Identification of resistance sources of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) to angular leaf spot (Pseudocercospora griseola)

Abstract

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is the most important edible legume in the world and is an important source of income for farmers and food for millions of families. Angular Leaf Spot (ALS), caused by the fungus Pseudocercospora griseola (Sacc.) Ferraris, is one of the most important diseases in the production of common bean with the potential to cause significant seed yield losses. An effective and environmentally friendly alternative to control this disease is the use of improved varieties that combine resistance genes of Andean and Mesoamerican origin. In this study, the response of 181 bean genotypes (coming from different breeding programs of several countries including the USA, Puerto Rico, Honduras, Ecuador, Colombia, Tanzania, Malawi, and Angola) to two angular spot isolates (races 61:11 and 63:51, prevalent in Isabela and Juana Díaz, Puerto Rico) were evaluated. Many of these genotypes contained resistant genes to different biotic and to abiotic stress. A total of 16 lines were identified to have resistance to both races. The resistant lines include the Andean breeding lines CAL 143, 277 and the Mesoamerican cultivar ‘Ouro Negro’ that possess the resistance genes Phg-5, Phg-1, Phg-3, respectively. This information can help common bean breeding programs to pyramid genes from the Andean and Mesoamerican gene pools to generate varieties with long-lasting resistance to this disease.