Adaptation and resistance to diseases in Brazil of putative sources of common bean resistance to white mold

Abstract

Common bean breeding programs for white mold (WM) resistance are in their initial stages in Brazil. Sources of partial resistance toWM are available abroad but their performance in Brazil is unknown. In two greenhouse (straw test) and three field experiments conducted in three districts in the state ofMinas Gerais, Brazil, we evaluated a total of 23 lines with putative WMresistance with the objective to select lines with resistance toWMand other diseases associatedwith high yield potential. Two field-resistant local lines, two susceptible local cultivars, and two susceptible international lines were also included in the study. In the greenhouse, Cornell 605,A 195, and G122 were among the lines with the highest partial resistance to WM. In the field, these three lines were highly resistant toWMand had intermediate resistance or were resistant to anthracnose, angular leaf spot, rust, and Fusarium wilt. Cornell 605 and A 195 had high-yield potential but G122 yielded 47% less than the local lines underWM pressure. Our results suggest that Cornell 605 and A 195 are the most useful sources of resistance to WM for use in common bean breeding programs in Brazil.