Sources of resistance to angular leaf spot (Phaeoisariopsis griseola) in common bean core collection, wild Phaseolus vulgaris and secondary gene pool

Angular leaf spot (ALS) is one of the most devastating diseases of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in tropical and subtropical countries. The causal fungus, Phaeoisariopsis griseola(Sacc.) Ferr. is highly variable and a diverse source of resistance genes is required to manage this disease. We evaluated a common bean core collection,primary and secondary gene pools and lines derived from inter-specific crosses of P. vulgaris and P. coccineus or P. polyanthus (secondary gene pool) for resistance to angular leaf spot. Of the 1441 accessiones in the core collection, only 2.2% were resistant to both Andean and Mesoamerican races of P. griseola, 28% were resistant only to Andean and 9% to Mesoamerican races. Of the 32 resistant accessions, 68%originated from Bolivia, Colombia,Guatemala and Mexico. More accessions from these countries should be examined for P. griseola reaction. Very few wild P. vulgaris accessions (4%), were resistant to ALS. In contrast, high levels of resistance (62%) were found in the secondary gene pool. Among the 1010 lines from inter-specific crosses, 109 lines were highly resistant. These genotypes from the primary and secondary common bean gene pools resistant to Andean and Mesoamerican races of P. griseola offer a potential for developing broad and durable ALS resistance. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

New sources of resistance to anthracnose and angular leaf spot of beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

Summary over 13000 CIAT bean accessions were evaluated for their reactions to the anthracnose (Colletotrichum lindemuthianum) and angular leaf spot (Isariopsis griseola) pathogens over a 3 yr period. Among these accessions, 156 were resistant to all races of the anthracnose pathogen collected from Popayán, Colombia. Thirty were resistant to numerous races obtained from other parts of the world, including Europe. Although many of these new resistant sources originated in Mexico and Central America, they are quite diverse for geographic origin, plant type, seed color and seed size. In addition, more than 50 of the 156 lines were also resistant to isolates of I. griseola with diverse sources of origin throughout Colombia.     

Improvement of large-seeded common bean cultivars under sustainable cropping systems in Spain

Approaches are needed to broaden the genetic base and improve earliness and yield potential of large-seeded beans under sustainable cropping systems. The objective of this research was to develop adapted dwarf bean populations having a commercial seed quality and yield suitable for the production in the South of Europe. The original base populations were produced from crosses between genotypes within each Mesoamerica, Nueva Granada and Peru races, and between Peru and Nueva Granada, and Mesoamerica and Nueva Granada races. Visual mass selection for plant performance was practised in the F₂ and F₃ generations. In the F₄ and F₅, single plants were harvested under two cropping systems (sole cropping and intercropping with maize). From F₄, selection was based on precocity, combined with seed yield and seed commercial type. The F_4:7 selected lines from each original population were compared with their parents and five checks at four environments and two cropping systems. Differences among environments, populations, parents and checks were observed for all traits. Under intercropping with maize, there was a 50% reduction in seed yield. Yield of parents and checks belonging to Andean South American races, intraracial (Nueva Granada × Nueva Granada) and interracial (Nueva Granada × Peru) populations, was higher than that of those of Middle American origin. Intraracial crosses within large-seeded Andean South American (Peru race) and Middle American gene pools (Mesoamerica race) did not produce lines yielding more than the highest yielding parent. Only two large-seeded lines selected from crosses between small- and large-seeded gene pools out-yielded the best parent and check cultivar.     

Selection for seed yield in Andean intra-gene pool and Andean × Middle American inter-gene pool populations of common bean

Yields of large-seeded Andean (A) common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivars of Chile and Nueva Granada races are 40 to 60% lower compared to their Middle American (M) counterparts of small-seeded Mesoamerica and medium-seeded Durango races. Our objective was to use the concept of congruity backcrossing between Andean x Middle American inter-gene pool [AM 11833 = A 483 (A)///// A 686 (M) //// PVA 800A(A)/// ‘Carioca’ (M)// Carioca (M)/ G 19833 (A)] and between races within Andean gene pool [i.e., intra-gene pool Andean, AA 11834 = A483 (A)//// ‘Cardinal’(A) /// ‘Blanco Español’(A) // BlancoEspañol (A) / ‘Taylor’ (A)] to compare selection for seed yield improvement of large-seeded Andean beans. Seven hundred sixty seven F₂-derived F₃ (F_2:3) families were produced for each population. Visual appraisal for total plant performance, combined with seed yield from non-replicated plots was used for selection of 551 families in F_2:3, 182 families in F_2:4, and 91 families in F_2:5 in each population. Eight hundred twenty three F_5:6 lines were developed from the 91 F_2:5 families in each population. Visual selection, combined with seed yield in non-replicated plots was again used to select 294 lines in F_5:6 in each population. Similarly, 44 highest yielding F_5:7 lines were selected in AM 11833 and 39 F_5:7 lines in AA 11834. Thus, single plant selections were made in the F₂ and F₅, and plants within each plot were harvested in bulk in F₃, F₄, F₆, and F₇. Thirty nine F_5:8 lines from AA 11834 and 44 lines from AM 11833, parents, and checks were evaluated at Popayán and Quilichao, Colombia in 1998 and 1999. Selected lines in both populations, on average, out-yielded the mean of their large-seeded Andean parents. Mean yield of the lines selected from AM 11833 was 50% higher than AA 11834 lines. Twelve F_5:8 lines out-yielded the highest yielding Andean parents G 19833 and A 483 in AM 11833, whereas only one line yielded significantly higher (p < 0.05) than the highest yielding parent A 483 in AA 11834. However, none of selected lines out-yielded small-seeded Middle American parents used in AM 11833 (A 686 and ‘Carioca’). The mean 100 seed-weight of AA 11834 was 36 g compared to 28 G for AM 11833 F_5:8 lines. Selected lines had similar days to maturity as parents in AM 11833, and matured 3 d later in AA11834. Correlation coefficients between yield and 100 seed-weight were negative in both populations. Yield and days to maturity were positively correlated in AA 11834.     

Pathogenic variation in, sources of, and breeding for resistance to Phaeoisariopsis griseola causing angular leaf spot in common bean

If we are to breed common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) for durable resistance to diseases, we must understand pathogenic variation and find sources of resistance. Our first objective was to determine the patterns of pathogenic variation found among isolates of Phaeoisariopsis griseola (PG), the fungus that causes angular leaf spot (ALS) in common bean. We characterized 433 PG isolates from 11 Latin American and 10 African countries, using differential cultivars, isozymes, and/or random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. We also systematically screened, for ALS resistance, common bean accessions from the world collection held at CIAT, and assessed the progress so far made in breeding for resistance to ALS. Despite their great diversity within and between countries on both continents, the PG isolates were classified into two major groups: Andean, and Middle American. Although each group had internal differences for virulence, and biochemical and molecular characteristics, the ‘Andean’ PG isolates were more virulent on common beans of Andean origin, than on those of Middle American origin, thus, suggesting a host-pathogen co-evolution. The ‘Middle American’ PG isolates, although more virulent on common beans from Middle America, also attacked Andean beans, thus, exhibiting a much broader virulence spectrum. To find sources of resistance, we tested 22,832 common bean accessions against naturally occurring PG isolates in the field at CIAT's Experiment Station, Quilichao, Colombia, between 1985 and 1992. The resulting 123 intermediate (scores of 4 to 6) and resistant (scores of 1 to 3) accessions were then tested in the greenhouse against selected 14 PG isolates of diverse origins. Nineteen accessions were intermediate or resistant to at least 13 of 14 PG isolates. Similarly, of 13,219 bred lines tested in the field between 1978 and 1996, 89 were intermediate or resistant. Of these, 33 bred lines proved intermediate or resistant to at least eight of nine PG isolates to which they were challenged in the greenhouse. We suggest that, to breed for durable resistance to ALS, common bean populations should be developed from crosses between Andean and Middle American gene pools. The populations should then be systematically evaluated and selected against the broadest range of the most virulent PG isolates of diverse evolutionary origins. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Inheritance of resistance to angular leaf spot (Isariopsis griseola Sacc.) in french bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

Summary Angular leaf spot (Isariopsis griseola Sacc.) is a serious disease of French bean in the hills of India and 40 to 70 per cent of the green pods are damaged and rendered unmarketable. Crosses were made between PLB 257, (Phaseolus coccineus L.), a red flowering pole tope, resistant to angular leaf spot, and Contender (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), a highly susceptible commercial cultivar. Studies of the F₁, F₂, and F₃ progenies indicated that PLB 257, carries a recessive gene imparting resistance to angular leaf spot.     

Genetic diversity of Phaeoisariopsis griseola in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil

Due to the importance of common bean angular leaf spotin the state of Minas Gerais-Brazil and to the greatvariability of the pathogen, Phaeoisariopsisgriseola, monitoring races becomes an important toolfor breeding programs aiming at genetic resistance.The pathogenic variability of 30 isolates of the P. griseola, collected from various locations in thestate of Minas Gerais, was studied using the followingcommon bean differential series (Don Timóteo,Bolón Bayo, Montcalm, G 5686, Amendoin, G 11796,BAT 332, PAN 72, Cornell 49-242, México 54, Florde Mayo and G 2858). The first trifoliate leaf wasinoculated with a 2 × 10⁴ conidia/mL. Plants weremaintained at 20–22 ^°C and 95% relativehumidity for 48 hours. Symptom evaluation wasperformed 15 days after inoculation. Thirteen raceswere identified demonstrating the wide geneticvariability of the pathogen in the state of MinasGerais. Race 63.63 was the most virulent, whereas race63.23 was the most frequent (10 of 30 isolates), beingwidely distributed among the regions studied. Thevirulence phenotype indicated that the races studiedbelonged to the Mesoamerican group, which wasconfirmed when the 30 isolates were compared to Andeanand Mesoamerican standards using RAPD markers.     

Genetics of angular leaf spot resistance in the Andean common bean accession G5686 and identification of markers linked to the resistance genes

Angular leaf spot (ALS), caused by the fungus Phaeoisariopsis griseola is an economically important and widely distributed disease of common bean. Due to the co-evolution of P. griseola with the large and small seeded bean gene pools, stacking Andean and Mesoamerican resistance genes is a strategy most likely to provide lasting resistance to ALS disease. This strategy requires identification and characterization of effective Andean and Mesoamerican resistance genes, and the development of molecular markers linked to these genes. This study was conducted to elucidate the genetics of ALS resistance in the Andean accession G5686 using an F₂ population derived from a G5686 × Sprite cross. Segregation analysis revealed that three dominant and complementary genes conditioned resistance of G5686 to P. griseola pathotype 31-0. Three microsatellite markers, Pv-ag004, Pv-at007 and Pv-ctt001 segregated in coupling phase with the resistance genes in G5686. Microsatellites Pv-ag004 and Pv-ctt001, located on opposite ends of linkage group B04 segregated with resistance genes Phg _G5686A , Phg _G5686B at 0.0 and 17.1 cM, respectively, while marker Pv-at007, localized on linkage group B09 segregated with resistance gene Phg _G5686C at 12.1 cM. Parental surveys showed that these markers were polymorphic in Andean and Mesoamerican backgrounds. The usefulness of G5686 ALS resistance genes in managing the ALS disease, and the potential utility of identified molecular markers for marker assisted breeding are discussed.     

Inheritance of resistance to angular leaf spot in common bean and validation of the utility of resistance linked markers for marker assisted selection out side the mapping population

Inheritance of resistance to angular leaf spot (ALS) disease caused by Phaeoisariopsis griseola (Sacc.) Ferr was investigated in two common bean cultivars, Mexico 54 and BAT 332. Both Andean and Mesoamerican backgrounds were used to determine the stability of the resistance gene in each of the two cultivars. Resistance to P. griseola was phenotypically evaluated by artificial inoculation with one of the most widely distributed pathotypes, 63–39. Evaluation of the parental genotypes, F₁, F₂ and backcross populations revealed that the resistance to angular leaf spot in the cultivars Mexico 54 and BAT 332 to pathotype 63–39 is controlled by a single dominant gene, when both the Andean and Mesoamerican backgrounds were used. Allelism test showed that ALS resistance in Mexico 54 and BAT 332 to pathotype 63–39 was conditioned by the same resistance locus. Resistant and susceptible segregating populations generated using Mexico 54 resistant parent were selected for DNA extraction and amplification to check for the presence /absence of the SCAR OPN02 and RAPD OPE04 markers linked to the Phg-2 resistance gene. The results indicated that the SCAR OPN02 was not polymorphic in the study populations and therefore of limited application in selecting resistant genotypes in such populations. On the other hand, the RAPD OPE04 marker was observed in all resistant individuals and was absent in those scored susceptible based on virulence data. Use of the RAPD OPE04 marker in marker-assisted selection is underway.     

Phenotypic variation in a core collection of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in the Netherlands

Forty accessions, forming a core collection of mainly bush type of the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) germplasm in the Netherlands, were evaluated for 14 qualitative and quantitative traits at the Agricultural University, Wageningen (WAU), the Netherlands in 1992. These and an additional 117 Dutch accessions, mainly collected in private home gardens, were also evaluated for phaseolin seed protein pattern, and morphological and agronomic traits at the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT, Spanish acronym), Cali, Columbia between 1987 and 1997. Multivariate and principal component analyses at both WAU and CIAT indicated existence of one large group with no discernable patterns among Dutch common bean collections of landraces, garden forms and cultivars. However, when phaseolin, an evolutionary, biochemical marker, was used as an initial classification criterion followed by use of morphological markers, the two major gene pools; Andean and Middle American with two races in each (Chile and Nueva Granada in Andean, and Durango and Mesoamerica in Middle American) were identified. The Andean gene pool was predominant (136 of 157 accessions), especially the race Nueva Granada (126 accessions) characterized by the bush determinate growth habit type I and T phaseolin. The new core collection comprised 31 accessions. Bean races Chile, Durango, and Mesoamerica were represented by 10, 7, and 14 accessions, respectively. Of the 9 French or snap bean accessions six possessed characteristics of race Mesoamerica and three belonged to Durango race. Occurrence of these and a large number of other recombinants strongly suggested considerable hybridization and gene exchange between Andean and Middle American gene pools, thus blurring the natural boundaries and forming a large single group of common bean germplasm in the Netherlands. The inter-gene-pool recombinants of both dry and French beans should be of special interest to breeders for use as bridging-parents for development of broad-based populations. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Introgressing resistance to bacterial and viral diseases from the middle American to Andean common bean

The genetic base of cultivars within market classes of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is narrow. Moreover, small- and medium-seeded Middle American cultivars often possess higher yield and resistance to abiotic and biotic stresses than their large-seeded Andean counterparts. Thus, for broadening the genetic base and breeding for higher yielding multiple stress resistant Andean cultivars use of inter-gene pool populations is essential. Our objective was to determine the feasibility of introgressing resistance to Been common mosaic virus (BCMV, a potyvirus), and the common [caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. phaseoli (Xcp) and X. campestris pv. phaseoli var. fuscans (Xcpf)] and halo [caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. phaseolicola (Psp)] bacterial blights from the Middle American to Andean bean, using gamete selection. Also, we investigated the relative importance of the use of a landrace cultivar versus elite breeding line as the last parent making maximum genetic contribution in multiple-parent inter-gene pool crosses for breeding for resistance to diseases. Two multiple-parent crosses, namely ZARA I = Wilkinson 2 /// ‘ICA Tundama’ / ‘Edmund’ // VAX 3 / PVA 773 and ZARA II = ‘Moradillo’ /// ICA Tundama / Edmund // VAX 3 / PVA 773 were made. From the F₁ to F₅ single plant selection was practiced for resistance to the common and halo bacterial blights in both populations at Valladolid, Spain. The parents and F₅-derived F₆ breeding lines were evaluated separately for BCMV, and common and halo bacterial blights in the greenhouse at Filer and Kimberly, Idaho in 2001. They were also evaluated for the two bacterial blights, growth habit, seed color and 100-seed weight at Valladolid in 2002. All 20 F₁ plants of ZARA I were resistant or intermediate to common and halo bacterial blights in the greenhouse, but their F₂ and subsequent families segregated for both bacterial blights. Segregation for resistant, intermediate, and susceptible plants for common bacterial blight occurred in the F₁ of ZARA II. Simple correlation coefficient for common bacterial blight between the F₁ and F₁-derived F₂ families was positive (r = 0.54 P < 0.05) for ZARA II. From the F₂ to F₅ the number of families resistant to both bacterial blights decreased in both populations. Only four of 20 F₁ plants in ZARA I resulted in seven F₆ breeding lines, and only one of 32 F₁ plants in ZARA II resulted in one F₆ breeding line resistant to the three diseases. None of the selected breeding lines had seed size as large as the largest Andean parent. The use of elite breeding line or cultivar as the last parent making maximum genetic contribution to the multiple-parent inter-gene pool crosses, relatively large population size in the F₁, and simultaneous selection for plant type, seed traits as well as resistance to diseases would be crucial for introgression and pyramiding of favorable alleles and quantitative trait loci (QTL) of interest between the Andean and Middle American beans.     

Selection for seed yield in Middle American versus Andean × Middle American interracial common-bean populations

The objective of this study was to compare the seed yield, seed weight, and maturity of random lines derived from two contrasting populations of common bean ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.): Middle American (TR 7790) and Andean × Middle American (TR 7791). TR 7790 involved crosses between common-bean races of Middle American origin only (Mesoamerica and Durango), whereas TR 7791 involved crosses between races of Middle American and Andean origin (Mesoamerica and Nueva Granada). A total of 85 random lines from each of these two double-cross, interracial populations, a bulk sample of both populations, and all parents were evaluated in a replications-in-set design in eight environments in Colombia between 1991 and 1993. The mean yields of parents, population bulk, and lines from TR 7790 were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than those of TR 7791. Six lines in TR 7790 and nine lines in TR 7791 yielded significantly higher (P < 0.05) than the mean of their parents. Four lines from TR 7790 out-yielded the highest-yielding line from TR 7791. Moreover, while three lines from TR 7790 out-yielded its best parent, none of the lines from TR 7791 out-yielded its highest yielding parent. Thus, substantial yield gains should be expected from interracial populations within the Middle American group of common beans, whereas selection for higher seed yield from Andean × Middle American populations would seem problematic.     

Patterns of genetic diversity in landraces of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) from Galicia

Knowledge of patterns of genetic diversity among existing cultivars helps to broaden the genetic base of new cultivars and maximizes the use of available germplasm resources. This study examined the organization of diversity for morphological traits in 66 landraces of cultivated common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) from Galicia and its relationship with phaseolin seed protein diversity. Data on growth habit, seed and pod traits obtained from field evaluations at two locations during the 1989—91 cropping seasons were subjected to multivariate statistical analysis. Cluster analysis based on 14 quantitative variables and five qualitative variables identified 11 groups. The landraces were also characterized by phaseolin electrophoresis. The results allowed separation of these landraces into Middle and Andean American groups, which could be further divided into at least eight groups within the Andean American cultivars and three within the Mesoamerican cultivars. These groups in turn corresponded to the previously described races Nueva Granada and Peru of South American origin, and races Durango, Jalisco and Mesoamerica from the Middle American domestication centre. These results confirm the existence of two major groups of germplasm in the cultivated common bean landraces from Galicia, Mesoamerican vs. Andean American.     

Adaptation of poplar leaf rust to Eastern cottonwood

Summary Genotypes of eastern cottonwood, Populus deltoides, from Kentucky or Mississippi were inoculated using a leaf disk assay with isolates of poplar leaf rust, Melampsora medusae f. sp. deltoidae (Mmd), from both locations to determine if pathogenic races differ at these locations. Disease severity measurements, including infection probability (number of uredia produced per uredospore), sporulation (number of uredospores/cm²), and the progeny/parent ratio (number of daughter uredia produced per mother uredium) were significantly higher when trees of southern origin were inoculated with isolates from southern locations as compared to isolates from northern locations. In addition, larger variation in disease severity measurements attributable to specific interactions, i.e. the variance due to isolates adjusted for virulence on a universal suscept, were found in northern than in southern isolates. These results suggest that isolates of southern origin have broader adaptation and are more virulent on local southern host genotypes than isolates of northern origin. However, the larger variance attributable to specific interactions in northern isolates indicates the potential for pathogen adaptation to resistant host genotypes in Kentucky.Journal series paper 92-8-81 of the University of Kentucky Agricultural Experiment Station     

Combining ability for nodulation in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) genotypes from Andean and Middle American gene pools

Ten F₁'s obtained from crosses among five common bean genotypes of Andean (WAF 15, Mineiro Precoce and Batatinha) and Middle American (BAT 304 and Ouro) gene pools were assessed for their combining abilities for root nodulation with Rhizobium tropici strain CIAT 899. The plants were grown under controlled conditions and evaluated for number of nodules per plant (NN), nodule dry weight (NDW), mean nodule weight (MNW) and plant fresh weight (PFW). The subdivision of the treatment effects on the general (GCA) and specific combining effects (SCA) were performed according to Griffing's diallel analysis method 2, model 1. The analyses of variance and estimates of quadratic components showed that non-additive gene effects were more important in the expression of NN and PFW, whereas additive gene effect was predominant for NDW and MNW. A close association was observed between high number of nodules and GCA. Generally, crosses involving parents of different gene pools yielded hybrids with high positive estimates of SCA for all assessed traits. The genotypes of Andean origin WAF 15 and Mineiro Precoce are the most promising parents for breeding programs to increase NN and NDW in common beans. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Combining ability analysis across environments for some traits in dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) under low and high soil phosphorus conditions

Dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is an important grain legume for small-scale farmers in eastern Africa who nonetheless, grow beans with limited phosphorus (P) fertilizer supply or none at all. Phosphorus rank second, after nitrogen (N), as the most limiting soil nutrient in bean production in East African soils. This study was conducted to determine combining ability for five polygenic traits in the red mottled, large seeded bean market class, under low and high soil P conditions and two locations. Three parents tolerant to low soil P were hybridized with five well adapted, but non-low P tolerant lines in a diallel mating scheme. The resulting 28 F₁ hybrids were evaluated in a randomized complete block design with three replications, under low and high soil P conditions at two sites. There were highly significant (P ≤ 0.001) differences among the genotypes for all the traits under all the study conditions. The GCA mean squares were highly significant (P ≤ 0.001) for these traits, indicating importance of additive effects for both study conditions and sites. The GCA × Environment and SCA × Environment were significant for all the parameters and test conditions. CAL143 had positive GCA effects that were significant; except for 100-seed weight under P stress; for all the traits and under all the study conditions. The negative GCA effects for the none P tolerant parents indicate that they impacted positively in imparting earliness.     

An allelic series at the Co-1 locus conditioning resistance to anthracnose in common bean of Andean origin

In this study, we characterized the genetic resistance of the Andean bean cultivars Kaboon and Perry Marrow and their relation to other sources of anthracnose resistance in common bean. Based on the segregation ratio (3R:1S) observed in two F₂ populations we demonstrated that Kaboon carries one major dominant gene conferring resistance to races 7 and 73 of Colletotrichum lindemuthianum. This gene in Kaboon is independent from the Co-2 gene and is an allele of the Co-1 gene present in Michigan Dark Red Kidney (MDRK) cultivar. Therefore, we propose the symbol CO-1 ² for the major dominant gene in Kaboon. The Co-1 is the only gene of Andean origin among the Co anthracnose resistance genes characterized in common bean. When inoculated with the less virulent Andean race 5, the segregation ratio in the F₂ progeny of Cardinal and Kaboon was 57R:7S (p = 0.38). These data indicate that Kaboon must possess other weaker dominant resistance genes with a complementary mode of action, since Cardinal is not known to possess genes for anthracnose resistance. Perry Marrow, a second Andean cultivar with resistance to a different group of races, was shown to possess another resistant allele at the Co-1 locus and the gene symbol Co-1 ³ was assigned. In R × R crosses between Perry Marrow and MDRK or Kaboon, no susceptible F₂ plants were found when inoculated with race 73. These findings support the presence of a multiple allelic series at the Andean Co-1 locus, and have major implications in breeding for durable anthracnose resistance in common bean. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Inter-and intraracial hybridization and selection for seed yield in early generations of common bean,Phaseolus vulgaris L.

Summary Five parents from each of four race groups of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) were hybridized to produce five crosses within each group. Also, five crosses were made for each of the six possible combinations among four groups. Parents, F₁ and F₂, and parents, F₂ and F₃ were evaluated for seed yield in 1990 and 1991, respecitively, at two locations in Colombia.Yield of parents belonging to Middle American races and crosses among them was higher than that of races of Andean origin. Positive correlations were found among the mid-parent value, F₁, F₂ and F₃. Also, the mid-parent value predicted the mean seed yield of all possible lines that could be derived from the F-generation in 42 out of 47 crosses. Four crosses, all between common bean races of Andean and Middle American origin, indicated a possible loss of favorable epistatic parental alleles. On average, mean yield of interracial F₁ hybrids was higher than that of intraracial ones.Positive heteroris (26.4%–123.8%) over the mid-parent in 31 crosses, and F₁s yielding higher (23.7%–91.8%) than the high parent in 20 crosses and yielding higher (22.1%–53.2%) than the highest control among all parents (MAM 13) in 12 crosses, were found. Heritability, estimated by the parent-offspring regression, ranged from 0.42± 0.07 to 0.49±0.04. Expected and realized gains from selection (at 20% selection pressure) ranged from 10.3% to 21.0% over the mean of F₁ hybrids and F₂ and F₃ population bulks.     

Identification of a novel source of resistance to angular leaf spot disease of common bean within the secondary gene pool

Phaeoisariopsis griseola (Sacc.) Ferr., the agent of angular leaf spot disease of common bean, is a highly variable pathogen for which resistance gene diversification is required. This study analysed genetic resistance to this disease within genotypes of three Phaseolus species. Twenty-nine genotypes of Phaseolus vulgaris, Phaseolus coccineus and Phaseolus polyanthus were inoculated with 54 isolates of Phaeoisariopsis griseola. The genetic resistance was estimated according to the symptom intensity observed for each plant genotype-pathogen isolate combination. Globally, genotypes of the common bean secondary gene pool were resistant to a higher number of isolates than common bean varieties. Interactions between plant genotypes and pathogen isolates suggested vertical resistance genes within P. vulgaris, as well as within P. coccineus and P. polyanthus. The ‘NI666’accession (P. coccineus) showed resistance to all the fungal isolates inoculated while the variety ‘Aroana’(P. vulgaris) was susceptible to most of the isolates. Interspecific hybridization between these two genotypes gave F₁ hybrid plants which showed resistance to angular leaf spot disease.     

Development and characterization of common black bean lines resistant to anthracnose,rust and angular leaf spot in Brazil

Anthracnose, rust and angular leaf spot caused by Colletotrichum lindemuthianum, Uromyces appendiculatus and Pseudocercospora griseola, respectively, are economically important diseases affecting the common bean production in Brazil. The BIOAGRO/UFV bean breeding program developed Rudá-R, a dry bean line with ‘carioca’ seed type, containing the following disease resistance genes: Co-4, Co-6 and Co-10 (anthracnose); Ur-ON (rust) and Phg-1 (angular leaf spot). To transfer this combination of disease resistance genes present in Rudá-R to a black-seeded bean, a backcrossing program aided by molecular markers was conducted, involving Rudá-R (donor genitor) and Diamante Negro (recurrent genitor). Forty black-seeded BC₃F_3:6 lines were obtained with combinations of at least three markers linked to the indicated disease resistance genes. The lines were evaluated for resistance to the three mentioned pathogens. Eight of the lines were homozygous and resistant to all four evaluated races of C. lindemuthianum, but susceptible to race 2047. Four of the lines were homozygous and resistant to two races of U. appendiculatus. Twenty of the lines were homozygous and resistant to the two races of P. griseola tested. Grain yield of the BC₃F_3:6 lines was evaluated during the ‘winter’ season of 2006 and the ‘dry’ season of 2007. All lines had statistically equal or higher yields than Rudá-R and Diamante Negro. Lines were identified that not only were high yielding but also resistant to the three pathogens tested. These lines are potential genotypes for further testing and for release as new black common bean varieties.