Microsatellites and agronomic approaches reveal the diversity of beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivated in Espírito Santo—Brazil, by family farms

The common bean ( Phaseolus vulgaris L., Fabaceae) is the most important legume of the genus Phaseolus , and the most cultivated in family farming. This study aimed to characterize landrace beans by SSR markers and morphoagronomic variables, comparing them to commercial cultivars. A total of 185 accessions (158 landrace and 27 commercial) were evaluated using SSR, and later 50 accessions (37 landrace and 13 commercial cultivars) were evaluated by 12 morphoagronomic variables. The estimators of genetic diversity, expected heterozygosity, allelic number, private, and rare alleles showed greater magnitude in landrace accessions, indicating the potential of these accessions as a reservoir of rare and private alleles compared to commercial stocks. Ten groups were observed in the cluster analysis, of which one group had 89% of accessions (138 landrace and all commercial ones). For morphoagronomic characterization, three field experiments were carried out in randomized blocks with three replications, one in Alegre, ES and two in Mimoso do Sul, ES. The accessions Verde-111, Branco-110, Pérola-102, Preto-13-69, Feijão Rainha-18, and Branco-05 showed high productivity levels (above 3000 kg ha −1 ) and six groups were formed. Most landrace accessions and commercial cultivars were allocated into the same group, suggesting that landrace beans have characteristics of interest compared to the commercial ones. The variability detected in landrace beans is of strategic importance, given the selection carried out by farmers for materials adapted to their local conditions. Thus, the development of policies to support the conservation of bean trees on rural properties is indicated as a measure to preserve diversity.