2007 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) Determine effect of allelic frequency for two resistance QTL on reaction to common bacterial blight in common bean. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) Codominant interpretation of QTL allelic frequency using real time PCR will be determined for F2 populations segregating for resistance to common bacterial blight. F2 plants will be inoculated in greenhouse to measure response to blight infection. Documents SCA with Agricultural research Council (S. Africa). 3.Progress Report This report serves to document research conducted under a specific cooperative agreement between ARS and ARC Grain Crops, South Africa. Additional details of research can be found in the report for the parent CRIS 5354-21220-015-00D "Bean Germplasm Enhancement and Improved Disease Management of Edible Legumes". Halo blight and common blight are serious bacterial diseases of dry and snap beans grown in the U.S. and worldwide. This work combines the molecular breeding expertise of ARS scientist in Prosser, WA, with bacterial plant pathology expertise of scientists from South Africa. More than 500 individual plants were successfully characterized for reaction common bacterial blight in South Africa. Plant tissue of each plant was collected, freeze-dried, and sent to Prosser for DNA extraction and molecular marker assays. Genetic analysis of molecular and disease reaction data has led to a better understanding of the inheritance of resistance to common bacterial blight. Knowledge gained will facilitate breeding dry bean cultivars with improved resistance to common bacterial blight. The ADODR (Miklas) monitored and observed significant research progress and adequate fiscal responsibility of the cooperator through email communications and by a site visit conducted May 22-24, 2007.