Common bean grain yield is affected by high air temperature during the reproductive period. This study was aimed at evaluating common bean genetic variability for tolerance to high air temperature during the pre-flowering (R5) and pod formation (R7) period. The experiment was conducted in a phytotron, with controlled air temperature, light and photoperiod and other conditions for optimum growth. During the R5-R7 period, plants were exposed to 30°C air temperature during one hour a day. The experimental design used was a completely randomized with three replications and 20 common bean cultivars. Differences in phenological and reproductive traits and yield components, indicated genetic variability for tolerance to high air temperature during the R5-R7 period. Cultivars ‘Pérola’, ‘TPS Bonito’, ‘BRS Valente’ and ‘Corrente’ were tolerant to air temperature of 30°C during one hour a day during the reproductive period.
Phaseolus vulgaris L.; flower abortion; cultivar selection
