Evaluation of common bean lines for their reaction to the common bacterial blight pathogen

Abstract

Common bacterial blight (CBB) caused by Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. phaseoli (Xap) is an economically important disease of common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Since there is no satisfactory chemical control for CBB, the use of resistant cultivars is an important management strategy. In the present study, twenty nine lines and one cultivar of common bean were evaluated for their reaction to Xap under greenhouse and field conditions. The experiments were conducted in randomized complete blocks with three replications. Reaction to Xap was assessed as diseased leaf area (DLA) and the number of spots on the leaves. Data analysis indicated that cultivar Khomein and the Ks21479 and Ks31169 lines were the most susceptible, while Ks51103, BF13607 and BF13608 lines were the most resistant. The data obtained from greenhouse and field experiments were in agreement. None of the evaluated lines and/or cultivars was immune for CBB; however, the three resistant lines were identified for use in cultivation or as sources of resistance to CBB in plant breeding programs.