Genetics of intra-gene pool and inter-gene pool hybridization for seed traits in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) germplasm from Europe

Due to adaptation to new ecological and manmade conditions, the large diversity evolved in the European common bean germplasm is of particular interest for plant breeding. The knowledge of the genetic relationships within and among races and gene pools and their performance per se will provide bean breeders with a starting point in designing crosses using contrasting and complementary parents to broaden the genetic base within the different commercial classes. A genetic study of seed size variation and protein markers in progeny derived from 16 intraracial, interracial and inter-gene pools European common bean populations was conducted. General and specific combining ability (GCA and SCA) values were significant for seed weight, indicating that both additive and nonadditive genetic effects were involved in conditioning seed weight. Interracial populations showed transgressive values due to the accumulation of large-seeded alleles. Genetic variation inside Andean germplasm, and Chile and Peru races in particular, exhibited useful genetic progress in these populations, providing lines with a large seed size, and so, an excellent market potential. The distribution of incompatibility between both gene pools (Mesoamerican and Andean) of the common bean was explored. Inter-gene pool populations provided lower means of inbred segregants than the mid-parent value. Therefore, a good option it would be select for large seed size according to a recurrent or congruity inbred-backcrossing selection programs. Analysis of allele markers frequencies in inter-gene populations showed segregation distortion with a higher than expected frequency of alleles from the Mesoamerican gene pool, many of which were fixed in the F₇ lines. The presence of a great percentage of markers that showed segregation distortion in these populations (87%) indicated that this phenomenon can be amplified by using distance related common bean genotypes. In addition, a high percentage of heterozygotes for the Phs locus (for the seed storage protein phaseolin) was found, which suggest that the Andean homozygous TT could not be expressed in Mesoamerican genetic background due to the action of some form of female specific mechanisms that affected gene exchange between parental germplasm in inter-gene pool populations. The present work provides useful information in the establishment of large seed size germplasm that could have a great deal of interest among breeders and may offer some possibilities to exploit existing variation within and between common bean races.     

Cultivar and processing effects on the pasting characteristics,tannin content and protein quality and digestibility of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata)

Four popular West African local cultivars of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), with distinctly different seed coat colors, were evaluated for their relative amylograph pasting characteristics, condensed tannin content, in vitro protein digestibility and Tetrahymena protein efficiency ratio (t-PER). The effects of roasting and dehulling on these properties were also determined. There were wide variations in the hot paste viscosity characteristics of the different cultivars studied. The raw cowpea flour samples exhibited maximum paste viscosities ranging between 260 Brabender Units (BU) for the Mottled cultivar and 460 BU for the cream-colored Blackeye cultivar. Cowpea cultivars with the greatest peak viscosities showed low stabilities to extended cooking. Roasting depressed paste viscosity properties of all the cowpea cultivars studied. Tannin concentrations were 0.3–6.9 and 7.2–116 mg CE/g flour from whole cowpea seeds and seed coats respectively, increasing with intensity of seed color. Although dehulling removed 98% of the tannin content of raw cowpeas, improvement in protein quality as a result of dehulling was observed for only the highly-pigmented Maroon-red variety. Roasting significantly improved digestibility and more than doubled the t-PER of all cowpea cultivars studied. Roasted cowpeas possess adequate nutritional and functional qualities as protein supplements in cereal-based weaning foods. However, it appears that dehulling is necessary to enhance the nutritional quality of the highly pigmented cultivars of cowpea.     

Partial chemical composition,free soluble sugars and unavailable carbohydrates in the embryonic axis and seed coat ofPhaseolus vulgaris L. (Canario group)

Four varieties of common bean were examined, but there were no significant differences among them. Crude protein content (46.7% and 49.0%) was the main constituent in embryonic axes. The average values of ash, crude fiber and ether extract were 4.2%, 3.7% and 3.0% respectively. Starch was approximately three times more abundant (7.5%) than cellulose (2.7%). Hemicellulose B values were lower (5.5%) than hemicellulose A (9.2%). The mean value of the pectic substances in embryonic axes was 12.3%. The free ethanol-soluble sugars ranged from 2.9% to 4.9%. Verbascose, stachyose, raffinose, sucrose, and galactose were identified and quantified in embryonic axes. Seed coat flour contained cellulose (30.6%), ether extract (0.4%), ash (2.8%), and protein (5.4%). Free ribose, mannose, arabinose, and galactose were present in seed coats in amounts ranging from 0.009% to 0.031%.     

大豆感染SMV后种粒多酚类物质变化的研究

抗种粒斑驳品种东农８１－４３,铁６９１５和感种粒斑驳品种合丰２５,丰收１２在人工接种两个ＳＭＶ株系后,对种粒中总多酚和总黄酮的含量进行了测定。抗种粒斑驳品种由于抗种粒斑驳基因的表达作用,总多酚和总黄酮在感染初期的增长导致了负反馈抑制作用,使后期呈现负增长。感种粒斑驳品种种皮初期总多酚和总黄酮大幅度增加,这种趋势一直保持到后期。     

Developing cultivars of the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) for southern Africa: bean common mosaic virus resistance, consumer preferences and agronomic requirements

The requirements that must be met by bean common mosaic virus (BCMV)-resistant cultivars of the common bean in Zimbabwe, and the feasibility of developing such cultivars, were investigated by a survey among farmers, evaluation of resistant and locally adapted inbred genotypes, and backcrossing to transfer the bc-3 resistance gene to the genetic background of the locally adapted genotypes. Genotypes were evaluated by field trials in a range of environments, by consumer assessment and by measurement of seed size, water absorption capacity (WAC) and cooking time. Backcross generations were evaluated in the field and by measurement of the same seed characters.

Most farmers produced beans in monoculture, using bush or semi-climbing cultivars and a single seed type, the most common colour type being cream with red mottles. This is in strong contrast to the production system in many parts of eastern and central Africa, where intercropping, climbing types and seed-type mixtures are common. The BCMV-resistant genotypes had a similar range of flowering dates, maturity dates and canopy heights to locally adapted genotypes, and a similar range of environmental responses with respect to these variables, but were generally small-seeded. Consumers preferred large seeds, and seed colours that were not generally found in the resistant genotypes. However, the bc-3 gene was readily combined with large seed by backcrossing. The resistant genotypes generally had shorter cooking times than the locally adapted genotypes.

It is concluded that it will not be difficult to combine BCMV resistance with the other characteristics required of bean cultivars in Zimbabwe, with the possible exception of seed colour, and that the same is probably true for other production regions in southern Africa.     

Genetic variation and environmental effects on agronomical and commercial quality traits in the main European market classes of dry bean

Repeated testing of diverse commercial classes of beans over time and space and selection for a minimal degree of genotype × environment interaction (GEI) is a common feature of all plant breeding programs. The GEI effect limits the accuracy of yield estimates and complicates the identification of specific genotypes suited for specific environments. The purpose of this work was to study GEI on yield of the main European dry bean market classes by the site regression (SREG) and multiple trait data by genotype–trait (GT) methods, which graphically displayed the interrelationships among traits and facilitated visual comparison of genotypes. Sixty-seven genotypes of common bean, grown in three different sites in northwestern Spain during the 2001 and 2002 growing seasons, were evaluated for yield, two phenological and four commercial seed traits. Interactions between GEI and yield were established using a SREG analysis model to generate a genotype–GEI (GGEI) biplot. The GGEI biplot revealed GEI as a major source of bean yield variation and the different growing sites served to discriminate among the genotypes. This method provided information on the three growing sites: Lugo was identified as the location that best represents the target environment for seed yield; Pontevedra was the location showing the greatest yield stability and León separated the genotypes clearly although as this was not consistent over other sites, León was not representative of an average environment. Each site was represented by a group of genotypes, which showed a superior performance. Large-seed genotypes of the favada market class were best suited to the Lugo site. Commercial seed traits (seed coat fraction, water absorption, crude protein content and seed weight) and days to maturity showed wide variation, as indicated by the relative length of their vectors in the GT plot. Genotypes with the highest yield showed the highest protein content and the poorest seed coat quality and were the latest to flower, while the genotypes that exhibited a high seed coat fraction had the poorest water absorption capacity. The results presented in this work permitted the identification of optimal adapted dry bean genotypes for each bean producing area. These high-yielding genotypes with a good commercial seed quality merit special attention as they could have potential applications for the development of breeding strategies.     

Genetic analysis for resistance to bean fly (Ophiomyia phaseoli) and seed yield among common bean genotypes in a semi-arid environment

Bean fly (Ophiomyia spp.) is a major field pest limiting common bean production in eastern Africa. The genetic enhancement of beans for resistance to insect pests is essential for minimizing yield losses arising from crop damage. The objectives of this study were to (1) assess combining ability for bean fly resistance and seed yield accumulation in common bean and (2) estimate genetic parameters associated with resistance for formulating further breeding strategy. Four parents with known reaction to bean fly were crossed with four locally adapted genotypes in an 8 × 8 half diallel mating design. Parents and F₂ progenies were grown in an alpha-lattice design replicated twice in an open-field and subjected to natural populations of bean fly for two cropping seasons under semi-arid conditions. Similarly, two resistant and two susceptible parents were selected and crossed to produce populations for generation means and variances components analysis. Results revealed that both general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) mean squares were significant (p ≤ 0.05) for all four traits studied except SCA for stem damage during one cropping season. Among the parents, GBK 047858 was the best general combiner for all the traits studied across seasons except for stem damage during long rains (LR) 2009. Besides, genotypes GBK 047821 and Kat × 69 (a locally adapted variety) were generally good general combiners for resistance traits as well as seed yield. General predictability ratio (GPR) values ranging from 0.63 to 0.90 were obtained for plant mortality, stem damage, pupae in stem and seed yield across cropping seasons. These results established the predominance of additive gene effects (fixable variation) over the non-additive effects in controlling the traits. Low to moderate narrow sense heritability values ranging from 0.22 to 0.45 were obtained for pupae in stem. Such heritability estimates indicate that although additive gene components were critical in the inheritance of resistance for the trait, non-additive gene action were also important in addition to the environmental effects.     

Preliminary study of the factors that determine nutrient composition of bean-cooking broth

Bean cooking broth or liquor is a food preparation that results from cooking beans under a number of circumstances. This preparation is the first bean-derived food provided by mothers to their children as young as two months of age. Because of this, bean cooking plays an important nutritional role that must be evaluated. The present study attempted to evaluate, through a number of experiments, the significance of cultivars, method of cooking — either under atmospheric or vapor pressure — cooking time, salt addition, soaking and grain size on bean broth content. This was established mainly by solid content, and also by protein, ash and tannin content in different experiments.The results indicated that cultivars, but mainly cooking and soaking time, cooking method, and seed size were all important factors in determining brean-broth composition, mainly of total solids. Protein and ash contents were less affected. Prolonged cooking of the bean-broth resulted in a decrease in polyphenolic content. The relative nutritional importance of the above factors should be studied further.INCAP Publication I-1511.     

Production and chemical evaluation of some food condiments of Nigeria

The study was aimed at investigating the nutrient and tannin composition of fermented legume seeds (oil bean, castor oil bean and African locust bean) used as food condiments in Nigeria. The legume seeds were purchased from local retailers, cleaned and subjected to varied fermentation periods. Standard assay techniques were adopted to analyze the parameters selected for use. The 4-day fermentation period caused the highest increases in protein and tannin and decreases in ash, lipids and non-protein nitrogen (NPN). The pulp of African locust bean had more protein an ash and the oil bean seeds less lipids and NPN. Fermentation times had varied effects on mineral levels. Fermentation for 4 d increased zinc, sodium and phosphorus except sodium for the African locust bean. The pulp had lower Zn and phosphorus than the seed. Fermentation for 4 d offers a greater advantage over other periods for production of nutritious and cheap food condiments in Nigeria.     

Harnessing sorghum and millet biotechnology for food and health

This review highlights recombinant DNA technology as a powerful tool to enhance the gene pools of sorghum and pearl millet crops regarded as jewels of Africa. Although important advances in the improvement of these species have been made by classical breeding and modern marker assisted selection, genetic manipulation and in vitro culture allows the gene pool to be broadened beyond that normally available for improvement by allowing the transfer of genes which control well-defined traits between species. The current state of sorghum and millet transformation technology is summarised and applications in the improvement of nutritional quality and the resistance to pathogens and pests for crops grown in Africa and Asia is discussed. Regulatory aspects including gene flow and future prospects are also discussed.     

Biomass distribution,maturity acceleration and yield in drought-stressed common bean cultivars

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is an important food crop grown under rainfed conditions in Latin America where drought is a major limiting factor for production. The objective of this study was to assess the role of phenological adjustment and shoot biomass distribution on seed yield of drought-stressed common bean. Four cultivars differing in growth habit, gene pool origin, and contrasting responses under drought, were tested during 2001 at two locations in Mexico: Cotaxtla, Veracruz (lowlands) where the effect of terminal drought (TD) (end-of-season) was evaluated, and Texcoco, State of Mexico (highlands), where the effects of intermittent and terminal drought were evaluated. Seed yield, plant shoot biomass, and days to flowering and to physiological maturity were recorded. Leaf relative water content (RWC) was recorded after the onset of the intermittent drought (ID) treatment in Texcoco. The drought intensity index was 0.37 in Cotaxtla compared to 0.49 and 0.58 under TD and ID, respectively in Texcoco. Days to flowering and to physiological maturity showed a negative and significant relationship with seed yield. Under drought stress, a significant reduction in the harvest index was observed in susceptible cultivars. All cultivars showed higher values of shoot biomass accumulation, pod and seed number, seed weight and RWC at the basal nodes of the plant across locations and moisture treatments. Cultivar Pinto Villa exhibited the highest biomass accumulation and seed yield across treatments and locations. Significant reduction in number of days to maturity was observed under drought, mainly in resistant cultivars, Pinto Villa and G4523. Maturity acceleration, coupled with a high seed filling rate, contributed to lessen the impact of drought stress in resistant common bean cultivars.     

大豆种子寄藏真菌病害和寄藏真菌检测技术

大豆种子寄藏真菌通过侵染大豆种子、叶、茎、豆荚和花,寄藏于大豆种子的种皮、胚和胚乳等组织中,直接影响种子萌发或降低幼苗活力,导致大豆品质下降、产量降低,严重影响大豆的生产。文章介绍了大豆寄藏真菌的种类,重要寄藏真菌拟茎点菌属(Phomopsis spp.)、尾孢属(Cercospora spp.)和刺盘孢(Colletotrichum spp.)的研究现状,寄藏真菌的检测方法和防治技术,对于大豆病害的预测、预报和防治具有重要的意义。     

Integrated management of Ascochyta blight (Didymella fabae) on faba bean under Mediterranean conditions

Integrated disease management options (two sowing dates, three fungicides and 3–6 faba bean genotypes) in managing Ascochyta blight affecting faba bean were evaluated for three cropping seasons (2006/07–2008/09) in northern Syria for their effects on disease parameters, seed infection and dry seed yield. The combined results of the three seasons on disease parameters showed that sowing dates significantly affected final disease severity and area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC); faba bean genotypes significantly affected final disease severity, rate of disease development and AUDPC. The highest AUDPC (255% days) was observed in early than late planted (168% days) faba bean genotypes. The mean AUDPC of faba bean genotypes ranged from 189% days on genotype 1053–1325 to 234% days on ILB-1814. Only faba bean genotypes and fungicides showed significant interactions in affecting final disease severity and AUDPC. Fungicide sprays significantly affected mean percent pod infection and rate of disease development but not mean percent seed infection. Faba bean genotypes showed significant differences in dry seed yield and the yield ranged from 1.7 t ha⁻¹ in cv. Ascot to 2.4 t ha⁻¹ in faba bean genotype 945-105. Improved varieties with Ascochyta blight resistance are not currently released and available for farmers in northern Syria and the integration of early planting (November–December) with one foliar fungicide spray at vegetative stage can help to reduce Ascochyta blight severity, pod and seed infections. Chlorothalonil and azoxystrobin are widely used fungicides to manage Ascochyta blights on food legumes in many countries and one of them could be used depending on their availability and costs to managing faba bean Ascochyta blight in Syria and other Mediterranean type environments.     

Genotypic response of common bean to natural field populations of bean fly (Ophiomyia phaseoli) under diverse environmental conditions

Bean fly is a significant pest of common bean in semi-arid areas of East Africa. Apart from inadequate moisture in the dry land, bean fly simultaneously contributes negatively thereby adversely affecting bean productivity. The objectives of this study were to (1) identify sources of resistance to bean fly available in landraces, (2) confirm stability of host plant resistance in drought stress and (3) determine the effect of drought stress and seasonal variation on common bean genotypes in relation to bean fly attack for adaptability to the semi-arid areas of East Africa. Sixty four genotypes including landraces, bean fly resistant lines and local checks were evaluated for seed yield, 100-seed weight, days to maturity, plant mortality and pupae in stem in an alpha lattice design with two replications. This was under drought stressed (DS) and non-stressed (NS) environments and two treatments (insecticide sprayed and natural infestation) for three cropping seasons between 2008 and 2009. Genotypes differed in their reaction to natural bean fly attack under drought stressed (DS) and non-stressed (NS) environments over different cropping seasons. However, the effect of bean fly appeared to vary between the long rains (LR) and short rains (SR). It was observed that an increase in number of pupae per stem resulted in a higher plant mortality. The range of seed yield was from 345 to 1704 kg ha⁻¹ under natural infestation and from 591 to 2659 kg ha⁻¹ under insecticide protection. Seed yield loss ranged from 3 to 69%. The resistance of most of the bean fly resistant lines seemed to break down in presence of DS owing to their dismal performance. Screening of genetic resources in common bean to breed for host plant resistance to bean fly offers high potential of success if researchers take full advantage of the diversity available within the landraces.     

红小豆、大豆以及菜豆的形态特征和出苗日数的相关性

对红小豆、大豆以及菜豆3种豆类品种的种子形态特性进行了调查。3种豆类品种种子的粒重和粒长、粒宽以及粒厚之间有很高的正相关关系。把各种豆类的粒长、粒宽以及粒厚之间的关系用直线回归系数来表示,并使粒形的形态特征数值化。另外,大豆和菜豆种子的粒重和种子所占子叶比率之间成正相关关系,种子的粒重和种子所占胚芽比率之间成负相关关系,但红小豆没有相关关系。通过两年试验,从播种到出苗日数,3种豆类中红小豆最晚（15～20d）。在降雨量多的年份红小豆的出苗日数和种子的大小没有相关性,但是大豆和菜豆的粒重和出苗日数之间成负相关关系。播种时期土壤水分充足时,大豆和菜豆粒重轻的种子比粒重重的种子先出苗,但是红小豆没有看到这种关系。这可能与种子的吸水速度有关。     

Genetic diversity analysis of Mediterranean faba bean (Vicia faba L.) with ISSR markers

Crosses among inbred lines from different Mediterranean-type faba bean gene pools appear promising for the production of high yielding synthetic varieties. The purpose of the present study was to (1) describe the genetic diversity of Greek faba bean local populations, using Inter-Simple Sequence Repeats (ISSRs), and (2) classify the local populations and compare the classification results with those derived from morphological/agronomic data. Four ISSR primers were used on 57 bulked samples of 20 faba bean local populations, five minor-type and 15 Mediterranean-type populations. A total of 192 DNA bands were obtained, of which 190 were polymorphic. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed high levels of within population genetic variation. Based on Nei's standard genetic distances, both cluster analysis using unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) and principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) separated four minor-type populations from the Mediterranean-type populations. The Mediterranean-type populations were further classified into two clusters, with the resultant groups being less diverse than the initial Mediterranean-type gene pool. Mantel test showed that the ISSR markers classification using Nei's genetic distances was statistically different from that derived from morphological/agronomic data using Manhattan distances. Conclusively, the present study supported the suggestion that Mediterranean-type faba beans can be subdivided into at least two different germplasm pools. The groups studied are promising for the production of synthetic varieties.     

Tepary beans (Phaseolus acutifolius var. latifolius): a potential food source for African and Middle Eastern cultures

Tepary bean (Phaseolus acutifolius var. latifolius), a native North American legume adapted to arid/semiarid lands was partially evaluated as a potential food source for people of African and Middle Eastern regions. To indicate the acceptability of these pulses, traditional Nigerian and Saudi Arabian foodstuffs were formulated with teparies substituted for beans commonly used in these regions. Organoleptic evaluation of these food products by students native to the area of recipe origin indicated the dishes to be moderately to highly acceptable. Chemical analyses of this species revealed tepary beans to be very similar in proximate composition, amino acid profile and content of various minerals to other grain legumes (cowpeas, chickpeas and fava beans) of the African/Middle Eastern region. Protein contents of tepary samples averaged 23.0%, whereas protein quality was found limiting in sulfur amino acids. Laboratory examination of raw tepary samples for antinutritional factors uncovered levels of flatulent oligo saccharides, trypsin inhibitors and phytic acid commonly associated with grain legumes. However, lectin assays revealed greater agglutination associated with tepary composites than in fava, chickpea and cowpea samples. All bean samples were simmered resulting in fully cooked materials which exhibited low levels of nutritional antagonists. Cooked beans were considered safe and nutritionally acceptable.Arizona Agricultural Experiment Station Paper No. 3814.     

菜豆荚斑驳病毒的RT-PCR检测

菜豆荚斑驳病毒是对大豆经济具有重要影响的病毒.根据已报道的菜豆荚斑驳病毒外壳蛋白基因序列,设计出一对特异性引物,采用RT-PCR法,可有效地扩增出BPMV不同亚组的4个分离物,得到650 bp大小的PCR产物.这种方法能成功地检测出大豆病叶中的BPMV,结果和酶联检测是一致的,而对大豆种皮中BPMV的检测效果不佳,建议采用酶联的方法进行检测.     

小麦铭贤169休眠解除期间种子结构与主要成分的变化

为探究小麦种子休眠解除期间的成分变化对发芽率的影响,了解种子休眠解除机制,以铭贤169为材料,在收获后不同储藏时间(间隔20 d)取样,通过显微设备观察了种子后熟期间的结构变化,测定了相关生理指标和成分,以探究铭贤169种子休眠性原因。结果表明,铭贤169种子休眠解除过程中,种皮细胞结构、组织结构、淀粉粒结构、蛋白基质等均发生变化,淀粉含量、粒径、糊化特性、热稳定性随贮藏时间延长变化显著。铭贤169的离体胚在花后25 d就具有发芽能力,但种子在花后35 d仍处于休眠。收获后熟期间,种胚活性、种子吸水率、含水量、淀粉含量、淀粉糊化谷值粘度和峰值时间、热稳定性逐步上升,与发芽率正相关。A型淀粉粒表面破损,淀粉粒与蛋白质结合紧密,种皮结构松散;淀粉粒径、淀粉酶活性、可溶性糖含量和沉降值减小;面筋和粗蛋白含量变化不大。推测铭贤169种子的休眠性与种子母体成分有关,休眠解除期间发芽率变化受种皮结构、淀粉的分解程度、淀粉粒与蛋白质的结合方式、可溶性糖含量、淀粉含量和性质以及淀粉酶活性等因素影响。     

Preparation of protein and mineral rich fraction from grain amaranth and evaluation of its functional characteristics

Grain amaranth was fractionated to prepare a seed coat rich fraction along with the fine seed coat, middling and flour fractions. The nutritional content of the coarse seed coat fraction and its antioxidant potential were evaluated. It was observed that, the coarse seed coat fraction contained highest protein (17.81 g/100 g), dietary fiber (25.78 g/100 g), free sugar (2.25 g/100 g), calcium (1115 mg/100 g), sodium (279 mg/100 g), magnesium (178.4 mg/100 g) and potassium (398.8 mg/100 g) contents compared to all other fractions. The carbohydrate and protein digestibility of all the fractions were more than 80%. A slight decrease in linoleic acid and a concurrent increase in palmitic acid contents were observed in coarse seed coat fraction. The total phytic acid increased and total polyphenols contents decreased in the coarse seed coat fraction compared to the native grain. The DPPH, ABTS and total antioxidant activities are comparatively high in this particular fraction. The study indicated a possibility of preparation of a protein, fiber and mineral rich fraction from grain amaranth with good antioxidant potential which can be used as a functional food ingredient.