Common Bean Breeding Programs Research Articles

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.

Characterizing patterns of seasonal drought stress for use in common bean breeding in East Africa under present and future climates

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is the second most important source of dietary protein and the third most important source of calories in Africa, especially for the poor. In East Africa, drought is an important constraint to bean production. Therefore, breeding programs in East Africa have been trying to develop drought resistant varieties of common bean. To do this, breeders need information about seasonal drought stress patterns including their onset, intensity, and duration in the target area of the breeding program, so that they can mimic this pattern during field trials. Using the Decision Support for Agrotechnology Transfer (DSSAT) v4.7 model together with historical and future (Coupled Model Inter-comparison Project 6, CMIP6) climate data, this study categorized Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Uganda into different target population of environments (TPEs) based on historical and future seasonal drought stress patterns. We find that stress-free conditions generally dominate across the three countries under historical conditions (50–80% frequency). These conditions are projected to increase in frequency in Ethiopia by 2–10% but the converse is true for Tanzania (2–8% reduction) and Uganda (17–20% reduction) by 2050 depending on the Shared Socioeconomic Pathway (SSP). Accordingly, by 2050, terminal drought stresses of various intensities (moderate, severe, extreme) are prevalent in 34% of Uganda, around a quarter of Ethiopia, and 40% of the bean growing environments in Tanzania. The TPEs identified in each country serve as a basis for prioritizing breeding activities in national programs. However, to optimize resource use in international breeding programs to develop genotypes that are resilient to future projected stress patterns, we argue that common bean breeding programs should focus primarily on identifying genotypes with tolerance to severe terminal drought, with co-benefits in relation to adaptation to moderate and extreme terminal drought. Little to no emphasis on heat stress is warranted by 2050s.

Agromorphological and Physiological Performance of Ethiopian Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Genotypes under Different Agroecological Conditions.

The objectives of this study were to assess the agronomic performance of common bean genotypes, previously selected for their response to infestation, by Mexican bean weevil and to identify promising lines that can be used as parents in a downstream breeding program. Field experiments were conducted using 144 genotypes under three different agro-ecologies in an unbalanced incomplete block design with three replications. Data on 15 agro-morphological traits were collected, and multivariate methods were used to examine the patterns of variation among the genotypes. The genotypes revealed a high level of phenotypic diversity for all agronomic traits. Six principal components, which contributed 84% of the total variation among the genotypes, were identified. The 15 agro-morphological traits classified the genotypes into three distinct major clusters and sub-clusters. The clustering patterns of the genotypes were according to the seed size, whereby the small and medium beans were distinctly separated from the large-seeded beans. The study established the existence of considerable genetic variations among common bean genotypes. Unique genotypes, such as Nasir, Awash Melka, and RAZ-36 from Cluster I, RAZ-2, RAZ-11, and RAZ-42 from Cluster II, and SER-125, SCR-15, MAZ-200, MAZ-203, and RAZ-120 from Cluster III, were selected based on their distinct agronomic performance. The selected genotypes could be useful for the common bean breeding program.

Enhanced understanding of anthracnose resistance in Michigan Dark Red Kidney common bean cultivar

Anthracnose, caused by the fungus Colletotrichum lindemuthianum (Sacc. and Magnus) Briosi and Cavara, is a major disease affecting the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), potentially causing yield losses of up to 100%. Utilizing resistant cultivars is the most effective approach for disease control. This study aimed to characterize the genetic resistance of two cultivars, TU and Michigan Dark Red Kidney (MDRK), to anthracnose. Inheritance tests were performed on F2:3 families from the TU (R) × AND 277 (S) cross using C. lindemuthianum race 3, and on F2:3 families from the crosses TU (R) × Kaboon (S) and TU (R) × Perry Marrow (S) inoculated with race 39. Inoculation with three races of C. lindemuthianum showed that MDRK carried the allele of the Co-1 locus. However, inoculation of F2:3 families from the MDRK × TU cross with race 1545 revealed that MDRK's resistance to this race is conditioned by two dominant genes (Co-1 allele on Pv01 and another allele on Pv04). Segregation results from inheritance tests using F2:3 families with the TU resistant cultivar fitted to a 1RR:2RS:1SS ratio, indicating the presence of a single dominant gene in the TU cultivar. Both the Mesoamerican TU and the Andean MDRK cultivars represent valuable sources of resistance to C. lindemuthianum and can be incorporated into common bean breeding programs to enhance disease resistance.

Genetic Variability and Association of Yield and Yield-Related Traits under Moisture Stress in Common Bean Genotypes (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) at Melkassa and Miesso, Ethiopia

Twenty-five common bean genotypes were evaluated to assess the genetic variability, trait association, and determine the direct and indirect effects of traits on seed yield. The genotypes were grown in a lattice design at the research farm of the Melkassa Agricultural Research Center, Melkassa and Miesso, in the 2018 cropping season. Analysis of variance revealed that significant differences were observed among the genotypes at individual locations. The phenotypic coefficient of variation values were moderate for number of nodes, seeds per pod, plant height, and hundred seed weight at Melkassa. Moderate genotypic coefficient of variation values were obtained for pods per plant and seeds per pod. At Miesso, moderate phenotypic coefficients of variation values were recorded for number of nodes, hundred seed weight, and plant height. High heritability estimates were obtained for seed yield and hundred seed weight at Melkassa and for seed yield at Miesso, indicating that selection could be fairly easy and improvement is possible using these traits in a common bean breeding program. High genetic advances were obtained for seed yield and pods per plant at Melkassa, while moderate genetic advances as a percent of the mean were attained for plant height, hundred seed weight, and seeds per pod. Similarly, at Miesso, high and moderate genetic advances as percent of mean values were obtained for seed yield and hundred seed weight, respectively. Seed yield showed positive and significant phenotypic association with days to flowering, internode length, and pods per plant at Melkassa and had positive and significant phenotypic association with seeds per pod and hundred seed weight at Miesso. Hence, selection of those genotypes based on the traits with high genotypic coefficient of variability, heritability, genetic advance, and positive correlation coefficient and direct effect on seed yield can be recommended for further yield improvement at the respective location and at the national level in general.

Stem, leaf and cotyledon resistance responses to a prevalent Sclerotinia sclerotiorum pathotype in Australia highlight new opportunities to improve white mould resistance in common bean

Context White mould (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum) inflicts major yield losses on common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris); yet, commercial cultivars known for their high yields and market-adapted grains lack physiological resistance to this disease. Aims This study aimed to test diverse common bean genotypes for resistance in stem, leaf and cotyledon tissues. Methods Thirty-four common bean genotypes with a wide range of agronomic traits and grain types, including genotypes noted previously for susceptible and resistant responses to white mould, were inoculated with the prevalent S. sclerotiorum isolate MBRS-1. Then they were assessed for resistance in stem, leaf and cotyledon tissues under controlled environment conditions, by inoculating plants with a 105 mL−1 hyphal fragment concentration. Key results There was significant (P < 0.001) variation in resistance responses in stem, leaf and cotyledon tissues across the genotypes. Contender, ICA Bunsi, XAN 280 and Taisho-Kintoki showed the highest resistance in stems, whereas Norvell 2558, Pico de Oro, Sanilac, Othelo and Negro Argel exhibited notable resistance in leaves. Metis, Canario 107, Pico de Oro, Pogonion and Jubilejnaja 287 displayed the most resistance in cotyledons. Conclusions This is the first reported attempt to determine the response of common bean germplasm to a prevalent pathotype of S. sclerotiorum in Australia. Bean genotypes exhibiting high-level resistance to white mould identified in this study can be used as parental lines for crosses in common bean breeding programs and/or directly as improved cultivars. Implications The study highlighted both the value of screening under controlled environmental conditions to reliably locate new stem, leaf and/or cotyledon resistances and the possibility of using rapid cotyledon screening to indicate stem resistances because the expression of resistances in cotyledons generally correlated strongly with those in stems.

Productivity assessment of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) germplasm from Serbia

Context In Serbia, common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) production largely relies on improved commercial cultivars; however, many farmers still grow and maintain landraces. Productivity assessment of common bean landraces from Serbia may enrich knowledge of bean diversity from Western Balkans, Europe and worldwide. Aims The study aims were to describe the underlying structure of a selected set of landraces and commercial cultivars of common bean, identify relatedness of accessions, and determine breeding values. Methods and key results Overall productivity was assessed through main yield components during a 2-year field trial. Average seed yield per plant was 7.9 g, with 1000-seed weight 425 g, 7.4 pods per plant and 22.9 seeds per plant. Accessions were classified according to seed colour and shape, with the Albus group generally showing highest productivity traits. Phenotypic and genotypic variability of the selected set was previously determined. Principal component analysis was used to assess bean germplasm structure, revealing subdivisions partially according to gene pool (Mesoamerican or Andean), evident through the existence of one larger Andean group. Relatedness of genotypes was assessed by hierarchical cluster analysis. Additional variation concentrated within the Andean gene pool was detected. Positive correlations were observed among numbers of pods and seeds per plant, yield per plant and plant height. According to the Mantel test, positive associations were observed among productivity trait distance, genetic distance and descriptive trait distance. Conclusions Substantial variation in productivity was observed for bean landraces, with differences among gene pools and seed forms, revealing their agronomic value. Acknowledged structure of agronomic traits and recognised stratification will assist in multilevel organisation of common bean breeding programs. Implications Combined information on phenotypic, genotypic and productivity value should benefit selection of promising parental lines associating good agronomic performance with sufficient variability, according to consumer preferences.

Ganho genético para caracteres tecnológicos de novas cultivares desenvolvidas pela rede sul brasileira de feijão

ABSTRACT Estimating the genetic gain obtained for technological quality traits over the years makes it possible to analyze whether the changes made meet consumer preferences, which represents an important innovation for common-bean breeding programs. The objectives of this study were to obtain genetic gain estimates for technological grain quality traits of common bean lines and investigate whether the modifications made were favorable in the context of sustainability and food and nutritional security for the coming generations. Twenty-four experiments were conducted between the years 2010 and 2022 and a total of 75 common bean lines were evaluated. Genetic gains of technological grain quality traits were determined by the Vencovsky’s (1988) method adapted for biennia. There was a significant effect of genotype for most traits evaluated, which shows the existence of genetic variability. Mass of 100 grains and water absorption had a negative genetic gain of -2.91% and -0.55% per year, respectively, indicating a reduction in these traits. Genetic gain was zero for L* value (lightness) and cooking time, denoting a plateau for these traits. Most of the common bean lines exhibit adequate L* values for carioca (L* ≥ 53) and black (L* ≤ 22) bean grains; a mass of 100 grains from 20 to 25 g; and fast cooking (≤ 25 min). The new common bean cultivars released for cultivation in the southern region of Brazil have high technological grain quality, being favorable in a context of sustainability and food and nutritional security for the coming generations.

Meta-QTL Analysis for Yield Components in Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

Common bean is one of the most important legumes produced and consumed worldwide because it is a highly valuable food for the human diet. However, its production is mainly carried out by small farmers, who obtain average grain yields below the potential yield of the species. In this sense, numerous mapping studies have been conducted to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with yield components in common bean. Meta-QTL (MQTL) analysis is a useful approach to combine data sets and for creating consensus positions for the QTL detected in independent studies. Consequently, the objective of this study was to perform a MQTL analysis to identify the most reliable and stable genomic regions associated with yield-related traits of common bean. A total of 667 QTL associated with yield-related traits reported in 21 different studies were collected. A total of 42 MQTL associated with yield-related traits were identified, in which the average confidence interval (CI) of the MQTL was 3.41 times lower than the CIs of the original QTL. Most of the MQTL (28) identified in this study contain QTL associated with yield and phenological traits; therefore, these MQTL can be useful in common bean breeding programs. Finally, a total of 18 candidate genes were identified and associated with grain yield within these MQTL, with functions related to ubiquitin ligase complex, response to auxin, and translation elongation factor activity.

Delineating meta-quantitative trait loci for anthracnose resistance in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.).

Anthracnose, caused by the fungus Colletotrichum lindemuthianum, is one of the devastating disease affecting common bean production and productivity worldwide. Several quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for anthracnose resistance have been identified. In order to make use of these QTLs in common bean breeding programs, a detailed meta-QTL (MQTL) analysis has been conducted. For the MQTL analysis, 92 QTLs related to anthracnose disease reported in 18 different earlier studies involving 16 mapping populations were compiled and projected on to the consensus map. This meta-analysis led to the identification of 11 MQTLs (each involving QTLs from at least two different studies) on 06 bean chromosomes and 10 QTL hotspots each involving multiple QTLs from an individual study on 07 chromosomes. The confidence interval (CI) of the identified MQTLs was found 3.51 times lower than the CI of initial QTLs. Marker-trait associations (MTAs) reported in published genome-wide association studies (GWAS) were used to validate nine of the 11 identified MQTLs, with MQTL4.1 overlapping with as many as 40 MTAs. Functional annotation of the 11 MQTL regions revealed 1,251 genes including several R genes (such as those encoding for NBS-LRR domain-containing proteins, protein kinases, etc.) and other defense related genes. The MQTLs, QTL hotspots and the potential candidate genes identified during the present study will prove useful in common bean marker-assisted breeding programs and in basic studies involving fine mapping and cloning of genomic regions associated with anthracnose resistance in common beans.

Genetic parameters, yield adaptability and stability of common bean obtained through mixed models analyses

The common bean provides a diet rich in vitamins, fiber, minerals and especially in proteins, which can provide food security for poor people in many countries. With the increase in demand for food production, cultivars with high grain yield potential that can be planted in different environments have been the focus of common bean breeding programs. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate genetic parameters, grain yield, adaptability and stability simultaneously of common bean lines that compose the Value for Cultivation and Use trials of the South region of Brazil. The experiments were conducted in 13 environments in the states of Paraná, Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul. The analysis of adaptability and stability were performed The common bean provides a diet rich in vitamins, fiber, minerals and especially in proteins, which can provide food security for poor people in many countries. With the increase in demand for food production, cultivars with high grain yield potential that can be planted in different environments have been the focus of common bean breeding programs. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate genetic parameters, grain yield, adaptability and stability simultaneously of common bean lines that compose the Value for Cultivation and Use trials of the South region of Brazil. The experiments were conducted in 13 environments in the states of Paraná, Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul. The analysis of adaptability and stability were performed using mixed linear models by the Residual Maximum Likelihood and the Best Linear Unbiased Predictor for predicting the genotypic values through Selegen statistical program. The selective accuracy of genotypes for their genotypic values was 87% and the broad-sense heritability for grain yield was 13%. The genotypes CHC 98-42, BRS Esteio, CNFP-10794, CHP 01-238, FT 08-75, IPR Campos Gerais, LP 09-40, CNFC 10762, C 4-7-8-1-2 and LEC 01-11 were superior based on the method of Harmonic Mean of Relative Performance of Genotypic Values. These genotypes presented a higher mean grain yield in comparison to the other evaluated genotypes, and could be recommended for cultivation in these regions. In addition, it was possible to obtain genetic gains of up to 9.5% for the CHC 98-42 line, showing its high genetic potential.

Correcting experimental data for spatial trends in a common bean breeding program

AbstractIn common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) breeding, several trials are carried out in field conditions to predict the genotypic values, but experimental designs may not be sufficient to capture the field heterogeneity in the experimental area. The objective of this work was to evaluate the potential of spatial models to correct data from a common bean breeding program for spatial trends and improve the prediction of genotypic values. We used real data from 19 field trials from a common bean breeding program and three experimental designs. The traditional statistical model with design effects and independent errors was fitted and used as the basic model. Later, we fitted a sequence of spatial models to include different residual (co)variance structures for local trends and fixed and random effects based on plot position information to capture global and extraneous trends. The basic model and the best‐fit spatial model were compared regarding the estimates of heritability, accuracy, prediction error variance, and discordance in the top‐ranking genotypes. In most cases, the use of spatial models improved the estimates of heritability and accuracy or, at least, reduced the estimates of prediction error variance. Also, changes in the genotypic values classification were observed. Because no single model presented the best fit for all trials, some of the tested models were recommended for future trials based on the patterns of spatial trends observed. Thus, the use of spatial models helped to improve the data analysis and the prediction of genotypic values by capturing the field heterogeneity in our common bean field trials.

Identification of sources of resistance to race 63-63 of Pseudocercospora griseola in common bean lines

Angular leaf spot (ALS), caused by the fungus Pseudocercospora griseola, is one of the most important foliar fungal diseases in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). The search for new sources of resistance to ALS is a promising activity in common bean breeding programs. In this study, the reaction of 416 germplasm accessions from the Universidade Federal de Lavras (UFLA) to P. griseola (race 63-63, the most important and most aggressive race) was assessed under greenhouse conditions (plants in the V2 stage, fully developed unifoliolate leaves). We identified 102 (24.5%) resistant and 314 (75.5%) susceptible accessions. Among the resistant lines, more than half are Carioca grain type lines. This study characterizes the resistance of a wide collection of common bean genotypes. The identification of new accessions resistant to P. griseola is an important step in common bean breeding programs. These lines can continually be incorporated in backcrosses to obtain cultivars resistant to ALS.

Population structure and genetic diversity in common bean accessions from Northeast Brazil

Common bean is of great relevance for several countries, especially those located in tropical regions. Common bean in Brazil has a wide genetic diversity, which is used by breeders to improve this crop. In this study, we used GBS methodology to genotype common bean accessions from Northeast Brazil, and to study its population structure and genetic diversity. After a filtering process, we identified 30,529 high-quality SNPs distributed in 11 linkage groups. The number of SNPs per chromosome ranged from 1,731 to 3,853. The population structure analysis separated the accessions into two subpopulations, according to K=2, one subpopulation with 26 Andean and the other with 60 Middle American accessions. Considering K=3, Middle American accessions were divided into two subpopulations with presence of allele mixture between these two groups. Based on the PCA, we were able to verify a narrow genetic base of accessions belonging to the Andean gene pool, as well as a vast genetic diversity among the accessions from the Middle American gene pool. The knowledge on the genetic diversity among the accessions is of extreme importance to subsidize the common bean breeding programs in Northeast Brazil, and to explore the variability existing in cultivars adapted to the specific bioclimatic conditions.

Genetic Mapping for Agronomic Traits in IAPAR 81/LP97-28 Population of Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) under Drought Conditions.

One of the significant challenges of common bean breeding is developing cultivars with high yields under drought conditions. The present study attempted to map quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and identify molecular markers that are linked to drought tolerance in the common bean. We evaluated 160 recombinant inbred lines (RILs), derived from the cross between the carioca cultivars IAPAR 81 (drought tolerant) and LP97-28 (susceptible to drought). In 2014 and 2015, two experiments were conducted (DS—drought stress, and NS—no drought stress). In the DS experiment, water suppression was performed at the flowering stages R5 to R6. The results of our experiments showed that drought conditions play an essential role in reducing most of the traits that were evaluated. RILs under drought conditions reduced the grain yield by 62.03% and 24% in 2014 and 2015, respectively. We identified 15 quantitative trait loci distributed on the chromosomes Pv01, Pv02, Pv03, Pv07, Pv08, Pv09, Pv10, and Pv11, related to grain yield, seed yield per day, 100-seed weight, number of pods per plant, plant height, number of days for flowering, and number of days to maturity. The characteristics of seed yield per day, 100-seed weight, and number of days to maturity showed that QTLs colocalized on Pv07. Identifying QTLs that are linked to drought tolerance in the RIL population IAPAR 81 × LP97-28 is of particular importance for common bean breeding programs seeking to improve carioca beans that are cultivated in regions with drought conditions, such as Brazil.

Genetic diversity among Brazilian carioca common bean cultivars for nitrogen use efficiency

AbstractThe objective of this study was to determine the genetic diversity among Brazilian carioca common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivars for traits related to nitrogen use efficiency (NUsE). An additional objective was to identify potential parents and promising parental combinations to assist common bean breeding programs in the development of cultivars with improved NUsE. The experiments were carried out at the Experimental Stations of the Instituto de Desenvolvimento Rural do Paraná (IDR–Paraná) in Londrina and Ponta Grossa, Brazil, during the rainy season in 2017. Thirty‐nine common bean cultivars were evaluated under high (40 kg N ha−1) and low N (0 kg N ha−1) applied as top‐dressing. The cultivars were genotyped using the genotyping‐by‐sequencing (GBS) approach with restriction enzyme CviAII. A total of 23,823 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers were identified throughout the common bean genome. A wide genetic variability was observed for NUsE‐related traits under high and low N conditions. In addition, correlations were found between shoot dry biomass and NUsE, N uptake efficiency (NUpE), and N utilization efficiency (NUtE) under low N, indicating the possibility of indirect selection of these traits by the plant shoot dry biomass. Interestingly, the most low‐N‐tolerant cultivars were not necessarily the most responsive and/or NUsE, suggesting that different morphophysiological mechanisms control these traits. The cultivars that stood out positively in this study can be used as parents in breeding programs aimed at developing cultivars that are adapted to N limitation.

Resistance sources and reactions of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivars in Turkey to anthracnose disease

Anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum lindemuthianum is one of the major diseases of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) worldwide. The aim of this study was to analyze common bean cultivars in Turkey for Co resistance genes using different molecular markers (SC08, SBB14, OPAZ04, SF10, OPF10, OPA18, SB12, TGA1, SAB3, SCAreoli, SZ04, and OPV20) linked with anthracnose resistance genes and evaluate the reaction of these cultivars to the pathogen isolates. The results showed the presence of Co-1, Co-14, Co-15, Co-2, Co-4, Co-42, Co-6, Co-10, Co-11, and Co-13 resistance genes, alone or combination except for Co-33 and Co-5, in common bean cultivars. These cultivars carried predominantly Co-6 and Co-4 genes for anthracnose resistance. Five cultivar (Sazova, Zulbiye, Akin, Onceler and Karacasehir 90), carrying Co-1, Co-14, Co-15, Co-2, Co-10, Co-13, Co-4, and Co-6 resistance genes were resistant to the pathogen isolates. These cultivars, showing a high level of resistance to the pathogen can be used as resistance sources in common bean breeding programs for resistance to anthracnose disease. These markers will provide significant benefit in breeding strategies.

Yield and antiyield genes in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

AbstractHigh yield is the primary criterion for the development of new cultivars at the University of Guelph common bean breeding program. As a complex trait, yield is encoded by a number of genes contributing minor effects while also being significantly affected by environmental factors. Genes that increase yield with fixed resources have their effects by increasing input use efficiency. When suppressed, the BnMicEmUP gene has a positive effect on seed production in Arabidopsis. Preliminary work has shown that ortholog of this gene (Phvul.009G190100) exists in common bean, and its expression was negatively correlated with yield in a field test of 10 navy bean cultivars with different yield potentials. The aim of this research was to characterize the Phvul.009G190100 gene and to develop gene‐based marker(s) to test for alleles associated with high yield in common bean. A database search identified a second yield‐related gene (Phvul.009G202100) on the same chromosome (Pv09), which is a homolog to Phvul.009G190100. Both genes contain a DUF1118 protein domain, which has the molecular characteristics of a basic leucine zipper (bZIP) transcription factor, based on in silico analysis. Temperature switch polymerase chain reaction (PCR) markers, which were developed for both genes, were significantly associated with yield and maturity in 42 bean genotypes belonging to different market classes. The work will benefit bean breeding programs by making them more efficient in selecting high yielding cultivars, and it will directly benefit bean producers through accelerated access to new, high yielding cultivars.

Assessment of the Origin and Diversity of Croatian Common Bean Germplasm Using Phaseolin Type, SSR and SNP Markers and Morphological Traits.

Landraces represent valuable genetic resources for breeding programmes to produce high-yielding varieties adapted to stressful environmental conditions. Although the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is an economically important food legume for direct human consumption worldwide, common bean production in Croatia is based almost exclusively on landraces and there is no common bean breeding program. Information on phaseolin type and results of population structure and genetic diversity obtained by analysis of SSR and SNP markers, in combination with the morphological characterization of 174 accessions of 10 common bean landraces (morphotypes), enabled thorough classification of accessions. The accessions were classified into phaseolin type H1 (“S”) of Mesoamerican origin and phaseolin types H2 (“H” or “C”) and H3 (“T”) of Andean origin. By applying distance- and model-based clustering methods to SSR markers, the accessions were classified into two clusters at K = 2 separating the accessions according to the centres of origin, while at K = 3, the accessions of Andean origin were further classified into two clusters of accessions that differed in phaseolin type (H2 and H3). Using SNP markers, model-based analysis of population structure was performed, the results of which were consistent with those of SSR markers. In addition, 122 accessions were assigned to 14 newly formed true-type morphogenetic groups derived from three different domestication events: (1) Mesoamerican (H1A) (“Biser”, “Kukuruzar”, “Tetovac”, “Trešnjevac”), (2) Andean—indeterminate type (H2B1) (“Dan noć”, “Sivi”, “Puter”, ”Sivi prošarani”, “Trešnjevac”) and (3) Andean—determinate type (H3B2) (“Bijeli”, “Dan noć”, “Puter”, “Trešnjevac”, “Zelenčec”). The rest of the accessions could represent putative hybrids between morphogenetic groups. The differences between the true-type groups of accessions were further analysed based on nine quantitative traits, and the subsets of traits that best distinguish among centres of origin (A: Mesoamerican, B: Andean) and genetic groups (H1A, H2B1, H3B2) were proposed.

Characterization of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) germplasm for morphological and seed nutrient traits from Western Himalayas

AbstractCommon bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is considered as one of the principle grain legume crops grown in Western Himalayas of Jammu and Kashmir, India. This region holds great diversity of common bean germplasm. The purpose of present study was to characterize 109 common bean genotypes collected from different hotspots for morphological traits—plant growth (growth habit, growth type, and twinning habit); leaf (color, size, and shape); flower (color, stripping on outer petal); pod (shape in relation to suture, shape of cross‐section, shape of distal part, and stringiness), seed (color and shape) traits, and quantitative morphological traits (seed weight, length, and breadth). The preliminary analysis of trait data showed wide variation for different morphological traits. Furthermore, diverse 60 genotypes were selected out of 109 genotypes and were evaluated for seed micronutrients (Fe, Zn, and Cu) and seed macronutrients (K, Ca, P, and Mg). The analysis of seed micronutrient and macronutrient data indicated substantial variation for these minerals in the germplasm. Seed Mg, P, K, and Ca concentrations varied from 1,220.5 to 2,737.5 ppm, 1,980–4,050 ppm, 8,344.5–14,794 ppm, and 300–5,350 ppm, respectively. Similarly, seed micronutrients Fe, Zn, and Cu concentrations ranged from 80.5–180.6 ppm, 14.64–104.08 ppm, and 0.9–13.4 ppm, respectively. The evaluation for seed micronutrient and macronutrient led to the identification of candidate genotypes possessing high seed micronutrient and macronutrient. The candidate genotypes identified during the present study will prove useful in common bean breeding programs as donor genotypes, in development of useful genetic resources and in gene discovery programs through functional genomics and transcriptomics.