Bean Cultivars Research Articles

Increased absorption and use of nutrients induced by Si is an indicator for tolerance to water deficit in a common bean cultivar cultivated in the field with and without application of K.

Reduced water content in the soil triggers physiological, biochemical, and morphological damage to plants, aggravated by nutritional deficiency. One possible strategy to mitigate this damage comprises the use of silicon (Si). This study investigated whether Si can mitigate the damage caused by water deficit through nutritional mechanisms in bean plants grown under field conditions. Furthermore, it investigated whether the effectiveness of Si is influenced by water availability in the soil and the Si dose supplied. Therefore, two split-plot experiments were carried out: with and without K supply. In both experiments,the treatments comprised a 3 × 4 factorial scheme. Treatments included three water regimes: 80% (no water deficit), 60% (moderate water deficit), and 40% (severe water deficit) of the soil's water retention capacity. Moreover, they comprised four doses of Si supplied via fertigation-0 kg/ha, 4 kg/ha, 8 kg/ha, and 12 kg/ha-arranged in a randomized block design with four replications. The appropriate dose of Si to be applied increased with the severity of the water deficit, with the recommended dose being 6 kg/ha, 7 kg/ha, and 8 kg/ha of Si for adequate water conditions, moderate water deficit, and severe water deficit, respectively.

Fluctuating ozone exposures caused trade-offs between vegetative growth and reproduction of two Chinese bean cultivars and ethylenediurea alleviated ozone phytotoxicities

Ozone (O3) pollution has elevated in China, threatening plants and crop production. Ethylenediurea (EDU) is a chemical alleviating O3-induced phytotoxicities. This study aimed at revealing fluctuating O3 exposures effects on Youxian No 3 (Phaseolus vulgaris) and Sukui No 4 (Vigna angularis), two widely grown Chinese bean cultivars, and EDU role in mediating these effects. Plants were periodically treated with EDU (400 mg/L) or water and exposed to charcoal-filtered air (CF) or non-filtered ambient air enriched with an additional targeted O3 concentration of 40 ppb (NF40) with subsequent ambient or NF40 exposures. A 10-day exposure to NF40 increased photosynthetic rate (A) while decreasing the leaf intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci), but this effect was absent after moving plants to ambient air for two weeks. Moving previously CF-exposed plants to ambient air for two weeks also increased A, which was not linked with Ci but more related to stomatal conductance (gs). Following two one-week and two-week sequential exposures of all plants to NF40, with an intermediate exposure to ambient air, elevated O3 reduced chlorophylls (SPAD), A, gs, Ci, and transpiration and decoupled A-gs response. More O3 effects were observed in plants treated with NF40 during each O3-treatment cycle, compared to those exposed to CF during the first cycle. The former plants exhibited significantly decreased biomass and water content of leaves and stems but increased flowers biomass and water content. Some of the effects were cultivar-dependent, with Youxian showing more apparent trade-offs between vegetative growth and reproduction. EDU alleviated various negative O3 effects.

Building accelerated plant breeding pipelines: Screening to evaluate lima bean resistance to root-knot nematode in diverse inbred lines and segregating breeding populations.

Lima beans (Phaseolus lunatus) are a cornerstone crop of Delaware's processing vegetable industry. Root-knot nematodes (RKN; Meloidogyne spp.) cause galling of root systems which severely reduces yield. Durable host resistance is an effective management strategy for RKN, but availability of resistant lima bean cultivars is limited. To overcome these challenges, breeding pipelines must simultaneously advance pre-commercial lines and identify new resistance sources with potential for incorporation into the breeding program. Inoculated field trials were conducted in 2021-2022 to evaluate three M. incognita resistant, pre-commercial experimental lines for resistance traits and yield potential in comparison to commercial standards, 'Cypress' and 'C-elite Select'. DE1306635 had the highest yield and reduced galling and reproduction compared to 'Cypress', and is a candidate for commercial release. To continue the breeding pipeline, 256 lima bean inbred accessions from around the world were assessed from 2022-2023 in greenhouse and field screenings to identify novel sources of resistance in the lima bean gene pool. This method allows for evaluation and/or advancement of three generations per year. The full panel was initially evaluated for root galling and 60 accessions were selected for additional field and greenhouse screening: 25 large- and 25 small-seeded with the lowest gall ratings, 5 high-gall controls, and 5 commercial standards. Seven accessions with reduced M. incognita galling and reproduction were identified, including two known resistant lines and five newly identified genotypes. The resistance carried by these genotypes will be further characterized to assess their potential use in lima bean RKN resistance breeding.

Purification and Characterization of Proteinaceous Thermostable α-Amylase Inhibitor from Sardinian Common Bean Nieddone Cultivar (Phaseolus vulgaris L.).

The increasing need for new treatments for obesity and diabetes has led to the development of new drugs and food supplements that could reduce carbohydrate absorption. Many starch blockers, based on common bean proteinaceous inhibitors against α-amylase (α-AI), are already present on the market. The extraction and purification of α-amylase inhibitor from a promising common bean cultivar from Sardinia (Nieddone) is described, highlighting the unique value of the Nieddone cultivar, particularly for its inhibitory activity on digestive enzymes and its complete lack of a hemagglutination effect on human red blood cells. The purification of α-AI involved two chromatographic steps (IEC and SEC) and was essential for revealing certain properties of the inhibitor. The purified inhibitor has a tetrameric structure (α2β2) and a molecular weight of approximately 42 kDa, as determined by SEC and SDS-PAGE, confirming it as a lectin-like inhibitor. The identification of the α-AI sequence was obtained by bottom-up high-resolution mass spectrometry, which allowed us to identify a unique peptide from the α chain and six unique peptides from the β chains. α-AI exhibited an optimum temperature of around 40 °C and two pH optima at 5 and 6.5, respectively. Its remarkable stability at high temperatures was measured (approximately 25% of activity retained even after 5 h at 100 °C), whereas the raw extract lost its activity entirely after just 10 min at 90 °C. Thus, the purification process significantly enhances the thermal stability of α-AI. The demonstrated effectiveness of the purified α-AI against the α-amylase enzyme in pigs, humans and insects underscores the protein's potential for treating obesity and diabetes, as well as for managing insect pests.

AAC GN963 great northern dry bean

AAC GN963 is a high yielding great northern dry bean ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivar with an upright, indeterminate bush (Type II) growth habit, early maturity, and a large seed size. Lodging resistance of AAC GN963 is slight improvement compared to AAC Whitehorse, a great northern bean cultivar with predominant commercial acres under irrigation in southern Alberta. The canning and cooking quality attributes of AAC GN963 were similar to the check cultivars AAC Whitehorse and Resolute. AAC GN963 is well suited for commercial production under irrigation in Alberta and Saskatchewan.

Alternaria solani IA300 induces growth and development in two common bean cultivars

Alternaria solani IA300 induces growth and development in two common bean cultivars

Effects of Foliar Protector Application and Shading Treatments on the Physiology and Development of Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.).

High solar radiation, combined with high temperature, causes losses in plant production. The application of foliar protector in plants is associated with improvements in photosynthesis, reduction in leaf temperature and, consequently, improved productivity. Two experiments were conducted. The first aimed to assess the efficacy of foliar protector versus artificial shading in mitigating the negative impacts of excessive radiation and temperature on the physiology, growth, and yield of common bean plants. The second experiment focused on comparing the timing in cycle plants (phenological phases) of foliar protector application in two different bean cultivars (BRS Fc 104 and BRS MG Realce) under field conditions. Artificial shading provided better results for photosynthesis, transpiration, growth and production compared to the application of foliar protector. In the field conditions experiment, the application timing of the foliar protector at different phenological phases did not increase productivity in the cultivars. The application of foliar protector under the conditions studied was not effective in mitigating the negative impacts of high solar radiation and temperature on common bean cultivation. However, it is opportune to evaluate the application of foliar protector in bean plants grown under conditions with water deficit, high solar radiation and high temperature.

Morpho-Physiology of Creole Beans and Its Correlation With Productive Parameters

Objective: This work aims to know morphophysiology of Creole beans and its correlation with productive parameters. Theoretical Framework: Creole beans have not been modified through scientific techniques of genetic improvement to maintain the original characteristics of their population, which requires knowing their agronomic characteristics. Method: An experiment was carried out as a completely randomized block design with five bean cultivars: BRS Campeiro (black), Paraguay, Carioquinha, BRS Style, and Praia, and four replications. The cultivar BRS Estilo showed the lowest performance in several pods and weight of 100 grains, which hurt its productivity, proving the correlation between these variables. Results and Discussion: Carioquinha stood out among the bean cultivars regarding the variables, number of pods, weight of 100 grains, and production per hectare. Further studies are recommended with Creole bean cultivars for the far west region of São Paulo to ensure greater productive yield. Research Implications: These observations served as parameters for future plant breeding research to develop strategies to obtain plants that are more adapted to each agricultural region. Originality/Value: Research originating from work developed in the Andradina microregion, state of São Paulo, which can provide important information for bean producers.

Registration of ‘Black Pearl’ black bean

Abstract‘Black Pearl’ black bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) (Reg. no. CV‐362, PI 705445), developed by Michigan State University AgBioResearch, was released in 2023 as an upright, full‐season cultivar with anthracnose resistance and superior canning quality. Black Pearl was developed using pedigree breeding method to the F4 generation followed by pure line selection for disease, agronomic, and quality traits. In 5 years of field trials, Black Pearl yielded 3372 kg ha−1, flowered in 47 days, and matured in 98 days on average. Plants averaged 46 cm in height, with lodging resistance score of 1.8 and seed weight of 21.9 g 100 seed−1. Black Pearl combines high yield potential with upright architecture and full‐season maturity in a black seed type. Black Pearl has resistance to lodging and high pod placement within the plant making it suitable for direct harvest under narrow row production systems. Black Pearl is resistant to races 7 and 73 of anthracnose, resistant to Bean common mosaic virus, and has shown better resistance to Rhizoctonia root rot than other black bean cultivars. Black Pearl produces seed that meets industry standards for export and packaging and was rated the highest in canned bean color in the black bean market class.

Differential Gene Expression in Contrasting Common Bean Cultivars for Drought Tolerance during an Extended Dry Period.

Common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), besides being an important source of nutrients such as iron, magnesium, and protein, are crucial for food security, especially in developing countries. Common bean cultivation areas commonly face production challenges due to drought occurrences, mainly during the reproductive period. Dry spells last approximately 20 days, enough time to compromise production. Hence, it is crucial to understand the genetic and molecular mechanisms that confer drought tolerance to improve common bean cultivars' adaptation to drought. Sixty six RNASeq libraries, generated from tolerant and sensitive cultivars in drought time sourced from the R5 phenological stage at 0 to 20 days of water deficit were sequenced, generated over 1.5 billion reads, that aligned to 62,524 transcripts originating from a reference transcriptome, as well as 6673 transcripts obtained via de novo assembly. Differentially expressed transcripts were functionally annotated, revealing a variety of genes associated with molecular functions such as oxidoreductase and transferase activity, as well as biological processes related to stress response and signaling. The presence of regulatory genes involved in signaling cascades and transcriptional control was also highlighted, for example, LEA proteins and dehydrins associated with dehydration protection, and transcription factors such as WRKY, MYB, and NAC, which modulate plant response to water deficit. Additionally, genes related to membrane and protein protection, as well as water and ion uptake and transport, were identified, including aquaporins, RING-type E3 ubiquitin transferases, antioxidant enzymes such as GSTs and CYPs, and thioredoxins. This study highlights the complexity of plant response to water scarcity, focusing on the functional diversity of the genes involved and their participation in the biological processes essential for plant adaptation to water stress. The identification of regulatory and cell protection genes offers promising prospects for genetic improvement aiming at the production of common bean varieties more resistant to drought. These findings have the potential to drive sustainable agriculture, providing valuable insights to ensure food security in a context of climate change.

PERFORMANCE OF COMMON BEAN CULTIVARS IN DIFFERENT ENVIRONMENTS AND PLANT POPULATIONS

This study aimed to identify the most suitable plant populations, considering different environmental conditions (locations, growing seasons, and sowing dates), to express the yield potential of common bean cultivars released or in the process of releasing for regions not included in the initial release. Forty-four experiments were carried out from November 2016 to March 2019, encompassing wet, dry, and winter seasons, across the states of Goiás, Minas Gerais and Paraná. Five plant populations established at sowing (12, 18, 24, 30, and 36 plants m⁻²) were compared in a randomized block design with four replications, using the cultivars BRS FC310, BRS FC409, and BRSMG Uai. Across winter season experiments, the BRS FC310 cultivar consistently displayed higher yield than the others at all plant populations. In contrast, the BRSMG Uai cultivar exhibited the highest yield during the wet season. The maximum grain yields of the three cultivars were higher in the wet than in the winter season and obtained with higher plant populations. Cultivars BRS FC310, BRS FC409, and BRSMG Uai maximized grain yield with, respectively, 28.4, 25.4, and 26.2 plants m⁻² at harvest time in the wet season, and 20.4, 14.0, and 15.2 plants m⁻² in the winter season.

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.

Registration of ‘AuSable’ navy bean

Abstract‘AuSable’ (Reg. no. CV‐358, PI 705150) navy bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), developed by Michigan State University AgBioResearch was released in 2023 as an early‐mid season, disease‐resistant, upright, short‐vine bean cultivar with excellent dry down. AuSable was developed with the pedigree breeding method to the F4 generation followed by pure line selection for disease, agronomic, and quality traits. In 6 years of field trials, AuSable yielded 3073 kg ha−1, flowered in 46 days, and matured in 95 days on average. Plants averaged 45 cm in height, with a lodging resistance score of 1.7 and seed size of 22 g 100 seed−1. AuSable combines high yield potential with early midseason maturity in a navy bean seed type. AuSable has outyielded ‘Merlin’ by 17% across 6 years and matured 3 days earlier. It exhibits uniform dry down equivalent to ‘Vigilant’ and is well adapted to the intensively managed, narrow row, direct‐harvested production systems where beans are typically grown in Michigan and the Upper Midwest. AuSable possesses resistance to Bean common mosaic virus, is resistant to anthracnose races 7 and 73, has shown moderate tolerance to white mold, and was as tolerant to post emergence damping off caused by Rhizoctonia solani as other navy beans. It is susceptible to common bacterial blight. The seed size of AuSable (22 g 100 seed−1) is most similar to ‘Valiant’ and slightly smaller than ‘Liberty’ (23 g 100 seed−1). Seed of AuSable meets industry standards for packaging and canning quality in the navy bean seed class.

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.

Registration of ‘Denali’ white kidney bean

Abstract‘Denali’ (Reg. no. CV‐360, PI 705152) white kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), developed by Michigan State University AgBioResearch, was released in 2022 as a midseason, disease‐resistant, bush bean cultivar with uniform dry down. Denali was developed with the pedigree breeding method to the F4 generation followed by pure line selection for disease, agronomic, and quality traits. In 8 years of field trials across Michigan, Denali yielded 3500 kg ha−1, flowered in 37 d, and matured in 97days on average. Plants averaged 46 cm in height, with a lodging resistance score of 1.3 and seed size of 62 g 100 seed−1. Denali combines high yield potential with midseason maturity in a white kidney seed type. Denali outyielded ‘Beluga’ by 13% years and matured 5 days earlier. It is well adapted to the irrigated production systems on coarse‐textured soils where kidney beans are typically grown in Michigan and the Upper Midwest. Denali is resistant to Bean common mosaic virus and exhibits significantly higher levels of tolerance to root rot than ‘ND Whitetail’. Tolerance to common bacterial blight and white mold exhibited by Denali is comparable with ND Whitetail, ‘Yeti’, and ‘Snowdon’. Denali is susceptible to anthracnose. Seed size of Denali (0.62 g) is slightly smaller than Snowdon (0.69 g) and equivalent to seed produced by other white kidney bean cultivars. Seed of Denali meets industry standards for packaging and canning quality in the white kidney bean seed class.

Registration of ‘Coral’ pink bean

Abstract‘Coral’ (Reg. no. CV‐359, PI 705151) pink bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), developed by Michigan State University AgBioResearch was released in 2022 as a midseason, disease‐resistant, upright short vine bean cultivar with uniform dry down. Coral was developed with the pedigree breeding method to the F4 generation followed by pure line selection for disease, agronomic, and quality traits. Coral combines high yield potential with midseason maturity in a pink bean seed type. Over the span of 6 years of field trials, Coral produced an average yield of 3228 kg ha−1, flowered at 46 days, and matured in 97 days. Plants averaged 48 cm in height, with a lodging resistance score of 1.4, and seed size of 42 g 100 seed−1. Notably, Coral has outperformed ‘Rosetta’ by 8% across the 6‐year trial period and reached maturity 1 day earlier. It is well adapted to the intensively managed, narrow‐row, direct‐harvested production systems where beans are typically grown in Michigan and the Upper Midwest. Coral exhibits resistance to Bean common mosaic virus, is susceptible to anthracnose, has shown tolerance to common bacterial blight, and white mold. Additionally, it demonstrated tolerance to root rot caused by Rhizoctonia solani similar to Rosetta. Seed size of Coral (42 g 100 seed−1) is larger than Rosetta (37 g 100 seed−1). Seed of Coral meets industry standards for packaging and canning quality in the pink bean seed class.

Epidemiology and Management of Bean Common Mosaic Virus (BCMV) in Traditional Phaseolus vulgaris L. Landraces within Protected Geographical Indications

Protected geographical indications (PGIs) share health problems related to plant propagation material. The PGI “Faba de Lourenzá” encompasses a 1660 km2 area in northern Galicia, Spain, renowned for its “Faba Galaica” (FG) and Faba do marisco” (FM) bean cultivars. The lack of certified virus-free seeds poses a challenge. From 2019 to 2023, seeds from 60 lots were tested for BCMV. Plants from several plots were tested periodically to develop disease progress curves (DPCs). Control methods (plots out PGI zone, virus-free seedlings, rogueing, corn borders, and intercropping) were tested. Yields in five plots were used to assess BCMV’s economic impact. Seed lots were 22.3% FG-infected and <5% FM-infected. The transmission rate of BCMV from infected FG plants to their seeds was 25.5 ± 5%, while for FM it was 12 ± 3%. FG yield losses were on average 31.6 ± 4.5%. Combining virus-free seedlings and infected plant removal in plots outside the PGI area proved effective at reducing infection rates; combining with intercropping resulted in the lowest incidence in an FG plot. Farmer training and off-site plot selection to produce healthy sowing beans are key to improving results.

PHYSIOLOGICAL PERFORMANCE OF SEEDS OF Phaseolus vulgaris L. AS A FUNCTION OF ZINC AND PHYSIOLOGICAL MATURITY

The objective of this study was to study the physiological quality of bean treated with levels of zinc during the physiological maturation stage. The work was carried out at Fazenda Ponte da Braúna and at the Seed Analysis Laboratory of the Center for Agricultural Sciences and Engineering at the Federal University of Espírito Santo. Bean seeds of the cultivar Peanut were treated with Zn at concentrations of 0; 2.5; 5.0; 7.5 and 10 g kg-1 of seeds and sown in the field. The variables analyzed were seed moisture, 1000-seed weight, length, width and thickness of pods and seeds, germination, germination speed index, shoot length, root length, shoot and root dry matter. The experimental design used was completely randomized, in the factorial 5 x 7 (zinc doses x maturation periods), with four replications of 25 seeds. The seeds of the bean cultivar Amendoim treated with zinc at 10 g kg-1 seeds showed the highest values of pod length, thickness, and width. The seeds of the bean cultivar Amendoim showed the highest germination means and GSI after 35 days from anthesis. The treatment of seeds of the bean cultivar Amendoim with zinc does not influence the seedling characteristics. Seed treatment with zinc does not interfere with the seed maturation time of the bean cultivar Amendoim. The physiological maturation of seeds of the bean cultivar Amendoim occurs after 42 days from anthesis. The seed water content of the bean cultivar Amendoim at the stage of physiological maturation is 19%

Native Mexican black bean purified anthocyanins fractionated by high-performance counter-current chromatography modulate inflammatory pathways

In addition to their pigment properties, the potential health benefits of anthocyanins have made them a subject of interest in recent years. This study aimed to obtain purified anthocyanin fractions from native Mexican black bean cultivars using Amberlite XAD-7 resin column and HPCCC and evaluate their anti-inflammatory properties using RAW 264.7 cells. The major anthocyanins in the purified anthocyanin fractions were delphinidin 3-glucoside (61.8%), petunidin 3-glucoside (25.2%), and malvidin 3-glucoside (12.2%). Purified anthocyanin fractions at 12.5 μg/mL effectively prevented LPS-induced ERK1/ERK2 phosphorylation and reduced the protein expression of COX-2 and mRNA expression of iNOS. Results showed that purified anthocyanin fractions have the potential to modulate the inflammatory response by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory mediators through the ERK1/ERK2 and NF-κB pathways. This study suggests that anthocyanins from black beans could be used as a natural strategy to help modulate inflammation-associated diseases.