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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Pullman, Washington » Grain Legume Genetics Physiology Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #307878
Title: Breeding Common Bean for resistance to Common Blight: A review

Author
item SINGH, SHREE - University Of Idaho
item Miklas, Phillip - Phil

Submitted to: Crop Science
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/23/2015
Publication Date: 7/1/2015
Citation: Singh, S., Miklas, P.N. 2015. Breeding Common Bean for resistance to Common Blight: A review. Crop Science. 55:971-984.

Interpretive Summary: Common bacterial blight is a serious disease for dry beans grown in United States east of the continental divide. Genetic resistance is the best method of control but is complicated because many genes interact to condition resistance. With the new genomic tools now available some new genes have been found and we are getting closer to the molecular basis of resistance via candidate gene analysis. A better understanding of the complex of strains of the pathogen has recently been obtained. This paper reviews the past, current, and future state-of-the-arts for breeding dry beans with resistance to common blight. A combination of traditional and novel methods for improving bean are dictated and gaps in our knowledge and germplasm resources are revealed. This review will help breeders achieve improved levels of resistance to common bacterial blight and reduce the negative impact of this disease in the U.S.

Technical Abstract: Common blight {caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. phaseoli Smith (Dye) is a major bacterial disease causing >40% seed yield and quality losses in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) worldwide. Use of resistant cultivars is crucial for its effective, economical, and environment friendly integarated management and control. Our objective was to review progress achieved in breeding for resistance. We also will briefly discuss challenges faced and strategies to develop cultivars with higher levels of resistance. Common blight resistant germplasm are found in the primary, secondary, and tertiary gene pools of the common bean. Substantial progress has been made in understanding the pathogenic variation, germplasm screening methods, identification of resistant germplasm, genetics of resistance, identifying and mapping molecular markers linked with resistance quantitative trait loci (QTL), introgressing resistance from the secondary and tertiary gene pools, transferring resistance from the Middle American common bean landraces to Andean cultivars and germplasm lines, and pyramiding or combining resistance from diverse germplasm sources into common bean. Backcross, pedigree, gamete, and recurrent selection methods or their modifications singularly or in combination have been used to introgress and pyramid resistance. Also, molecular markers with or without direct disease screening have been used for breeding for resistance. Howevere, Andean and Middle American common bean cultivars with high levels of combined resistance to less aggressive and aggressive bacterial strains are not available. We will review progress achieved in breeding for resistance, briefly describe problems faced, and discuss strategies for integrated genetic improvement for common blight resistance for cultivar development.