Screening Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Germplasm for Resistance against Angular Leaf Spot (Pseudocercospora griseola) Disease under Field Condition

Abstract

Angular leaf spot (ALS) caused by the fungus Pseudocercospora griseola is one of the most destructive disease in Latin America and eastern Africa countries. The fungus, P. griseola is highly variable and a diverse sources of resistance genes is required to manage this economically important disease. The use of genetic resistance is the most practical and economic way to manage angular leaf spot of the common bean. Common bean (Phaseolus vulgarise L.) germplasm were screened for resistance against Angular leaf spot (ALS) under field conditions at Wonodogenet and Areka Research farms. Out of 300 common bean accessions evaluated only 14 (4.6%) common bean accessions were resistant to naturally epidemics of angular leaf spot disease under field condition. Therefore, all common bean germplasm that showed resistance reaction can be involved in breeding program for the improvement of the common bean.