Chemical Control Studies and Resistance to Bean Rust in Bean Germplasm

Abstract

Rust, caused by Uromyces appendiculatus (Pers.) Unger, is of economic importance in bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) production particularly in the tropics with yield losses of 18-100% (Vargas, 1980; Bokosi, 1996). In East Africa, the disease has been a major factor limiting production because it may reach epidemic levels at any time during the vegetative stage of the crop (Marcatney, 1966; Nderitu, 2001). Crop failure may result particularly if plants are affected during the pre-flowering and flowering stages of development (Vargas, 1980; Omunyin etal., 1984).