Bean Breeding Research Articles

Genotype by environment interactions and phenotypic traits stability of the EUCLEG faba bean collection

Faba bean (Vicia faba L.) is an important pulse crop traditionally used for human nutrition and animal feeding. With a high protein content ranging from 24% to 35% of seed dry matter, considerable amounts of globulins, essential amino acids and minerals, faba bean is today an important source meeting the growing global demand for nutritious food. The objective of study was to investigate the variability of nine phenological, phenotypical and yield related traits in 220 faba bean accessions in multi-location trials across four representative European regions. Nine field trials were carried out from 2018 till 2020 in four representative European locations (Spain, Finland, Belgium and Serbia) using an augmented p-rep design containing 20 replicated checks. Significant differences among genotypes and environments were detected, being the genotype x environment interaction (GEI) the major source of variation in five of the nine evaluated traits. The “which-won-where” analyses identified two mega-environment namely South European mega environment (SE-ME) and North European mega environment (NE-ME), while the best performing and most stable genotypes according to the nine traits were identified using “means vs stability” analyses. According to the highest trait value in each mega environment several winning genotypes were identified showing better performances than some commercial varieties (controls) or checks. Our results suggest that the geographical locations falling into each mega-environment can be used as faba bean test locations. The genotype ranking for the multi-trait stability index (MTSI) revealed that the most stable and best ranking genotypes in SE-ME are G018, G086, G081, G170 and G015 while in the north mega-environment are G091, G171, G177 (Merkur), G029 and G027. Hierarchical cluster analysis and principal component analyses showed a clear correlation between the traits analysed and the botanical type. These findings indicate that botanical type is one of the most significant factors affecting development in any environment, and it must be taken into account in faba bean breeding activities. The information derived from this study provides a chance for breeding new resilient faba bean cultivars adapted to different agroecological European regions, a critical point for addressing Europe’s reliance on protein imports and enhancing sustainable agriculture practices.

GWAS-Assisted and multi-trait genomic prediction for improvement of seed yield and canning quality traits in a black bean breeding panel.

In recent years, black beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) have gained popularity in the U.S., with improved seed yield and canning quality being critical traits for new cultivars. Achieving genetic gains in these traits is often challenging due to negative trait associations and the need for specialized equipment and trained sensory panels for evaluation. This study investigates the integration of genomics and phenomics to enhance selection accuracy for these complex traits. We evaluated the prediction accuracy of single and multi-trait genomic prediction (GP) models, incorporating near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) data and markers identified through genome-wide association studies (GWAS). The models demonstrated moderate prediction accuracies for yield and canning appearance, and high accuracies for color retention. No significant differences were found between single-trait and multi-trait models within the same breeding cycle. However, across breeding cycles, multi-trait models outperformed single-trait models by up to 45% and 63% for canning appearance and seed yield, respectively. Interestingly, incorporating significant SNP markers identified by GWAS and NIRS data into the models tended to decrease prediction accuracy both within and between breeding cycles. As genotypes from the new breeding cycle were included, the models' prediction accuracy generally increased. Our findings underscore the potential of multi-trait models to enhance the prediction of complex traits such as seed yield and canning quality in dry beans and highlight the importance of continually updating the training dataset for effective GP implementation in dry bean breeding.

Effect of gamma irradiation of seeds on the development of Phaseolus vulgaris L. plants

Relevance. The modern direction of bean breeding is focused on increasing the protein content in seeds and green beans, as well as vitamins, folic acid, biologically active substances and antioxidants, improving organoleptic properties and reducing the content of anti-nutritional substances. When creating the initial material for breeding, the following traits are important: resistance to biotic and abiotic factors, stable high yield, technological effectiveness, bush type and upright form, high symbiotic activity. An effective approach to increasing the genetic diversity of the initial material is radiation mutagenesis.Purpose of research. To study the effect of γ-irradiation of seeds on germination, morphometric parameters and duration of phenophases of Russian bean varieties and to determine the optimal dose of γ-radiation for the radiation mutagenesis protocol.Materials and Methods. Objects of the study – 3 bean varieties bred by Omsk State Agrarian University. The seeds were γ-irradiated (source – 60Co) at doses of 50–200 Gy (dose rate 60 Gy/hour). The seeds were germinated under controlled conditions; germination energy and germination were assessed. The hypocotyl length, number and length of roots were measured in seedlings. The duration of development phases and productivity of plants were assessed. Statistical analysis was performed in R (ver. 4.3.3) and MS Office Excel 2019.Results. Hormesis effect was noted for 50 Gy γ-irradiation dose, which was manifested in higher values of germination energy and seed germination (variety Pamyati Ryzhkova), hypocotyl length (variety Marusya and Pamyati Ryzhkova) and in a decrease in the phenophases duration (variety Omskiy Rubin). Gamma irradiation at all applicable doses statistically significantly inhibited root development. Root length, as the most sensitive parameter to radiation, was chosen to calculate the dose causing a 50% growth reduction (RD50). For the Marusya variety, RD50 was 40 Gy, for the Pamyati Ryzhkova and Omsky Rubin varieties - 60 Gy.Conclusion. Variety specificity was established in the reaction to seed irradiation. Doses of 50 Gy or less (10-50 Gy) can be used to study the hormetic effects of γ-irradiation of bean seeds. Doses of 100 and 200 Gy turned out to be lethal. Starting doses of 40-60 Gy are recommended for the radiation mutagenesis protocols of Russian bean varieties.

Breeding-induced changes in the rhizosphere microbial communities in Lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus)

Lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus L.) breeding aims to select more productive and uniform plant varieties, impacting various plant traits, including root characters. Changes in root traits have repercussions on the rhizosphere, thereby influencing the composition of rhizospheric microbial communities. In this study, we assessed the structure and composition of the microbial community through 16S rRNA sequencing to compare the rhizosphere of different genotypes during lima bean breeding. Specifically, we compared the rhizospheric microbial communities of two parents (P1 - UFPI 628 and P2 – G25276, from Brazil and Argentina, respectively) and their segregation generations (F2 and F7). The microbial richness and diversity remained consistent across all genotypes, while the structure of the microbial community differed between parents (P1 and P2) and the advanced lineage (F7). We observed genotype-specific enrichment of bacterial groups, indicating a nuanced interaction between lima bean genotypes and microbial communities. Moreover, segregating generations exhibited unique enrichment of bacterial families associated with plant growth promotion, such as Pedosphaeraceae (F2) and Xanthobacteraceae (F7). Analysis of microbial interactions revealed an alteration in network complexity, with advanced lineages, particularly F7, displaying a higher number of interactions. Despite taxonomic differences across generations, functional traits remained consistent between parents and advanced lineages. These findings offer valuable insights into optimizing plant-microbe interactions to enhance lima bean yield in breeding programs. By understanding the dynamics of rhizospheric microbial communities in response to breeding efforts, we can harness beneficial interactions to improve plant performance and sustainability in agricultural systems.

Pre-breeding highlights of intraspecific polymorphism and genetic estimates of seed traits of African yam bean (Sphenostylis stenocarpa Hochst Ex. A. Rich.) Harms breeding lines

Abstract Discriminatory morpho-metric features are obvious on legume seeds. This study utilized seven quantitative and 11 qualitative seed traits to characterize 139 African yam bean (AYB) breeding lines which were developed through single seed descent procedure. The seven quantitative data were subjected to analysis of variance, their means were combined with qualitative scores for genetic distance, principal component (PC) and clustering analyses. Significant (P ≤ 0.001) variation existed among the breeding lines for the seven traits. Mean ranges of seed length (SL), width (SW), thickness (ST) and a single seed weight (SSW) among the 139 breeding lines were respectively: 6.77–10.22 mm, 5.70–7.86 mm, 4.96–7.45 mm and 0.15–0.42 g. Positive and significant (P ≤ 0.05) genotypic correlation existed among SSW, SL, SW and ST. Seed colours, pattern, shapes, sizes, surface texture, brilliance varied among the breeding lines. Ranges of phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation and broadsense heritability were: 5.49–23.84%, 2.95–19.88% and 28.91–69.54% respectively. Fourteen (quantitative and qualitative) traits contributed higher (≥ 0.30) eigenvector loadings to the first three PC axes which explained 57.9% of the total variation among the breeding lines. Similarity among the lines was 0.75. Four clusters ensued in the dendrograph and each group had genetic similarities of: 0.85 (I), 0.82 (II), 0.78 (III) and 0.80 (IV). This research unveiled significant variation among AYB breeding lines with promising reliability for breeding opportunities of the qualitative and quantitative seed traits, which could contribute to higher grain yield and acceptability.

The Jan Sjödin faba bean mutant collection: morphological and molecular characterization.

Plant mutagenesis creates novel alleles, thereby increasing genetic and phenotypic diversity. The availability of the faba bean (Vicia faba L.) reference genome and a growing set of additional genomic resources has increased the scientific and practical value of mutant collections. We aimed to genotype and morphologically phenotype a historical faba bean mutant collection developed and characterized by Jan Sjödin (1934-2023) over half a century ago in order to increase its value to researchers. The collection was genotyped using high-throughput single-primer enrichment technology (SPET) assays. We used 11,073 informative single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers spanning the faba bean genome to genotype 52 mutant lines along with the background line, cv. Primus. A range of flower, seed, leaf, and stipule mutations were observed. The analysis of population structure revealed a shallow structure with no major subpopulations. Principal component and cluster analyses revealed, to a minor extent, that the mutants clustered by their phenotype. The mutants' phenotypic variation and shallow structure indicate that the Sjödin faba bean collection has the potential to play a significant role in faba bean breeding and in genetic and functional studies.

A single-nucleotide polymorphism in PvPW1 encoding β-1,3-glucanase 9 is associated with pod width in Phaseolus vulgaris L.

Pod width influences pod size, shape, yield, and consumer preference in snap beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). In this study, we map PvPW1, a quantitative trait locus associated with pod width in snap beans, through genotyping and phenotyping of recombinant plants. We identify Phvul.006G072800, encoding the β-1,3-glucanase 9 protein, as the causal gene for PvPW1. The PvPW1G3555 allele is found to positively regulate pod width, as revealed by an association analysis between pod width phenotype and the PvPW1G3555C genotype across 17 bi-parental F2 populations. 97.7% of the 133 wide pod accessions carry PvPW1G3555, while 82.1% of the 78 narrow pod accessions carry PvPW1C3555, indicating strong selection pressure on PvPW1 during common bean breeding. Re-sequencing data from 59 common bean cultivars identify an 8-bp deletion in the intron linked to PvPW1C3555, leading to the development of the InDel marker of PvM436. Genotyping 317 common bean accessions with PvM436 demonstrated that accessions with PvM436247 and PvM436227 alleles have wider pods compared to those with PvM436219 allele, establishing PvM436 as a reliable marker for molecular breeding in snap beans. These findings highlight PvPW1 as a critical gene regulating pod width and underscore the utility of PvM436 in marker-assisted selection for snap bean breeding.

Genetic gain in yield of Australian faba bean since 1980 and associated shifts in the phenotype: Growth, partitioning, phenology, and resistance to lodging and disease

ContextFeeding a growing human population with limited arable land requires greater crop yield that is, in turn, driven by improved agronomy, better varieties, and their synergy. Here we focus on faba bean, Vicia faba L., an under-researched grain legume for which on-farm yield in Australia has increased at 0.8 % y−1 since 1990. ObjectiveWe aimed to quantify genetic gain in seed yield of Australian faba bean varieties released since 1980, and to identify associated shifts in physiological and agronomic traits. MethodsWe combined three studies: the complete historical collection of Australian faba bean varieties was grown in 1) a vintage experiment of three field trials; and 2) a pot experiment inoculated with old and new strains of Ascochyta fabae. Since most varieties were grown in a national network of trials, we 3) estimated genetic gain in seed yield and individual seed weight in 129 environments. ResultsIn the vintage experiment, genetic gain in seed yield varied from 0.4 % y−1 to almost zero; low rates of genetic gain were also apparent in the national network of trials. Biomass, harvest index, and crop growth rate in the critical period had low rates of genetic change, and there were strong trade-offs between yield components and in their responses to selection. Breeding increased seed size at 0.5 % y−1. Visual lodging scores decreased at 4.9 % y−1. There was breakdown in resistance to Ascochyta blight, but it was restored in new varieties. ConclusionsAustralian faba bean breeding contributed to on-farm yield and profitability through improved agronomic traits and seed quality. Low genetic gain in yield can be partially attributed to physiological trade-offs between traits, economic trade-offs between multiple breeding targets, and genotype-by-environment interaction. ImplicationUnder-researched crops require greater investment to match the genetic gain in yield of major crops.

Genetic polymorphism amongst moth bean (Vigna aconitifolia (Jacq.) Marechal) accessions evaluated using various molecular markers

This study presents genetic level diversity of 50 moth bean legume accessions (Vigna aconotifolia (Jacq.) Marechal). Despite seeds being a rich source of soluble nutritional proteins, it still remains an underutilized crop commercially. To assess the molecular diversity amongst accessions, RAPD, ISSR, DAMD, SCoT and SSR were employed as PCR markers. Of the total 5064 polymorphic bands shown with these makers, DAMD1 and SCoT1 presented higher levels of polymorphism with 407 and 262 polymorphic bands respectively. These genotypes revealed logical similarity and variation under UPGMA clustering. The PCA analysis of IC-258167, IC-415167, and IC-402286 present three highest eigen values, hence seem fit to be considered as parents for moth bean breeding programme. The polymorphic bands as produced by SCoT and DAMD primers can serve unique genotypic identifiers. This study seems to present a maiden report in labelling genetic marker based polymorphism amongst the accessions of moth bean.

A Preliminary Evaluation of Faba Bean as a Green Shell Bean in Virginia, USA

Even though faba bean (Vicia faba L.) is an important food crop on worldwide basis, its use as a vegetable i.e. use of green seeds as food is limited. We were interested in characterizing production and food quality traits of faba bean grown in eastern USA. Our main objective is to develop faba bean as a winter alternative crop for this region to diversify cropping system that currently mainly depends upon cereal grain crops. This necessitates existence of winter-hardy faba bean varieties. We conducted a preliminary experiment with two winter-hardy faba bean breeding lines to record production and seed composition traits. Two faba bean lines (VSX-BL and VSX-BH) were planted in the field in November 2022 and green pods were harvested in June 2023 at physiological maturity. Values of most of the traits under study were statistically similar between the two lines except for concentration of phosphorus. Results demonstrated that faba bean green pod and green seeds yields could be approximately 5700 and 2100 kg ha-1. The shelling percent in green faba bean pods was approximately 37 whereas seed number per pod was approximately 2.6. Concentrations (g 100 g-1) of fructose, glucose, and sucrose were 0.245, 0.668, 2.9021, respectively whereas concentrations of Fe and Zn (mg kg-1) were 103.7 and 69.7, respectively. Green faba bean seeds contained small amounts of RFO carbohydrates. Seed composition traits of green faba bean seeds compare well with green seeds of pea, soybean, and white lupin. Our results provide a positive proof of concept that production of green faba bean as an alternate winter food legume crop in eastern USA is possible.

Factor analysis applied to simultaneous selection for resistance to anthracnose and angular leaf spot

AbstractDiseases such as anthracnose (Colletotrichum lindemuthianum) and angular leaf spot (Pseudocercospora griseola) can occur in common bean and compromise crop production, especially if susceptible cultivars are grown under conditions favorable to these diseases. The most efficient and sustainable alternative for controlling these diseases is the use of resistant cultivars. The identification of sources of resistance and the use of tools that assist in accurate selection of resistant cultivars are crucial to the success of breeding programs. The aim of this study was to characterize 67 carioca common bean cultivars recommended in Brazil regarding reaction to races 65, 73, 81, and 89 of C. lindemuthianum and to races 63‐23 and 63‐63 of P. griseola and to verify the application of factor analysis in the selection of cultivars resistant to both pathogens. The cultivars and resistant controls BRS Esplendor and MAIII.16‐159 were inoculated in a greenhouse in two experiments for each race. Cultivars were assessed for resistance to multiple races of anthracnose and angular leaf spot using artificial inoculation of plants at V2 stage. Factor analysis proved to be a good alternative for accurate selection of resistant cultivars. The percentage of cultivars simultaneously resistant to all races was low (8.95%). The cultivars Rudá R, VC 15, IAC‐Apuã, IAC‐Carioca Pyatã, BRSMG Amuleto, and BRS FC104 selected by factor analysis showed resistance to anthracnose and angular leaf spot. Therefore, these cultivars are potential sources of resistance for incorporation in bean breeding programs.

Computer vision for assessment the seed coat color of carioca common beans

AbstractConsumer acceptance of common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) belonging to the Carioca commercial group depends on the color of the seed. Therefore, producers seek bean cultivars that have a light seed coat after storage. This trait is very important for common bean breeding programs dedicated to produce a high market demand. Therefore, the objective was to propose and assess the use of a computer vision‐based methodology for assessing common bean color at harvest and after storage. A total of 70 carioca bean cultivars were visually assessed using a grading scale and computer vision after harvest and 90 days after the first assessment. The images allowed the cultivars to be discriminated according to the seed coat color. The accuracies with both assessment methodologies were >0.90. In addition, the correlations between these methodologies were ≤−0.72. The coefficients of variation for computer vision were lower than 6.50, while for the visual assessment, they were >10.08. Therefore, computer vision applied to assess the seed coat color of carioca bean grains is precise and accurate and allows for better discrimination than the visual assessment. Therefore, image analysis will assist in selecting better cultivars in breeding programs.

Release of ‘Kikatiti’ a multiple disease resistant pinto bean cultivar with superior productivity in Tanzania identified from evaluation of the Durango Diversity Panel

Abstract‘Kikatiti’ pinto bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) (Reg. no. CV‐361, PI 705149) was developed by the dry bean breeding program at the University of Nebraska, Agricultural Research Division, and submitted for release in 2021 by the Sokoine University of Agriculture in Morogoro as an upright indeterminate pinto bean with high yield potential and multiple disease resistance across bean production environments in Tanzania. Kikatiti was officially released in 2024 by the National Seed Committee. Kikatiti is an F7:8 derived line developed using the pedigree breeding method in Nebraska. The exceptional performance of Kikatiti in Tanzania was first identified by evaluation of the Durango Diversity Panel (DDP), which consisted of 200 accessions in on‐station trials conducted in Arusha and Mbeya. Kikatiti was identified as accession DDP‐094 (advanced breeding line NE2‐09‐3). Kikatiti yielded 1584 kg ha−1 across 5 years of trials in Tanzania and matured in 89 days. Kikatiti is resistant to bean rust conferred by the Ur‐3 and Ur‐11 genes, resistant to all strains of Bean common mosaic virus and Bean common mosaic necrosis virus conferred by the I and bc‐3 genes, moderately resistant to common bacterial blight conferred by the SAP6 quantitative trait locus, avoids white mold disease due to its upright architecture, and is moderately susceptible to angular leaf spot disease. Kikatiti has large seed size (35.9 g 100 seeds−1), and in on‐farm trials, farmers ranked Kikatiti above local pinto cultivars for its performance and market potential. Kikatiti has the potential to expand pinto bean production across East Africa.

Model‐based multi‐genotype characterization of drought stress Target Population of Environments for the common bean in East Africa

AbstractEfforts toward the development of common bean varieties that can perform better under the drought conditions in Eastern Africa are constrained by significant genotype–environment–management (G × E × M) interactions. To address this, an attempt was made previously to assess drought stress for Eastern Africa using the Target Population of Environments (TPE) approach, albeit by using a single cultivar. Here, we extend earlier TPE work with a larger sample of representative genotypes from East Africa including commercial and breeding lines. By using a larger genotype pool, we are able to (1) assess the extent to which TPEs identified vary across genotypes (i.e., generality of the TPEs) and (2) identify best‐performing genotypes for the various environments identified. To perform the analyses, we used the CROPGRO‐DRYBEAN cropping system model available in the Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer (DSSAT) v4.7 calibrated and evaluated from field trials in Africa and Colombia with 10 genotypes. Our findings indicate that despite some level of genotype‐related variation, the dominant drought stress patterns, and their priorities—drought stress‐free conditions remain the dominant TPE, followed by terminal drought stress—remain unaltered. Moreover, we find that it is possible to reduce the extent and intensity of drought stress in various TPEs by adequately targeting genotypes from the pool considered herein. Importantly, the genotype characteristics for stress‐free, extreme terminal drought and moderate terminal drought stress are significantly different, confirming a differentiated breeding strategy is required between the TPEs. The findings from this study are useful for the modernization of the bean breeding programs in Africa.

Genome-wide identification, molecular evolution and expression analysis of the B-box gene family in mung bean (Vigna radiata L.)

BackgroundMung bean (Vigna radiata L.) is an important warm-season grain legume. Adaptation to extreme environmental conditions, supported by evolution, makes mung bean a rich gene pool for stress tolerance traits. The exploration of resistance genes will provide important genetic resources and a theoretical basis for strengthening mung bean breeding. B-box (BBX) proteins play a major role in developmental processes and stress responses. However, the identification and analysis of the mung bean BBX gene family are still lacking.ResultsIn this study, 23 VrBBX genes were identified through comprehensive bioinformatics analysis and named based on their physical locations on chromosomes. All the VrBBXs were divided into five groups based on their phylogenetic relationships, the number of B-box they contained and whether there was an additional CONSTANS, CO-like and TOC1 (CCT) domain. Homology and collinearity analysis indicated that the BBX genes in mung bean and other species had undergone a relatively conservative evolution. Gene duplication analysis showed that only chromosomal segmental duplication contributed to the expansion of VrBBX genes and that most of the duplicated gene pairs experienced purifying selection pressure during evolution. Gene structure and motif analysis revealed that VrBBX genes clustered in the same group shared similar structural characteristics. An analysis of cis-acting elements indicated that elements related to stress and hormone responses were prevalent in the promoters of most VrBBXs. The RNA-seq data analysis and qRT-PCR of nine VrBBX genes demonstrated that VrBBX genes may play a role in response to environmental stress. Moreover, VrBBX5, VrBBX10 and VrBBX12 are important candidate genes for plant stress response.ConclusionsIn this study, we systematically analyzed the genomic characteristics and expression patterns of the BBX gene family under ABA, PEG and NaCl treatments. The results will help us better understand the complexity of the BBX gene family and provide valuable information for future functional characteristics of specific genes in this family.

Evaluation of Polyphenols Synthesized in Mature Seeds of Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Advanced Mutant Lines.

This study aimed to investigate the availability of flavonoids, anthocyanins, and phenolic acids in mutant bean seeds, focusing on M7 mutant lines, and their corresponding initial and local cultivars. HPLC-DAD-MS/MS and HPLC-MS/MS were used to analyze twenty-eight genotypes of common bean. The obtained results suggest that the mutations resulted in four newly synthesized anthocyanins in the mutant bean seeds, namely, delphinidin 3-O-glucoside, cyanidin 3-O-glucoside, pelargonidin 3-O-glucoside, and petunidin 3-O-glucoside, in 20 accessions with colored seed shapes out of the total of 28. Importantly, the initial cultivar with white seeds, as well as the mutant white seeds, did not contain anthocyanins. The mutant lines were classified into groups based on their colors as novel qualitative characteristics. Five phenolic acids were further quantified: ferulic, p-coumaric, caffeic, sinapic, and traces of chlorogenic acids. Flavonoids were represented by epicatechin, quercetin, and luteolin, and their concentrations in the mutant genotypes were several-fold superior compared to those of the initial cultivar. All mutant lines exhibited higher concentrations of phenolic acids and flavonoids. These findings contribute to the understanding of the genetics and biochemistry of phenolic accumulation and anthocyanin production in common bean seeds, which is relevant to health benefits and might have implications for common bean breeding programs and food security efforts.

Evaluating consumer preferences for reduced cooking time, taste and colour of beans in rural and urban communities in Uganda

BackgroundCommon bean breeders strive to deliver farmer- and consumer-preferred varieties that are well-adapted to distinct production environments, changing markets and end uses. However, there is information gap on the key traits that customers prefer and are willing to pay for. This paper examined the preferences and willingness to pay for reduced cooking time and other selected traits in the Ugandan bean markets using a choice experiment data elicited from 1152 urban and rural bean consuming households. A latent class model was used to assess preferences and the willingness to pay for reduced cooking time.ResultsResults indicated that taste, cooking time, bean swelling on cooking, and grain color were the preferred attributes in decreasing order among non-bean-producers. About 72% of the urban consumers were willing to pay 41 shillings, 53 shillings and 42 shillings above prices for reduction in cooking time from 120 (status quo) to 90, 75, and 60 min, respectively. For consumers who also grow their beans for food and surplus for sale, reduced cooking time is important but not as much as yield and climate resilience. The study identified four distinct customer segments—two among bean-producing households and two among non-bean-producing households. Gender, education, level of altruism/openness to change, household economic status, and price sensitivity were the major factors influencing segment membership.ConclusionsThe study findings demonstrated that breeding to reduce cooking time will generate a significant social savings in terms of less cooking fuel, water and time, but cooking time ought to be considered alongside other attributes preferred by consumers and farmers to succeed. Results also suggest that women urban consumers attach more importance to higher levels of intrinsic traits (non-visible but experienced by consumers) compared to men—thus promotional campaigns popularizing new varieties should target women to stimulate demand.

Global changes in gene expression during compatible and incompatible interactions of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) during Orobanche foetida parasitism.

Orobanche foetida Poiret is the main constraint facing faba bean crop in Tunisia. Indeed, in heavily infested fields with this parasitic plant, yield losses may reach 90%, and the recent estimation of the infested area is around 80,000 ha. Identifying genes involved in the Vicia faba/O. foetida interaction is crucial for the development of effective faba bean breeding programs. However, there is currently no available information on the transcriptome of faba bean responding to O. foetida parasitism. In this study, we employed RNA sequencing to explore the global gene expression changes associated with compatible and incompatible V. faba/O. foetida interactions. In this perspective, two faba bean varieties (susceptible and resistant) were examined at the root level across three stages of O. foetida development (Before Germination (BG), After Germination (AG) and Tubercule Stage (TS)). Our analyses presented an exploration of the transcriptomic profile, including comprehensive assessments of differential gene expression and Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analyses. Specifically, we investigated key pathways revealing the complexity of molecular responses to O. foetida attack. In this study, we detected differential gene expression of pathways associated with secondary metabolites: flavonoids, auxin, thiamine, and jasmonic acid. To enhance our understanding of the global changes in V. faba response to O. foetida, we specifically examined WRKY genes known to play a role in plant host-parasitic plant interactions. Furthermore, considering the pivotal role of parasitic plant seed germination in this interaction, we investigated genes involved in the orobanchol biosynthesis pathway. Interestingly, we detected the gene expression of VuCYP722C homolog, coding for a key enzyme involved in orobanchol biosynthesis, exclusively in the susceptible host. Clearly, this study enriches our understanding of the V. faba/O. foetida interaction, shedding light on the main differences between susceptible and resistant faba bean varieties during O. foetida infestation at the gene expression level.

Seed yield improvements in slow‐darkening pinto bean: Registration of ‘ND Rodeo’

Abstract‘ND Rodeo’ (PVP no. 202300270; Reg. no. CV‐356, PI 703020) is a new slow‐darkening (SD) pinto bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivar developed by the Dry Edible Bean Breeding Program at North Dakota State University and released by the North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station. Pinto bean is the largest market class grown in the United States, representing over 47% of the total US production for dry beans, and more than 70% is produced in North Dakota. SD pinto beans offer a good alternative to commercial cultivars of regular darkening (RD) pinto beans, which are typically subject to the risk of economic losses due to seed coat darkening. However, reaching seed yields comparable to RD pintos has been challenging. Between 2017 and 2022, ND Rodeo was tested across 25 environments in North Dakota, where seed yield was significantly higher than the SD pinto cultivars ‘ND Palomino’ and ‘Vibrant’ (18% and 22%, respectively), and comparable with RD pinto cultivars ‘La Paz’ and ‘Monterrey’. ND Rodeo is resistant to Bean common mosaic virus and has intermediate resistance to common bacterial blight, but similar to the commercial checks, it is susceptible to local races/strains of white mold, anthracnose, and rust pathogens. ND Rodeo has an average height of 56 cm which is significantly higher than the average of ND Palomino, Vibrant, and La Paz, and exhibits a desirable upright architecture to facilitate direct harvest. It has a 100‐seed weight of 36.2 g and matures in 102 days. Canning quality was rated as acceptable.

Improved disease tolerance, higher seed yield and shape in dark red kidney bean: Registration of ‘ND Redbarn’

Abstract‘ND Redbarn’ (PVP. no. 202300271; Reg. no. CV‐357, PI 703021) is a new dark red kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivar developed by the Dry Edible Bean Breeding Program at North Dakota State University and released in 2023 by the North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station. Compared to other market classes, kidney beans usually command higher prices. However, kidney beans are less productive than other market classes. Minnesota is the largest dark red kidney bean producer in the United States, accounting for ∼90% of the total production in 2022. ND Redbarn was released based on its good adaptation to this region, higher seed yield, large seed size, and desirable seed shape characteristics. Between 2012 and 2021, ND Redbarn was tested across 16 environments in Minnesota, where seed yield was significantly higher than commercial checks ‘Montcalm’, ‘Red Hawk’, and ‘Talon’ (14%, 27%, and 9%, respectively) and comparable with ‘Dynasty’. ND Redbarn is resistant to Bean common mosaic virus and has intermediate resistance to common bacterial blight. ND Redbarn exhibits higher field tolerance to the root rot fungal complex infection compared to Montcalm, Red Hawk, and Talon, and is similar to Dynasty. ND Redbarn has shown higher levels of tolerance to white mold than Montcalm and Red Hawk. Under Minnesota environments, ND Redbarn shows an average plant height of 51 cm, has a 100‐seed weight of 50.4 g, and matures in approximately 99 days. The canning quality for Redbarn is within acceptable commercial ranges.