2007 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) Generate common bean germplasm with resistance to root rot and common bacterial blight. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) Testing of advanced lines under common bacterial blight and/or root rot pressure in the greenhouse or field. 3.Progress Report This report documents research conducted under a non-funded cooperative agreement between ARS and Michigan State University. Additional details of research can be found in the report for the in-house associated project 6635-21000-043-00D, Characterization, Conversion, and Improvement of Common Bean Germplasm. This project relates to objective 2 of the in-house associated project. US commercial cultivars and breeding lines from Michigan State University (MSU) were screened for leaf hopper (Empoasca) resistance in Isabela, Puerto Rico in a replicated field trial. Lines showing large differences in response to leaf hopper will be used for developing populations and for genetic analysis. Several populations for the genetic analysis of leaf hopper resistance were developed at USDA/ARS/TARS for collaborative study with MSU. These populations were composed of tropical leaf hopper resistant lines crossed with susceptible US cultivars. Advanced breeding lines from MSU were screened for common bacterial blight (CBB) resistance in the greenhouse. Activities in this project are monitored through frequent visits to experimental plots, communications with collaborator by phone, email and in annual meetings.