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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Pullman, Washington » Plant Germplasm Introduction and Testing Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #356396
Research Project: Management of Priority Legume, Oilseed, Vegetable, Forage Grass, Sugar, Ornamental, and Medicinal Plant Genetic Resources and Associated Information

Location: Plant Germplasm Introduction and Testing Research

Title: Genetic diversity and population structure of the North American wild kidney bean (Phaseolus polystachios) in the Eastern U.S

Author
item EGAN, ASHLEY - Smithsonian Institute
item Kisha, Theodore

Submitted to: Botany
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/12/2018
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: North American wild kidney bean or thicket bean (Phaseolus polystachios (L.) Britton, Sterns, & Poggenb) is a perennial vine found in the eastern United States from Texas to Connecticut. It is the only Phaseolus species native to temperate North America. Its closest cultivated relative is P. lunatus, the lima bean. Urbanization, agricultural development, and habitat destruction have caused a decline in populations, leading to widely varying estimates of conservation status across its distribution: e.g., it was once prevalent in the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge, but has not been seen there since the late 1800’s. Crop wild relatives are a critical source of genetic diversity, often holding untapped genes for breeding of domesticated plants in agriculture for disease resistance, yield, quality, and adaptation to climate change, as well as ecologically important members of natural habitat. The Western Regional Plant Introduction Station of the National Plant Germplasm System holds over 20,000 accessions of Phaseolus from 47 species but had only 13 accessions of the wild Phaseolus polystachios, 6 of which had recently been collected in Florida. Recent collection efforts across its range have lead to a recovery rate of less than 30% of previously collected or historical sites, suggesting a steep decline in this species. Here, we detail the genetic diversity and population structure across its range for over 30 populations and hundreds of individuals in an effort to understand its conservation needs. Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) molecular analysis showed each population to be genetically distinct. Several of the populations were infested with weevils, reducing seed viability and threatening population survival. Populations are currently being regenerated for distribution for research and breeding. Plans are underway for future testing for resistance to white mold (Sclerotinia scerotiorum). Population diversity from the Eastern states from Florida to New England and the Midwest and coevolution with white mold may have resulted in new sources of resistance for interspecific breeding, especially with P. lunatus.