Genetics of angular leaf spot (ALS) resistance in South African market class dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) cultivars

Abstract

Angular leaf spot (ALS) caused by Pseudocercospora griseola (Sacc.) is one of the serious fungal diseases affecting dry bean in Africa, including South Africa. Host plant resistance is the best management strategy, of which its effectiveness requires knowledge of the genetics underlying the resistance in guiding breeding efforts. In this study, the inheritance of ALS resistance was studied through the generation mean analysis biometrical procedure. Six generations consisting of the two parents Ukulinga and Gadra, and its cross derived filial progenies (F1), second-generation (F2), and backcrosses of F1 to Ukulinga (BCP1) and Gadra (BCP2) were planted in a net-house and later inoculated using a mixture of P. griseola isolates. Leaf lesions (% disease severity) were rated using a CIAT 1-9 scale and analysed using SAS macros in Proc GLM of SAS version 9.3. Results of ANOVA for a full model displayed significant additive effects (P<0.05) and highly significant (P<0.001) additive x dominance effects. Segregation analysis indicated 9:7 ratio, implying the involvement of complementary gene effects. The number of genes was estimated to be 1.79; however, due to epistasis two or more genes possibly govern the resistance in this cross. Broad and narrow sense heritabilities were 0.40 and 0.33, respectively. Therefore, the estimated narrow-sense heritability, additive gene effects, and epistatic interaction imply that it is prudent to delay selections until later stages, in which homozygosity could be achieved and additive effects fixed.