Morphological Diversity and Germplasm Conservation Strategies of Phaseolus lunatus L in East Java

Background/Objectives:Phaseolus lunatus L has a high level of genetic diversity;
however, there is a current issue of gentic erosion threat. This study was to characterize
P. lunatus L (Lima bean) germplasm collections in East Java and evaluate phenotypic
diversity to inform effective strategies for in situ and ex situ conservation and utilization
of Lima bean breeding.Methods:This was a descriptive exploratory research aimed at
revealing genetic variation and phylogenetic variants of Phaseolus lunatus in East Java
based on morphological characters/phenotype.Findings: Exploration results of
Phaseolus lunatus L in East Java obtained 15 genotype variants of P. lunatus L by
morphological characters (qualitative-quantitative characters) that are different on each
genotype. Variations between genotype are primarily on the shape, size, and color of the
seed coat. Principle Component Analysis (PCA) classified the germplasm into four
quadrants; Cluster analysis by Euclidean method drew similar genetic distance of
P.lunatus L genotype grouping according to the morphometric characteristics.
Applications/Improvements: Theoretically and practically, this current study resulted
in the information data base of genetic variation of P. lunatus L in East Java based on
morphological characters and the efforts of germplasm conservation strategies by in situ
and ex situ and utilization in Lima bean breeding.