Common Bean Varieties Research Articles

Effect of Sprouting on Selected Macronutrients and physical Properties of four Zambian Common Bean (Phaseolus Vulgaris) Varieties

Sprouting is one of the popular methods used to prepare legumes for human consumption. In this study, the effect of sprouting on selected macronutrients (crude protein, crude fat, crude fibre and ash) and physical properties (hydration capacity after 24 hrs and equilibrium hydration capacity) of four common bean Zambian varieties were investigated. The varieties studied were Lyambai parent, Lyambai 4-4-B, Lundazi and Carioca-38. The crude protein values ranged from 17.6-24.4% before sprouting to 28.0-30.72% at day 6 of sprouting. Crude fibre content ranged from 4.1-5.9 before sprouting to 6.0-7.8% at day 6 of sprouting. Crude fat content ranged from 1.5-3.1% before sprouting to 3.8-6.3% at day 6 of sprouting. Ash content ranged from 4.1-4.8% before sprouting to 7.2-8.1 after 6 days of sprouting. Hydration capacity ranged from 0.210 to 0.475 g/seed among the four varieties after 24 hrs of soaking. Equilibrium hydration capacity was reached at different times among the four varieties. Carioca 38 was first at 72 hrs and Lundazi was last at 120 hrs. Sprouting was found to have a positive effect on crude protein, crude fat, crude fibre and ash contents of the selected common bean varieties investigated. Further, these common bean varieties demonstrated varying hydration patterns.

Sources of Resistance to Fusarium solani and Associated Genomic Regions in Common Bean Diversity Panels.

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) production worldwide is hampered by Fusarium root rot (FRR), which is caused by Fusarium solani. Screening for FRR resistance on a large scale is notoriously difficult and often yields inconsistent results due to variability within the environment and pathogen biology. A greenhouse screening assay was developed incorporating multiple isolates of F. solani to improve assay reproducibility. The Andean (ADP; n = 270) and Middle American (MDP; n = 280) Diversity Panels were screened in the greenhouse to identify genetic factors associated with FRR resistance. Forty-seven MDP and 34 ADP lines from multiple market classes were identified as resistant to FRR. Greenhouse phenotyping repeatability was confirmed via five control lines. Genome-wide association mapping using ∼200k SNPs was performed on standard phenotyping score 1–9, as well as binary and polynomial transformation of score data. Sixteen and seven significant genomic regions were identified for ADP and MDP, respectively, using all three classes of phenotypic data. Most candidate genes were associated with plant immune/defense mechanisms. For the ADP population, ortholog of glucan synthase-like enzyme, senescence-associated genes, and NAC domain protein, associated with peak genomic region Pv08:0.04–0.18 Mbp, were the most significant candidate genes. For the MDP population, the peak SNPs Pv07:15.29 Mbp and Pv01:51 Mbp mapped within gene models associated with ethylene response factor 1 and MAC/Perforin domain-containing gene respectively. The research provides a basis for bean improvement through the use of resistant genotypes and genomic regions for more durable root rot resistance.

Morphological and Pathogenic Characterization of Sclerotium rolfsii, the Causal Agent of Southern Blight Disease on Common Bean in Uganda.

Over the last 5 years, Southern blight caused by Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc. has superseded root rots caused by pathogens such as Fusarium and Pythium spp. as a major constraint of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) production in Uganda. Although S. rolfsii is prevalent in all bean-growing regions of Uganda, there is a lack of information about its diversity and pathogenicity to guide the development of effective management strategies. In total, 348 S. rolfsii isolates were obtained from bean fields in seven agroecological zones of Uganda, with the following objectives: to characterize their morphology, based on mycelial growth rate, mycelium texture, and number of sclerotia; and to determine the pathogenicity of 75 selected isolates on five common bean varieties in artificially inoculated soils in a screenhouse. We found that mycelial growth rate and the number of sclerotia produced on artificial media varied among agroecological zones but not within a zone. The five bean varieties tested were found to be susceptible to S. rolfsii, including varieties MLB49-89A and RWR719 that are resistant to Fusarium and Pythium root rots, respectively. Preemergence damping-off ranged between 0 and 100%, and disease severity index ranged between 4.4 and 100%. The widespread and high levels of S. rolfsii virulence on varieties of common bean indicate that management intervention is urgently required to help reduce losses incurred by Ugandan smallholder farmers.[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2020 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY 4.0 International license.

Participatory seed projects and agroecological landscape knowledge in Central America

ABSTRACT Participatory projects supporting the farmer-based seed management of agrobiodiverse varieties including landraces have proliferated globally in response to nutritional insecurity and climate change. This research examines the agroecological landscape knowledge of farmers in a recent participatory seed project using the tricot approach in Central America. Over 800 smallholder farmers in Nicaragua facilitated on-farm trials of diverse common bean varieties that are nutritiously valuable and potentially well-adapted to increased temperatures and variable precipitation. Our article integrates relevant research concepts in a case study of the agroecological landscape knowledge of 52 participating farmers. Participatory sketch maps, transect walks, and semi-structured interviews were used to identify key areas of farmers’ agroecological landscape knowledge in crop and seed management. Results indicate the prevalence of nine themes of farmer agroecological landscape knowledge. This landscape knowledge exerts major influence on the choice, placement, and management of common bean varieties and associated land use decisions. Our analysis reveals that farmers use this knowledge to manage their landholdings as landscapes of agroecological interactions that guide seed and variety management and affect potential sustainability. Results demonstrate that local agroecological landscape learning is strengthened through and benefits participatory seed projects.

Effect of Nitrogen Fertilizer on Growth, Flowering, Fruiting and Nodulation of Three Varieties of Common Bean in the Arid Region of Aïn Naga (Biskra, Algeria)

Field experiments were conducted to investigate the response of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) to nitrogen fertilizer. The main factor included the fertilizer (Granular Urea 46% N), was made up of two levels: no fertilization (0 kg/plot: control) and fertilization (0.4 kg/plot), while the secondary factor was the variety (three varieties of common bean: Djedida, Nelson and Jalila). The experimental design was a randomized complete block design with split plot arrangement and replicated four times. The effect of fertilization was evaluated during two development stages (flowering and fruiting) for each variety and this on the total dry biomass, the length of the aerial and root parts, as well as on the number of secondary roots. On the other hand, the combined effect of fertilization and variety was studied on some yield parameters per plant, such as the number of flowers, pods, seeds and the harvest index. In addition, the number of nodules at the end of seed maturation was evaluated. The results indicated that the nitrogen fertilizer application significantly reduced the root length, the number of nodules and secondary roots in most of the common bean varieties. However, fertilizer application significantly increased dry matter in both flowering and fruiting stages, for the three studied varieties. Pod number per plant and seed yield was increased by the application of N fertilizer, depending on varieties and the parameters being measured. Djedida and Jalila varieties gave the best yield and can therefore be recommended to farmers. According to our results, the percentage of improvement by N fertilization on one parameter or another does not exceed an average of 20%, compared to the control. Indeed, the effect of fertilization is positive and seems to increase the harvest index by 18% in Djedida and by 20% in Jalila, compared to non-fertilized plants. Unfertilized plants of the variety Nelson showed the highest ability to nodulate.

DIFFERENCES IN FYTOCHEMICALS CONTENT IN COLOURED CULTIVARS OF COMMON BEAN (PHASEOLUS VULGARIS L.)

Nowadays, legume production is increasing as the world population but its consumption is declining due to dietary habit changes. Industry is finding new uses of legumes and creating new foods with a positive effect on health and well-being of humans. Key components in legume (like protein, soluble and insoluble fibre, resistant starch, and bioactive polyphenols) make beans suitable for a wide range of food product applications. The main phenolic compounds present in legume flours are flavonoids. The study is focused on determination of bioactive compounds content in seeds of four varieties of common bean. The samples of plant material were collected from the area of Piesťany (Slovakia). The samples of common bean seeds were homogenized and a methanolic extract was prepared. These extracts were used for analyses. The total content of polyphenols was determined spectrophotometrically and the content of individual phenolic by using the RP-HPLC/DAD method. The content of risky metals in samples was determined using the AAS method. TPC in studied varieties of common bean were determined in the range from 2156.87 mg.kg-1 (NEGRA) to 1362.70 mg. kg-1 (ZENIT). Highest concentration of phenolic acids was determined in ellagic acid, where the average value was 0.21845 mg.kg-1 DM (dry matter) and the lowest in trans- caffeic acid, with the average value 0.02380 mg.kg-1 DM. Highest concentration of flavonoids was determined in vitexin, where the average value was 0.02480 mg.kg-1 DM and the lowest in kaempferol, with the average value 0.00545 mg.kg-1 DM. Highest macro elements amount was determined in white beans. For potassium it was 12277 mg.kg-1 (ZENIT) and the lowest was in manganese, and it was 10.70 mg.kg-1 (RUBIN) in red beans. From the analyzed varieties we have found that they are important source of polyphenol substances with a demonstrable bioactive effect.

Conservation Agriculture-Based Maize-Bean Cropping Systems in South Central Ethiopia

Conservation agriculture (CA) is defined as sustainable agriculture production system comprising a set of farming practices adapted to the requirement of crops and local condition of each region. This experiment was conducted at three districts: East-Badawaho, Meskan and Hawassa-Zuriya. In each district five farmers hosted the experiment and each farmer was used as a replicate. The experiment was run for six years (2011-2016) at each farmer’s field. The experiment consisted of five treatments (Continuous sole maize, Maize bean rotation, Maize-bean inter-cropping, Bean rotation under CA and farmer practice. BH-543 maize variety and Hawassa-Dume common bean variety were used. Soil moisture content under CA practices was higher than the farmer practice during drought year. Maize yield and yield related traits and soil water data were collected from each site. At East-Badawacho grain yield was 4% higher in CA compared with farmer practice. Maize bean rotation and sole maize under CA out yielded the farmer practice by 13 and 4%, respectively but maize-bean inter-cropping had 5% lower grain yield. At Hawassa-Zuriya, CA maize bean rotation had higher yield than farmer practice in 2011 and 2013. At Meskan, CA had 8% higher than FP. Maize-bean inter-cropping, maize bean rotation and sole maize under CA had 10, 8 and 6% higher grain yield than farmer practice, respectively. Common bean grain yield from bean rotation under CA had 2799, 2908, and 3226 kg ha -1 at East-Badawacho, Hawassa-Zuriya and Meskan district respectively. Inter-cropping under CA had 817, 1065 and 927 kg ha -1 , respectively. Generally, CA cropping systems had random drought stress reduction potential as compared with common practice and even under normal condition cropping systems under CA had higher grain yield and biomass production potential. Keywords: cropping systems, farmer practice, sole maize, rotation, inter cropping; rift valley DOI: 10.7176/JNSR/10-12-01 Publication date: June 30th 2020

Genetic Diversity in Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Germplasm to Establish a Breeding Program in the Mountainous Region of Jammu and Kashmir

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is native to Middle America and Andean mountains of South America. Due to its nutritious value, it is one of the most important legume crop of the world. Evaluation of genetic diversity of a crop is extremely important for the establishment of a breeding program and selection of varieties for cultivation. We evaluated the genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationship of 40 P. vulgaris ecotypes from CIAT (International Center for Tropical Agriculture) germplasm using seed protein profiles produced by sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), to screen the germplasm to be used in a breeding program. A total of 21 bands scored 14 were found polymorphic. A distance matrix was generated from the similarity matrix based on polymorphic bands. The UPGMA tree was established through cluster analysis performed on the distance matrix. Six major clusters were formed on the basis of SDS_PAGE analysis with one ecotype (E13-G16832) being the most diverse. This analysis provided the basis for selection of suitable ecotypes to be used in the establishment of a breeding program.ane damage the leaves helped the tolerant genotypes to sustain under salinity stress in a better way than the susceptible genotypes.

Black Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Phenolic Extract Exhibits Antioxidant and Anti-Aging Potential

Abstract Objectives The objective of this work was to evaluate the potential of common bean phenolic extract to exert anti-aging and antioxidant effect by inhibiting the collagenase, elastase, tyrosinase enzymes and free radicals. Methods 18 varieties of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) from Chiapas, Mexico, were analyzed for total phenolic content (TPC) and total anthocyanin content (ACN). Supercritical fluid (SCF) and leaching extractions were used for phenolic compounds extraction. Antioxidant capacity was evaluated using DPPH and ABTS scavenging assay. The inhibitory potential of the extract was evaluated for tyrosinase from mushroom, collagenase type-1 from Clostridium histolycum and elastase from porcine pancreas enzymes. Results The TPC ranged from 3.8–34.33 mg GAE/g coat and ACN ranged from 0.04–9.41 mg C3GE/g coat among the 18 common bean varieties (P < 0.05). The cultivar selected for this study was black bean with a TPC of 27.45 ± 0.7 mg GAE/g coat and ACN of 5.3 ± 0.1 mg C3GE/g coat. The best extraction conditions for the obtention of phenolic compounds and anthocyanins were SCF water-ethanol 50% as cosolvent, obtaining 66.60 ± 7.4 mg GAE/g coat (TPC) and 7.3 ± 0.6 mg C3GE/g coat (ACN). TPC and ACN content between each extraction process were statistically different (P < 0.05). For DPPH scavenging assay the IC50 for the black bean extract was 0.32 ± 0.01 mg GAE/g coat, and 0.40 ± 0.03 mg GAE/g coat for ABTS assay. Finally, the IC50 for the enzymatic inhibition assays of tyrosinase, collagenase and elastase were 10.44 ± 1.32, 8.33 ± 0.65 and 0.11 ± 0.02 mg GAE/g coat, respectively. Conclusions Black bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) extract presents high antioxidant capacity and inhibitory potential for tyrosinase and metalloproteinases such as collagenase and elastase. Black bean phenolic extracts could be used in cosmeceutical products related to preventing oxidative stress and aging. Funding Sources Author David Fonseca Hernández was supported by a scholarship from Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología CONACyT-México, number 901,000. CONACYT-FORDECYT GRANT.

Impact of improved common bean varieties on household food security on adopters in Tanzania

ABSTRACT This paper evaluates the impact of improved common bean varieties on food security using two indicators: per capita food consumption expenditure and dietary diversity score. A generalised propensity score matching technique and an instrumental variable approach were used to assess the impact of improved bean adoption on household food security outcomes. Results show that the effect of improved common bean adoption is generally positive and increases with area allocated for improved beans. The study also provides useful lessons for breeding programs targeting to achieve higher food security outcomes among land-constrained producers.

Caregiver Perceptions and Acceptability of a Provitamin A Carotenoid, Iron and Zinc Rich Complementary Food Blend Prepared from Common Bean and Pumpkin in Rural Uganda.

Ugandan children are vulnerable to vitamin A deficiency (VAD), iron deficiency (ID) and zinc deficiency (ZnD) because they are fed on complementary foods (CFs) low in vitamin A, iron and zinc. This study developed a novel provitamin A carotenoid (PVAC), iron and zinc rich common bean pumpkin blend (BPB) complementary food (CF) from locally available pumpkin and common bean in Uganda and aimed to determine its acceptance, compared to a control pumpkin blend (PB). Seventy caregivers participated in the study. The sensory attributes (taste, colour, aroma, texture and general acceptability) of BPB and PB were rated using a five-point facial hedonic scale (1 = very bad, 2 = bad, 3 = neutral, 4 = good, 5 = very good). Focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted to assess the perceptions of caregivers about the BPB. The chi square test was used to detect the proportion difference for each sensory attribute between BPB and PB, whilst FGD data were analysed by thematic analysis. A proportion of 64% to 96% of the caregivers rated both BPB and PB as acceptable (good to very good) for all the sensory attributes. There was no significant difference in caregiver acceptability for all attributes between BPB and PB (p > 0.05). Caregivers had positive perceptions about the taste, texture, aroma and colour of the BPB. Caregivers were keen to know the specific varieties of common bean and pumpkin used to formulate the PVAC, iron and zinc rich BPB. In conclusion, BPB was acceptable to caregivers, and they were interested to know how to prepare and use it as a CF.

Evaluation of the adaptive ability and stability of the Siberian bean vegetable gene pool

Relevance. The evaluation of adaptive ability of varieties is an actual direction in selection. Phenotypic plasticity of legume crops, in particular green bean, in Siberian region has not been studied enough. There is a need to evaluate grade samples for adaptability and stability, as highly and medium adaptive varieties can realize their genetic potential of productivity in extreme continental climate of Western Siberia.Materials and methods. On the basis Department of Selection, Genetics and Forestry, Novosibirsk State Agrarian University (2015-2019), long-term evaluation of grade samples of green bean of different ecological and geographical origin with a bush type of growth was carried out. Of particular interest are signs that have a significant impact on crop productivity. The signs were studied: number of beans on plant, weight of beans from plant, weight of one bean, yield capacity. The objective of the study is to evaluate the adaptive ability and stability of common bean varieties in the conditions of Siberian region.Results. The conditions of Western Siberia are suitable for cultivating vegetable beans on a green spatula and seeds. It has been established that, based on the weight of one bean, the coefficient of variation has a negative value. This indicates a low variability of the trait depending on the natural and climatic conditions, which allows selection of breeding valuable varieties for this parameter. As a result of the study, 6 genotypes of the crop, combining high productivity and environmental resistance, were selected. It was established that varieties Veronika and Darina can be referred to non-plastic samples. Samples could diversify breeding material of the crop and show the value according to specific features in edaphic-climatic conditions of Western Siberia.

Environmental and genotypes influence on seed iron and zinc levels of landraces and improved varieties of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in Tanzania

Abstract Phaseolus vulgaris L. (common bean) is a grain legume rich in proteins and micronutrients particularly iron and zinc. This study determined the concentration of iron and zinc in 99 common bean genotypes (landraces and cultivars) grown in Tanzania. The bean genotypes were planted in three different agro-ecologies in Tanzania following alpha lattice design with 3 replications each with five blocks of 20 plots. Adaptability and stability of common bean genotypes on seed iron and zinc contents were assessed using the additive main effect and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) analysis, genotype stability index (GSI) and genotype main effect plus genotype-by-environment interaction (GGE). Highly significant effects of bean genotypes, environments, and genotype by environment interaction were observed for both seed iron and zinc contents. The AMMI analysis of variance showed that genotype contributed 69.5% of the total sum of squares for seed iron and 28.6% of seed zinc contents. Environmental effects contributed 1.7% and 39.7% of the total sum of squares for seed iron and zinc contents respectively. Genotype by environment interaction effects contributed 26.3% and 28.6% of the total sum of squares for seed iron and zinc contents respectively. Among individual weather and soil parameters of the experimental sites, total rainfall, soil available phosphorus, iron, silt %, and exchangeable potassium positively significantly influenced the contents of seed iron, while temperature, total soil nitrogen, and manganese influenced negatively and significantly seed iron contents. Twelve most high and stable seed iron-containing bean genotypes identified by both GSI and GGE, includes SMC 18, Selian 94, Urafiki, Kyakaragwe, CODMLB 033, Kikobe, Malirahinda, ACC 714, Jabeyila, Mwamikola, Kasukari and Wifi nygela. These bean genotypes can be used for iron biofortification and or further tested for seed iron contents and other agronomic traits in more bean growing environments involving farmers and seed certifying institutes for release as varieties.

Antioxidant and ACE-Inhibitory Activity of Common Bean Whey Fortified Yoghurt with Assessed by in vitro Static Gastrointestinal Digestion

Yogurt supplemented with plant source proteins are received increased attention but few studies investigated effect of plant source proteins supplementation on protein digestibility and releasing of bioactive peptides. In this study, a residue rich in protein derived from common beans starch production, Common Bean Whey (CBW), was applied in development of novel yogurt. CBW from four major common beans varieties, namely white, black, kidney and cranberry were utilized. The novel yogurts were subjected to in vitro Gastro-Intestinal Simulation (GIS) digestion and protein digestibility, antioxidant activity and Angiotensin I Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitory property were studied. Compared to the control, Common Bean Whey Fortified Yogurt (CBWFY), particularly black bean whey was the predominate stable sample to protein degradation in the gastric and intestinal phases.

On-farm multi-location evaluation of genotype by environment interactions for seed yield and cooking time in common bean

Common bean variety choice by farmers in Uganda is driven by seed yield plus end-use quality traits like market class and cooking time. Limited genotype by environment information is available for traits valued by consumers. This research evaluated yield, seed size, hydration properties, and cooking time of 15 common bean genotypes within market classes recognized by consumers along with three farmers’ checks at nine on-farm locations in Uganda for two seasons. Yield ranged from 71 to 3,216 kg ha−1 and was largely controlled by location (21.5% of Total Sums of Squares [TSS]), plus the interaction between location and season (48.6% of TSS). Cooking time varied from 19 to 271 minutes with the genotypes Cebo Cela and Ervilha consistently cooking fastest in 24 and 27 minutes respectively. Comparatively, the local checks (NABE-4, NABE-15, and Masindi yellow) took 35 to 45 minutes to cook. Cooking time was largely controlled by genotype (40.6% of TSS). A GGE biplot analysis uncovered the presence of two mega-environments for yield and one mega-environment for cooking time. Identification of mega-environments for these traits will help expedite common bean breeding, evaluation, and variety selection through reduction of number of test environments needed for phenotype evaluations. The high yielding and fast cooking genotypes from this study can be targeted as parental materials to improve existing common bean germplasm for these important traits.

The plant organs and rhizosphere determine the common bean mycobiome.

The plant microbiota diversity is often underestimated when approaches developed mainly for the identification of cultivable microorganisms are used. High-throughput sequencing allows a deeper understanding of the microbial diversity associated with plants. The amplification of ITS1 was used to analyze fungal diversity in several plant organs and rhizosphere of three common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) varieties grown in a greenhouse. The fungal diversity diverged between those plant organs and the rhizosphere, with the highest found in the rhizosphere and the lowest in the stem. In each organ different numbers of genus, OTUs were identified, in a total of 283 OTUs evenly distributed among the varieties. In the co-occurrence network, a larger number of positive interactions were found in the organs of the aerial part in all varieties. We observed that the diversity of the endophytic microbiota differed more between plant organs than between common bean varieties. Our results show that the diversity of endophytic fungi can be efficiently accessed with the sequencing of ITS amplicons and that this diversity may vary among distinct plant organs and the rhizosphere of a single plant variety.

Yield and Growth of Common Bean (<i>Phaseolus vulgaris</i> L.) Varieties as Influenced by Lime and Phosphorus Under Acid Soil Toxicity of South Western Ethiopia

Acidic soils limit the productive potential of crops because of low availability of basic cations and excess of hydrogen and aluminium in exchangeable forms. At the study area, soil acidity is a well-known problem limiting crop productivity. Therefore, this study was conducted to identify common bean variety that tolerate acid soil or low pH soil. Fifteen (15) common bean variety were grown in split plot design under four soil amendments (limed alone, phosphorus alone, both lime and phosphorus treated, and no any amendment) with three replications at three locations in Western and South Western Ethiopia. Data on growth and yield were collected and analyzed using SAS version 9.3 software. Treatment means were compared at 5% level of significance using List significant Different. The results revealed that variety X amendments X locations X seasons interactions were significant (p<0.01) for both grain yield and plant height. Availability of varietal difference among common bean varieties under both amended and unamended acid soil conditions was observed. The highest grain yield (1.043 t/ha) under control soil conditions obtained from this result is still below the national average (1.59t/ha), but more than the national average under lime and phosphorus treated plots (1.989t/ha), which shows that the selected variety is responded to lime and phosphorus than tolerant to acid soil. SER 119 variety is selected for those farmers who have the capacity to apply lime with phosphorus based on the yield performance at both locations and also this variety is included in the future work of further selection trials. However, further study is required including considering additional genotypes, at least for three or four years to determine the residual effect of phosphorus and lime to reach at a conclusive recommendation.

Diversity, use and production of farmers’ varieties of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L., Fabaceae) in southwestern and northeastern Ethiopia

Legumes are a critical component of many agricultural systems and a major contributor to global food systems. Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is the most widely grown legume crop in Ethiopia. It is an important source of food, income, and soil fertility management in southwestern (SW) and northeastern (NE) Ethiopia, and used as medicine, fodder, and honeybee forage in the NE. Diversity and use of farmers’ varieties of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) bean were investigated in five administrative zones in SW and NE Ethiopia. Structured and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 288 general informants and 48 key informants in five agroecological zones inhabited by four cultural groups. Thirty-nine varieties were identified based on farmers’ naming practices. Varietal richness and diversity were found to be highest in the humid, tepid mid-highlands of Kefa (13) and Bench Maji and Sheka (12). However, farmers in both research areas typically plant only one or two varieties. Interestingly, the number of varieties per household was highest (2.3) in South Wollo Zone of the NE, where only six varieties were found. We find that varieties per household are limited by small landholdings in the SW and varietal richness in the NE. Given these limitations, policies and programs to conserve varietal diversity and increase productivity are more likely to be effective if organized at the community level in the SW and the household level in the NE. Agromorphological and genetic characterization of common bean varieties would facilitate the management and conservation of their diversity as a source of resilience.

Evaluation of Common Bean (Phaseolous vulgaris L.) Varieties for the Reaction of Common Bean Anthracnose (Colletotrichum lindemuthianum) at Sirinka, Eastern Amhara, Ethiopia

Common bean (Phaseolous vulgaris L.) is the most important food legume consumed as source of protein and cash crop in Ethiopia. The production of the crops is constrained by biotic and abiotic factors. Common bean anthracnose caused by the fungus Colletotrichum lindemuthianum is a major production constraint in common bean growing regions of Ethiopia. Field experiment was conducted at Sirinka Agricultural research center during 2017/18 main cropping season to evaluate reactions of common bean varieties to the disease. The experiment consisted of twenty two common bean varieties evaluated for the reaction to anthracnose under natural infestation conditions. The highest disease severity (58%) was recorded from Awash-1 variety while the lowest disease severity (45%), was recorded from Awash Melka variety at final assessment day. The highest (3.03 t ha-1) yield was recorded from Awash Melka variety while the lowest (0.97 t ha-1) yield was recorded from KAT-B1 variety. From the present study, it is possible to conclude that, the advantage of screening resistant verities increases the opportunity to select for a broad range of anthracnose resistance and help to know the variability of the common bean anthracnose disease.

Improve Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Yield through Cattle Manure in Nioka Region, Ituri Province, DRC

The agricultural production of common bean farmers in the DRC is deficient due to several factors: lack of plant disease control, poor farming practices, declining soil fertility and limited use of soil conservation measures such as the application of cattle manure to restore soil fertility. A complete randomized block experiment design with three replicates was carried out in Rimba and Lekpa sites in Ituri Province in order to observe the seed yield of three varieties of common bean (M’Sole, AFR 708 and Shabi rouge) during two cropping seasons (seasons B 2016 and A 2017) following the effects of using organic manure at dose of 0 and 5 t/ha. Results showed that seed yield of common bean varieties fluctuated significantly according to the season, variety, manure input (P