Genetic diversity for commercial grain quality and minerals in common bean cultivars released in Brazil in the last 40 years and selection of superior parents

: Expanding the knowledge of the genetic diversity of common bean cultivars released as a result of research into commercial grain quality traits and mineral concentration is important for food and nutritional security for future generations. The objectives of this study were to examine the genetic diversity of common bean cultivars in relation to commercial grain quality traits and mineral concentration and to select superior parents. A total of 17 traits (commercial grain quality and minerals) were determined in the 25 common bean cultivars released for cultivation in Brazil over the last 40 years. The cultivars showed genetic variability for all traits, except for normal grains. Mass of 100 grains and iron concentration were the most efficient descriptors for differentiating the cultivars. Principal component analysis identified five groups of common bean cultivars with significant differences in commercial grain quality and mineral concentration. There is genetic diversity among common bean cultivars released in Brazil in the last 40 years for commercial grain quality traits and mineral concentration. The cultivars IPR Juriti, BRS Expedito, BRS Valente, and IPR Tuiuiú stand out for their superior commercial grain quality and also exhibit high potassium concentration (≥ 12.00 g kg-1 of dry matter) and will be selected as parents for use in crossing blocks.