Efficacy of three greenhouse screening methods for the identification of physiological resistance to white mold in dry bean

Abstract

White mold (WM) caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary is the most devastating disease of common bean (dry and snap or garden bean) (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in North America. The use of a reliable screening method (SM) in common bean is crucial to improve physiological resistance to WM. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of three SM to identify physiological resistance in dry bean genotypes with different evolutionary origins and levels of resistance. Screening methods tested were: (i) the modified straw test or cut–stem (CSM); (ii) infected bean flower (IFL); and (iii) infected oat seed (IOS). A 195, ICA Bunsi, Othello, and VCW 54 dry bean were tested with the three SM. The experimental design was a split plot in randomized complete blocks with three replications in 2007 and 2008. Two independent inoculations 1 wk apart for each SM were made. The WM reaction was scored at 16, 23, and 33 d post-inoculation (DPI) using a 1 to 9 scale. There were highly significant differences between SM and its interaction with years. The CSM and IFL were the most consistent and highly correlated (r > 0.70, P < 0.01). Interspecific breeding line VCW 54 consistently had the highest WM resistance across years, SM, and evaluation dates, followed by A 195. White mold scores increased with delayed evaluations. Thus, CSM or IFL with disease assessed 33 DPI should be used for identifying common bean genotypes with high levels of physiological resistance to WM.Key words: Common bean, growth habit, race Mesoamerica, race Nueva Granada, Phaseolus vulgaris, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum