Evaluation of Antioxidant Capacity and Genetic Diversity in French Bean ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Genotypes Using Morphological, Biochemical, and Start Codon‐Targeted Markers

This study comprehensively evaluated the genetic diversity of French bean genotypes using an integrated approach involving morphological, biochemical, and molecular markers. Thirty‐five French bean genotypes, one scarlet bean ( Phaseolus coccineus ), and one interspecific hybrid were characterized for morpho‐agronomic traits, phenolic and flavonoid contents, antioxidant capacity (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, CUPRAC), and start codon targeted (SCoT) marker‐based diversity. Extensive phenotypic variability was recorded for plant architecture, flowering behavior, pod morphology, pigmentation, and seed traits. Biochemical assays revealed wide variation in total phenolic content (10.88–67.75 mg GAE/100 g FW), flavonoid content (3.61–21.32 mg CE/100 g FW), and antioxidant capacities. Several genotypes, notably VRFBP 344, VRFBP 314, VRFBB 03, and Swarna Lata, exhibited superior potential. Strong correlation was recorded between phenolics, flavonoids, and antioxidant capacity. Molecular profiling using 80 SCoT primers generated 276 polymorphic bands, confirming high genetic diversity and effectively discriminating genotypes into distinct clusters. Multivariate, STRUCTURE, and principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) analyses consistently separated scarlet beans and the interspecific hybrid from P. vulgaris groups, while also distinguishing pole‐ and bush‐type growth habits and genotypes of different geographical origin. Thus, the combined morphological, biochemical, and molecular data provided a robust assessment of diversity, offering valuable insights for French bean breeding, germplasm improvement, and conservation.