Registration of a Small-Red Dry Bean Germplasm, TARS-LFR1, with Multiple Disease Resistance and Superior Performance in Low Nitrogen Soils

Abstract

TARS-LFR1 (Reg. No. GP-292, PI 668258) is a multiple disease resistant common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) germplasm developed through recurrent selection by the USDA–ARS, and by the University of Puerto Rico and Cornell University Agricultural Experiment Stations that has superior performance in low nitrogen (N) soils. Root rots, caused primarily by soil-borne fungi and Oomycetes, are important constraints to common bean production. These diseases are becoming a more serious problem under low-input, low-fertility, and climatic change conditions. In addition to root rot, this germplasm has resistance to common bacterial blight, caused by Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. phaseoli (Smith) Dye, and Bean common mosaic virus and yields well in association with rhizobia through biological nitrogen fixation. This combination of traits could play an important role in low-input and organic production systems. TARS-LFR1 has shown consistently high yield potential under root rot and low soil N conditions, and the use of this improved germplasm by breeding programs or in production zones affected by these stresses can potentially increase yield of common bean.