Perfor. of Summer forage legumes in Pothowar In this study, improvement of pole fresh bean populations gathered from the Middle Black Sea Region was attempted using pure-line selection method under greenhouse conditions. The aim was to regain the populations that have lost their distinctive typical properties through breeding and bring them into use of local farmers. Fresh pole bean populations collected from Çarşamba Plain of Middle-Black Sea region in 2003 were evaluated in terms of their agricultural characteristics under greenhouse conditions. In 2006 observation gardens were established in greenhouses; pre-yield and yield experiments were performed in the following 3 years (2007-2009). Eleven lines were selected according to UPOV criteria. In addition to best phenological and morphological traits being presented by Ç4-3, TK9-4 and TK43-4 lines in comparison to the control varieties; Ç4-3, TK43-4, L4 and TK50-3 lines outperformed the control varieties in terms of yield following stage I and stage II regional yield experiments on 11 lines between 2010-2011, and certain lines were selected to be candidates for certification. Keywords: Phaseolus vulgaris, pure-line selection, phenological observations, morphological measurements, yield INTRODUCTION The genus Phaseolus consist of 230 varieties (Salk et al., 2008; Singh, 2005); the species of highest economical value in the genus is Phaseolus vulgaris L., which is cultivated commonly in the areas with mild and humid climates. Although beans originated from America and Asia, their seeds were easily adapted to the conditions in Turkey and widely cultivated (Ozdemir, 2002; Sozen, 2006). Turkey ranks 3rd worldwide after China and Indonesia in fresh bean production (603.653 tons/year) (FAO, 2009). Major fresh bean production occurs particularly in Middle Black Sea region. Bean serves as a valuable protein source and is consumed in Turkey as fresh (immature seeded pods), canned food, pickled and dried (mature seeds) (Salk et al., 2008; Sozen and Bozoglu, 2008). Bean is an autogamous plant that can self-pollinate at a 99% rate (Madakbas et al., 2009). There are two types of growth in Phaseolus vulgaris L. species which are pole growth and dwarf growth. In dwarf beans, there are 3-10 joints in the main stalk which ends up with a bunch of flowers at maturity. However, in pole beans there are 11-35 joints in the main stalk which elongates by wrapping and show limitless growth (Guvenc and Gungor, 1996). Efforts for protection and determination of genetic varieties were initiated in the beginning of 19th century in many countries through preservation of the plant genetic resources. Although Turkey is rich with populations of local bean species adapted to various geographical and topological regions, preferential cultivation of high yielding imported foreign varieties by farmers caused subordination of our valuable and well adapted local varieties (Balkaya, 1999; Karagoz et al., 2010; Madakbas, 2006). Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine and develop pure lines from fresh bean populations to prevent genetic erosion by preserving local varieties. MATERIALS AND METHODS A population of 250 fresh pole beans was collected from Ladik, Terme, Carsamba and Tekkekoy towns located in Carsamba plain during 2002-03. An observation garden was established in 2004 and pure-line selection was applied to the population determined to be fresh bean according to UPOV (International Union for The Protection of New Varieties of Plants) criteria. Pre-yield experiments with 44 plants were conducted during 2006-07 by sowing plants each in separate lines. Yield experiment I (2008) and yield experiment II (2009) were performed three times on random blocks of plants using 11 lines (Ç4–3, TK43 -4, L4, TK50– 3, T33, TK41-1, TK2, TK49–2, Ç9h–6, Ç36, TK9-4 ) and 2 varieties (Serra and SırıkAyşe). On April 15th 2008 and April 13th 2009, seeds were planted at 20 cm gaps (Plant gap (PG)) in 2m long parcels each containing 50cm interspaced rows. After seeding, 2 kg of CAN fertilizer was added. Harvesting was performed in 4 rounds between first week and the last week of July. Characterization of lines was performed in accordance with UPOV criteria (Anonymous, 1982; Anonymous, 2001). All morphological measurements and pod characteristics Pak. J. Agri. Sci., Vol. 49(1), 5-10; 2012 ISSN (Print) 0552-9034, ISSN (Online) 2076-0906 http://www.pakjas.com.pk DETERMINATION OF THE AGRICULTURAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE POLE FRESH BEAN POPULATION IN GREENHOUSE Seher Yıldız Madakbas 1,* , Meral Ergin 2 and Hüseyin Özcelik 2 1 University of Ahi Evran, Faculty of Agriculture, Horticulture Department, 40100, Kırşehir,Turkey; 2 Blacksea Agricultural Research Institute, Field Department, 55001, Samsun, Turkey * Corresponding author’s e.mail: seheryldz@yahoo.com