Bean Market Research Articles

Evaluation for fresh consumption of new broad bean genotypes with a determinate growth habit in central Chile

-1 with the highest number of grains per 1 m 2 (NG). The best GY was related to a higher seasonal photothermal quotient (ranging from 1.15 to 1.82 MJ m -2 d -1 °C -1 , r = 0.90, P ≤ 0.001). The lowest GY was in Talagante on F1. Genotypes differed in yield composition; 'Retaca' had many small pods giving many seeds per unit area and 'Verde Bonita' had large pods yielding fewer grains per unit area. The 'Retaca' genotype is preferred by the frozen broad bean industry, whereas 'Verde Bonita' is preferred by the fresh broad bean market.

An analysis of the determinants of household level production and marketing of beans in Eastern Congo

Legumes and especially beans provide some of the most widely grown crops in the East and Central Africa region. The question of whether certain crops, specifically beans, are more beneficial to women than to men in relation to cash crops and other cereals, has been raised from time to time. In the central Africa region and in particular in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), bean production has been promoted in the recent years. Beans contribute to better nutrition and soil fertility improvement in the region. The economic benefits and costs associated with beans production has not received adequate attention at the household level while taking into consideration male and female farm actors. Based on beans, this paper examines the differentiated profitabilities and costs of production for beans at the household level, among male and female farmers in the South Kivu Province of the DRC. The paper uses results obtained from a survey of 160 farmers in 10 villages in the South Kivu Province of DRC. Data was collected on household characteristics, costs, prices and quantities associated with bean production. Regression analysis was used to assess factors that influence the observedbean gross margins and production costs among the households. The results indicate the average age of bean farmers is relatively low and that there is no significant difference between the profits received by men and women farmers in spite of men incurring relatively higher production costs than women farmers. the results also indicate that larger surfaces put under beans do not necessarily lead to higher gross margins. Market access had factors such as physical location of the farmers vis a vis markets influenced to raise the costs incurred in bean production for those farmers located much farther away from major markets. Farmers located in remote areas suffer higher production costs in acquiring inputs, usually at higher costs than those located in optimal locations. Interventions that would enable such farmers to affordably access productive inputs are likely to impact positively on the farmers’ economic welfare.

A series of eIF4E alleles at the Bc-3 locus are associated with recessive resistance to Clover yellow vein virus in common bean

Clover yellow vein virus (ClYVV) is capable of causing severe damage to common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) production worldwide. The snap bean market class is particularly vulnerable because infection may lead to distortion and necrosis of the fresh green pods and rejection of the harvest. Three putatively independent recessive genes (cyv, desc, bc-3) have been reported to condition resistance to ClYVV; however, their allelic relationships have not been resolved. We identified, evaluated, and characterized the phenotypic and molecular genetic variation present in 21 informative common bean genotypes for resistance to ClYVV. Allelism testing phenotypes from multiple populations provided clear evidence that the three genes were a series of recessive alleles at the Bc-3 locus that condition unique potyvirus strain- and species-specific resistance spectra. Candidate gene analysis revealed complete association between the recessive resistance alleles and unique patterns of predicted amino acid substitutions in P. vulgaris eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (PveIF4E). This led to the discovery and characterization of two novel PveIF4E alleles associated with resistance to ClYVV, PveIF4E (3) , and PveIF4E (4) . We developed KASPar allele-specific SNP genotyping assays and demonstrated their ability to accurately detect and differentiate all of the PveIF4E haplotypes present in the germplasm, allelism testing, and in three separate segregating populations. The results contribute to an enhanced understanding and accessibility of the important potyvirus resistance conditioned by recessive alleles at Bc-3. The KASPar assays should be useful to further enable germplasm exploration, allelic discrimination, and marker-assisted introgression of bc-3 alleles in common bean.

A New Small Red Bean with Improved Resistance to Common Bacterial Blight: Registration of ‘Rio Rojo’

‘Rio Rojo’ (Reg. No. CV‐304, PI 666041) is a new cultivar belonging to the small red bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) market class, developed by the dry bean breeding program at North Dakota State University and released by the North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station. Rio Rojo is a medium‐early‐maturing, high‐yielding small red bean with commercially acceptable seed size, shape, and appearance. Rio Rojo is erect (Type IIb), has good lodging resistance, and exhibits good and synchronous plant drydown before harvest. Rio Rojo has shown an average seed yield increase of 257 kg ha−1 above that of ‘Merlot’, the small red cultivar most commonly grown in the United States. Rio Rojo had a higher seed yield than Merlot in 6 out of 17 environments when they were tested together. Rio Rojo has similar agronomic performance as Merlot for other traits, but Rio Rojo has a smaller seed size. In addition, a Red Variety Trial was grown in five environments in which Rio Rojo had the highest seed yield (2464 kg ha−1) across all environments. Besides the high seed yield, Rio Rojo has improved resistance to common bacterial blight (CBB). The intermediate levels of CBB resistance observed in field tests showed that Rio Rojo is better than any of the small red cultivars commonly grown in the United States and could therefore become one of the most important small red bean cultivars in the United States.

Economic Analysis of Locust Beans Processing and Marketing in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria

This study was designed to estimate the economic analysis of locust bean processing and marketing in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. Primary data was used and purposive sampling technique was adopted to select the respondents used for the study. A total number of 60 respondents were interviewed. The data collected were analyzed using inferential statistical tool such as regression analysis. Budgetary analysis technique was also used to analyze the profitability of locust bean processing and marketing in the study area. Majority of the processors and marketers are making profits; 68.3% operate above breakeven point while 26.7% operate at breakeven point and the rest 5% was below the breakeven point, this indicates that they neither profit nor lost. The regression analysis result shows that quantity processed, family size and years of experience in processing are significant at 1%, 5% and 10% respectively while education level and stall rent is negative and significant at 1% and 5% respectively. F- Test also explained that independent variables are jointly significant at 1% probability level with an adjusted R2 of 78.9%. The overall rate of return on investment indicates that average rate of return is 0.5 (50%), which is positive. It is therefore concluded that profit made by the processors and marketers can be improved on by increasing the quantity of locust bean being processed through adoption of newly discovered method of processing and improved method of preservation, packaging and marketing of the product to international standard by reducing the odour of the product without the loss of essential nutrients and palability in order to generate foreign exchange. Also, rules and regulations against cutting of economic trees for alternative uses should be enforced to maximize their values. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ijarit.v2i2.14012 Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. & Tech. 2 (2): 36-43, December, 2012

Simple Sequence Repeats Linked with Slow Darkening Trait in Pinto Bean Discovered by Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Assay and Whole Genome Sequencing

ABSTRACTSeed coat darkening in pinto bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) primarily occurs during prolonged storage and can result in significant loss in value based on it being a consumer perceived product flaw. Several slow darkening (SD) pintos, conditioned by the presence of the recessive sd gene, exist but are poorly adapted. Breeding for improved SD pintos is complicated by the recessive inheritance and expression of the trait in maternal tissue. We sought to develop capacity for marker‐assisted selection (MAS) for the SD trait. Three F2 populations (159 individuals) derived from crosses between SD parents, representing two different sources (1533‐15 and SDIP‐1) for the trait, and commercial regular darkening (RD) pintos were used to screen for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) linked with the sd locus. Separate DNA pools from SD and from RD F2 individuals genotyped for the sd locus were used to detect putative sd‐linked SNPs using the bulked‐segregant analysis strategy. Two of 1536 SNPs differentiated between the SD and RD DNA bulks for all three populations. The whole genome sequence scaffold possessing the two SNPs was canvassed for simple sequence repeats (SSRs). Three of 12 SSRs from the SNP region distinguished between the SD and RD lines. The three SSRs, Pvsd‐1157, Pvsd‐1158, and Pvsd‐0028, were observed to be tightly linked with the sd locus at 0.9, 0.4, and 3.1 cM, respectively, across the F2 populations. The SSRs assayed across a recombinant inbred line mapping population (CDC Pintium × 1533‐15) placed the sd gene on bean linkage group 7 between framework SSR markers BM210 and PvBR35. A survey of SD and RD advanced lines and cultivars revealed the SSRs will have utility for MAS of the SD trait in pinto bean and perhaps in other dry bean market classes as well.

Registration of ‘Krimson’ Cranberry Bean

Cranberry is an important dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) market class grown in the United States and Canada. Beet curly top virus (BCTV) plagues cranberry bean production in the western United States (California, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington). ‘Krimson’ (Reg. No. CV‐300, PI 663911) cranberry bean, released by the USDA‐ARS in 2009, was bred for a high level of resistance to BCTV. Krimson possesses the Bct gene, which confers resistance to BCTV, as indicated by presence of the SAS8.1550 sequence characterized amplified region marker, which is tightly linked with the gene. Greenhouse inoculation tests with the NL‐3 strain of Bean common mosaic necrosis virus (BCMNV) revealed presence of the I gene, which conditions resistance to Bean common mosaic virus and a hypersensitive response to BCMNV. Intermediate resistance to rust [caused by Uromyces appendiculatus (Pers.:Pers) Unger] will benefit production east of the Continental Divide. Krimson was also bred for wide adaptation and enhanced yield potential, which is evidenced by an average yield of 2487 kg ha−1 compared with 2310 kg ha−1 for the check ‘Capri’ across 21 location‐years in the Cooperative Dry Bean Nursery. Maturity (3 d earlier than Capri), seed size (same as Capri), and seed appearance and canning quality traits (slightly less desirable than those of Capri) for Krimson were within the desired range for the cranberry dry bean market class. Krimson is suitable for commercial production across the United States, but with the additional benefit of virus resistance for commercial and seed production in the western United States.

Introgression and pyramiding into common bean market class fabada of genes conferring resistance to anthracnose and potyvirus

Anthracnose and bean common mosaic (BCM) are considered major diseases in common bean crop causing severe yield losses worldwide. This work describes the introgression and pyramiding of genes conferring genetic resistance to BCM and anthracnose local races into line A25, a bean genotype classified as market class fabada. Resistant plants were selected using resistance tests or combining resistance tests and marker-assisted selection. Lines A252, A321, A493, Sanilac BC6-Are, and BRB130 were used as resistance sources. Resistance genes to anthracnose (Co-2 ( C ), Co-2 ( A252 ) and Co-3/9) and/or BCM (I and bc-3) were introgressed in line A25 through six parallel backcrossing programs, and six breeding lines showing a fabada seed phenotype were obtained after six backcross generations: line A1258 from A252; A1231 from A321; A1220 from A493; A1183 and A1878 from Sanilac BC6-Are; and line A2418 from BRB130. Pyramiding of different genes were developed using the pedigree method from a single cross between lines obtained in the introgression step: line A1699 (derived from cross A1258 × A1220), A2438 (A1220 × A1183), A2806 (A1878 × A2418), and A3308 (A1699 × A2806). A characterization based on eight morpho-agronomic traits revealed a limited differentiation among the obtained breeding lines and the recurrent line A25. However, using a set of seven molecular markers linked to the loci used in the breeding programs it was possible to differentiate the 11 fabada lines. Considering the genetic control of the resistance in resistant donor lines, the observed segregations in the last backcrossing generation, the reaction against the pathogens, and the expression of the molecular markers it was also possible to infer the genotype conferring resistance in the ten fabada breeding lines obtained. As a result of these breeding programs, genetic resistance to three anthracnose races controlled by genes included in clusters Co-2 and Co-3/9, and genetic resistance to BCM controlled by genotype I + bc-3 was combined in the fabada line A3308.

Sensory changes related to breeding for plant architecture and resistance to viruses and anthracnose in bean market class Fabada (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

Consumers hold landraces in high esteem and often consider that breeding programs lead to a loss of sensory quality, although consumers’ opinions have not been scientifically confirmed. As a model case of study we recorded seed sensory traits in six inbred common bean lines classified in the market class Fabada obtained by backcrossing and/or pedigree selection (to change the plant architecture and increase resistances) and then cultivated in two environments in two consecutive years. A sensory panel noted differences among all the inbreds, but only the introduction of the gene fin (determinate growth habit) seemed to be associated to a loss of quality (rougher seed coat and lower percentage of whole beans after cooking). As theoretically expected, changes in sensory traits were smaller in inbreds obtained through simple backcrossing than in those obtained through pedigree selection after inbred crossing. Large differences in sensory traits due to environmental factors were also recorded (similar to the genetic effects in magnitude), especially soil type and rainfall around flowering. These results make it highly recommendable to evaluate sensory attributes in the course of breeding programs to ensure that the sensory quality is not lost. Given the importance of the environmental component in the phenotypic variation of the sensory traits studied, crop location and management also appear as key factors for the obtainment of optimum products.

Variation for nodulation and plant yield of common bean genotypes and environmental effects on the genotype expression

Common bean symbiotic nitrogen fixation provides an ecological and economical alternative to increase bean production but it depends on soil fertility and climate conditions. The objectives of this work were to characterize common bean genotypes for their ability to establish symbiosis under controlled conditions and to study the effect of the environment on the expression of those genotypes. The experiment under controlled conditions was conducted in a greenhouse with 158 genotypes that represented the major dry bean market classes. The field experiment was carried out in six environments with 64 genotypes that were previously selected for their contrasting nodulation ability and/or root development under the controlled conditions experiment. Nodulation, plant, and grain yield data of the bean genotypes were measured in both experiments. There was a significant high variability in plant development responses among the studied genotypes associated with the rhizobial strain inoculated under controlled conditions. Two nodulation phenotypes were observed among the genotypes tested: the big-nodules phenotype (BNO) associated with almost 63% fewer nodules and 58% higher proportion of nodule biomass in the below-ground compartment than the small-nodules phenotype (SNO) with less developed aerial parts. Genotype plus genotype × environment (GGE) biplot model analysis enabled identification of the highest-yielding genotypes for the different environments. The soil chemical factors of these environments were associated with the nodule number or the biomass of the common bean genotypes. Genotypes with a BNO phenotype showed a good plant response, indicating that this phenotype may be more beneficial for plant growth and seed yield in environmental conditions that may limit nodule development. The amplitude of the genotypic variability found in this work confirms the potential for rhizobial symbiosis of adapted bean genotypes, which could constitute a preferential material for initial breeding of symbiotically active lines. The data also indicate the potential of bean breeding to identify environments containing effective strains of rhizobia essential for sustainable agriculture, improving productivity, and maintaining environmental quality.

Post-harvest losses in tomato and fresh bean production in Tokat province of Turkey

In the present study, behaviors of farmers in Tokat Province towards marketing of tomato and fresh bean were studied. Basic material of the study was the data obtained from tomato and fresh bean producing farmers in Central District of Tokat Province using a face-to-face questionnaire. Simple Randomized Sampling Method was used to determine the sample size. Available marketing facilities, problems related to them and losses due to these problems were determined. The level of farmers’ awareness in marketing and their efforts to gain more information about it were also revealed. Findings showed that, annual income level had an effect on harvest and storage in tomato. The producers with higher incomes made better harvest and transportation. They also stored their product after the harvest. According to the results, advanced techniques and alternatives in tomato and fresh bean harvest and marketing were not known by the farmers in the area. The farmers were not aware of the benefits of alternative techniques. Even if they were in need of making changes in marketing, they were not informed and equipped about how they could do it. After an efficient training program, effects of experience, educational level and annual income could be more apparent. Key words: Post-harvest losses, marketing losses, tomato, fresh bean, storage, packing, grading.

Interaction of Common Bacterial Blight Bacteria with Disease Resistance Quantitative Trait Loci in Common Bean

Common bacterial blight (CBB) of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. phaseoli and X. fuscans subsp. fuscans, and is the most important bacterial disease of this crop in many regions of the world. In 2005 and 2006, dark red kidney bean fields in a major bean-growing region in central Wisconsin were surveyed for CBB incidence and representative symptomatic leaves collected. Xanthomonad-like bacteria were isolated from these leaves and characterized based upon phenotypic (colony) characteristics, pathogenicity on common bean, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with X. campestris pv. phaseoli- and X. fuscans subsp. fuscans-specific primers, and repetitive-element PCR (rep-PCR) and 16S-28S ribosomal RNA spacer region sequence analyses. Of 348 isolates that were characterized, 293 were identified as common blight bacteria (i.e., pathogenic on common bean and positive in PCR tests with the X. campestris pv. phaseoli- and X. fuscans subsp. fuscans-specific primers), whereas the other isolates were nonpathogenic xanthomonads. Most (98%) of the pathogenic xanthomonads were X. campestris pv. phaseoli, consistent with the association of this bacterium with CBB in large-seeded bean cultivars of the Andean gene pool. Two types of X. campestris pv. phaseoli were involved with CBB in this region: typical X. campestris pv. phaseoli (P) isolates with yellow mucoid colonies, no brown pigment production, and a typical X. campestris pv. phaseoli rep-PCR fingerprint (60% of strains); and a new phenotype and genotype (Px) with an X. campestris pv. phaseoli-type fingerprint and less mucoid colonies that produced brown pigment (40% of strains). In addition, a small number of X. fuscans subsp. fuscans strains, representing a new genotype (FH), were isolated from two fields in 2005. Representative P and Px X. campestris pv. phaseoli strains, an FH X. fuscans subsp. fuscans strain, plus five previously characterized X. campestris pv. phaseoli and X. fuscans subsp. fuscans genotypes were inoculated onto 28 common bean genotypes having various combinations of known CBB resistance quantitative trait loci (QTL) and associated sequence-characterized amplified region markers. Different levels of virulence were observed for X. campestris pv. phaseoli strains, whereas X. fuscans subsp. fuscans strains were similar in virulence. The typical X. campestris pv. phaseoli strain from Wisconsin was most virulent, whereas X. campestris pv. phaseoli genotypes from East Africa were the least virulent. Host genotypes having the SU91 marker-associated resistance and one or more other QTL (i.e., pyramided resistance), such as the VAX lines, were highly resistant to all genotypes of common blight bacteria tested. This information will help in the development of CBB resistance-breeding strategies for different common bean market classes in different geographical regions, as well as the identification of appropriate pathogen genotypes for screening for resistance.

Registration of Common Bacterial Blight Resistant Cranberry Dry Bean Germplasm Line USCR‐CBB‐20

Common bacterial blight (CBB; caused by Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. phaseoli) is a serious disease of dry and green beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in warm humid climates. Crop loss up to 40% has been reported due to this disease, which is most prominent east of the continental divide in the United States. Cranberry beans are very susceptible to CBB, so our objective was to develop a cranberry dry bean with improved resistance to the disease. A combination of marker‐assisted selection for quantitative trait loci (QTL) for resistance in early generations followed by selection under disease pressure in later generations was used to develop the cranberry dry bean germplasm line USCR‐CBB‐20 (Reg. No. GP‐281, PI 659069), which has improved resistance to CBB. USCR‐CBB‐20, released in 2008 by the USDA‐ARS in cooperation with the Idaho and Michigan agricultural experiment stations, possesses the sequence‐characterized amplified region markers SU91 and SAP6, which are associated with CBB resistance QTL on linkage groups 8 and 10, respectively. USCR‐CBB‐20 had an average disease score of 5.3 in greenhouse tests, which is a remarkable improvement over the previous cranberry line released with CBB resistance, which scored 8.4 (9 = completely susceptible) in the same tests. Except for relatively small seed size, USCR‐CBB‐20 exhibits commercially acceptable agronomic traits for the cranberry bean market class. Yield potential was above average in Michigan and below average in Washington. USCR‐CBB‐20 will be useful for improving CBB resistance in the cranberry and other large‐seeded dry and green‐bean market classes of Andean origin.

A dominant gene for garnet brown seed coats at the Rk locus in ‘Dorado’ common bean and mapping Rk to linkage group 1

The color of the seed coats of ‘Dorado’ (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is garnet brown (dark red kidney bean color) and differs from most other dry bean varieties in the Honduran red bean market class. A genetic investigation of the color of ‘Dorado’ (same as DOR364) and G19833 (Liborino market class) seed coats was conducted. Crosses with genetic tester stocks demonstrated that the gene for garnet brown (GB) in ‘Dorado’ was not allelic with the R gene for dominant red (oxblood) seed coat. An allelism test between the ‘Dorado’ gene for GB seed coat and the rkdrv gene for recessive expression of GB demonstrated allelism. We propose the gene symbol for Rkr for the ‘Dorado’ GB seed coat color gene. Rkr expresses partial dominance over Rk, where Rkr/Rk expresses a paler and highly variable intermediate red color. The interactions of Rkr, rkdrv, and cu are discussed. Segregation analysis in the mapping population made up of DOR364 (same as ‘Dorado’) × G19833 recombinant inbred lines showed that the Rkr gene mapped to linkage group 1. The new allele at Rk was located at a distance of 17 cM from the RFLP marker Bng130 with a LOD > 3.0.

Economics of oil bean (<i>Pentaclethra macrophylla</i>), seed marketing in Owerri Agricultural Zone , Imo State

The study assessed the economics of oil bean marketing in Owerri agricultural zone of Imo state. Forty- five marketers oil bean marketers were randomly selected from three markets of the study area. Primary data were collected using structural questionnaire. Data collected were analysed using statistical tools such as mean, frequency and cost and return analysis. Results show that oil bean seeds marketing in the area are dominated by female marketers (90.44%). The marketers earned positive net returns of N3065 per 50kg and N410 per 20kg bag of oil bean seeds from marketing operations. Major constraints of oil bean seeds marketing include seasonal availability of oil bean seeds, high cost and lack of interest in seed gathering from the wild. To alleviate the problems, feeder roads and provisions of improved varieties are recommended. Keywords: Oil bean, Marketers, Net returns, Agricultural Zone

Differential Accumulation of Polyphenolics in Black Bean Genotypes Grown in Four Environments

Environmental effects on polyphenolic composition of pigmented seed coat tissue were examined in four black bean genotypes, grown in four locations in Canada. Genotype was the most significant determinant in the phenotypic expression of flavonoid traits across four locations (p < 0.0001). The genotype x environment interaction was not significantly different for anthocyanin or extractable condensed tannin (syn. proanthocyanidin) but was significant for the bound anthocyanidin concentration (p < 0.05). One trace metabolite, (-)-epicatechin, was identified, but no flavonols were detected in the seed coats. Sequestration of anthocyanin in the seed coat was genotype-dependent and predominantly consisted of delphinidin with lesser amounts of petunidin and malvidin. Pigment sequestration in the two integument layers of the seed coat appeared to be mutually exclusive across all genotypes in terms of the pigment chemical character. Tissue-specific accumulation of extractable and bound anthocyanin in the outer integument was observed. The inner integument was devoid of anthocyanin, and the pigment consisted solely of condensed tannin inclusions. The occurrence of condensed tannin together with anthocyanin pigments, whether extractable or bound either by oxidation or by cross-linking, influenced the visual uniformity of seeds of bean cultivars. The co-occurrence of these compounds could have an effect on postharvest appearance during storage, on canning quality, and on the dietary effects of the putative functional food profile in the black bean market class.

Dehulling and selected physical characteristics of Canadian dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivars

The tangential abrasive dehulling device (TADD) was used to evaluate the dehulling properties of 13 dry bean cultivars from five market classes. Hull yield or percent kernel removed was cultivar dependent and increased linearly (r2 ⩾ 0.984) as dehulling time increased from 30 to 120 s. Hull yield was significantly different within cultivars of great northern and pink bean market classes and there were no significant (p < 0.05) differences within black and pinto bean cultivars. Bean cultivars differed significantly in dehulling parameters–rate coefficient (RC) and abrasive hardness index (AHI), although the differences were small. Cluster analysis, based on dehulling parameters, segregated the cultivars into three major groups; AC Black Violet, AC Black Diamond, CDC Jet, and subgroup AC Resolute and AC Agrinto (AHI, 12.7–14.9 s); Othello, AC Early Rose and AC Polaris and the subgroup CDC Minto and Winchester (AHI, 11.7–12.5 s); and AC Redbond and Viva (AHI < 11 s). Black beans were the hardest to dehull since the longest time (928 s) was required to completely remove the hulls by abrading on average, 50 g/100 g seed. Multiple regression analysis showed that dehulling parameters were not related to any seed characteristics, although seed length, width, thickness and weight were highly correlated (r2 ⩾ 0.786, p < 0.005).

Registration of ‘ND‐307’ Pinto Bean

ND‐307 (Reg. no. CV‐296, PI655297) is a new medium‐early maturing, high‐yielding pinto bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivar adapted to the northern Great Plains. This cultivar was developed by North Dakota State University (NDSU) and released in 2008 by the North Dakota Agricultural Experimental Station (NDAES). ND‐307 has a Type IIIa growth habit, but it may show a type IIb growth habit in some environments. ND‐307 possesses intermediate lodging resistance and exhibits good and synchronous plant dry‐down prior to harvest. ND‐307 has commercially acceptable visual seed traits (size, shape, and appearance). However, one particular feature of ND‐307 is the absence of the yellow seed corona. Instead, the corona is light‐orange and its color intensity is slightly variable among seeds. Although the yellow corona is sometimes considered an important quality indicator for the dry bean market, it is not critical for other end‐uses. ND‐307 has intermediate resistance to the rust races commonly found in the region, with the exception of the new, recently discovered, race (20‐3). ND‐307 is also resistant to Bean common mosaic virus, but it is susceptible to the necrotic strain (NL‐3). When averaged across 21 yield trials in which ND‐307 was grown along with three commercial checks, ND‐307 produced yields similar to Buster but out‐yielded Maverick and GTS‐900 by 7 and 9%, respectively. This cultivar represents a new and better alternative for pinto bean growers of the northern Great Plains.

Gross margins analysis of rice, beans and garri sellers in southern zone of Cross River State.

The study calculated gross margins of rice (local white), beans (white) and garri (yellow) sellers in Watts, Okurikang and Marian markets in southern Cross River State. Analysis of variance technique was used to test for the statistical differences among the gross margins of each commodity in the three markets. Empirical results revealed positive gross margins for all sellers of the three commodities in the three markets. Comparing gross margins of rice, beans and garri in the three markets reveal that rice and garri sellers had insignificant differences in their gross margins while the mean gross margins for beans sellers showed significant differences between Okurikang market and the other two markets. The results imply perfect information flow for garri and rice markets and hence high probability of perfect competitive market structure for these products. The reverse is the case for beans market. Policy on increased local production of rice, garri and beans were recommended as they will help increase sellers and consumers’ welfare.KEY WORDS: Gross margin, Variance, Market, Commodity, Sellers

Variances in consumers prices of selected food items among markets in Cross River state

The study focused on the determination of variances among consumer prices of rice (local white), beans (white) and garri (yellow) in Watts, Okurikang and 8 Miles markets in southern zone of Cross River State. Completely randomized design was used to test the research hypothesis. Comparing the consumer prices of rice, beans and garri in the three markets; rice and garri had insignificant differences in their consumer prices while beans consumer prices had significant differences between Okurikang market and the other two markets. The results imply perfect information flow in garri and rice markets and hence high possibility of a perfectly competitive market structure for these products. The reverse is the case for beans market. Policies on increased local production of rice, garri and beans as well as improved marketing infrastructures were recommended as these would help increase sellers profit while maximizing consumers’ benefits.KEY WORDS: price, market, consumer, garri, rice, beans.