Sankura, and Mareko Districts during the 2020-2021 Agricultural season. This experiment included eight varieties: Awash-1, Awash-2, Awash-Meten, Rore, Hawassa-Dume, Nasir, SER-119, and SER-125. This experiment was conducted using RCBD with three replications. Pods per plant, seeds per plant, seeds per pod, and primary branches per plant were collected. Plant height, hundred seed weight, and yield data were all measured. Data was analyzed by using R-Software version 3.4. Results: The combined study of seed yield variance found that location, variety, and location-by-variety interactions all had a significant effect. Across all studied areas, the SER-125 variety had the highest mean yield. The AMMI analysis produced one significant (PCA 58.70%) component of the total variation. The ANOVA, mean yield/performance, AMMI analysis, AMMI stability value (ASV), and yield stability index (YSI) all showed that SER-125, SER-119, and Rore were the most stable varieties across locations. Conclusion: As a result, SER-125 and Rore varieties should be recommended for the study areas and related agroecologies via pre-extension and demonstration.