Mourice, Sixbert Kajumula2023-08-092023-08-092006http://www.suaire.sua.ac.tz/handle/123456789/5584DissertationTwo screen house pot experiments were conducted to identify bean genotypes, diverse in their places of origin and seed size, based on vegetative growth and P uptake and final grain yield for adaptation to low phosphorus. Three phosphorus levels; low P (0 added P), medium P (40 mg P/kg soil) and high P (160 mg P/kg soil) were main plots whereas 27 genotypes were subplots, in a split-plot laid out in a completely randomised design. The test soil was very fine, kaolinitic Kanhaplic I-Iaplustult. Out of 27, seven bean genotypes were further evaluated for yield components and final grain yield at low P in the same soil. Shoot biomass, root biomass, shoot P concentration and P uptake increased with increased P supply and genotypic variability in these parameters was significant (P < 0.05). Genotypes G92, PRETO 143, MILENIO, VEF 88(40), BAT 477, A785, ANT 22, DOR 714 and AFR 708 performed better than other genotypes at low P level; also their response to P addition was significant. It was revealed that P was a major limiting factor to bean growth in the soil used for the experiment. Number of pods/plant increased significantly with increase in P levels and was correlated with grain yield at low P and adequate P. P treatments did not affect the seed size of genotypes. Genotypes BAT 477, MILENIO, DOR 714 and A785 had significantly higher grain yield than other genotypes at low P and may be favoured in the selection process. Although genotypes produced some grain yield at low P, soil fertility improvement by applying medium P or appreciable amounts of organic manure may improve yields and increase productivity per unit area.enScreening common beanBean genotypesSoil phosphorusSoil fertilityBean growthGrain yieldThesis