Project Number: 6635-21000-048-03
Project Type: Reimbursable

Start Date: Apr 01, 2008
End Date: Sep 30, 2010

Objective:
The objective of this cooperative research project is to test improved bean cultivars and to start developing new germplasm for production in Angola and the U.S., predominantly in the medium and large seeded market classes, and to develop molecular markers for disease resistance genes.

Approach:
This research project will be carried out at the USDA/ARS/TARS stations in Mayaguez and Isabela and at the University of Puerto Rico, Agricultural Experiment Station in Juana Díaz. Advanced breeding lines, germplasm releases, and cultivars will be collected from U.S. and international researchers for the specific abiotic and biotic constraints and seed types of Angola and the U.S., including anthracnose, angular leaf spot, bean common mosaic virus (BCMV), common bacterial blight, rust, root rot, drought, acid soil, and low fertility tolerance. Breeding will be initiated with the collected germplasm to benefit Angola and the U.S., through selection and testing in both environments. The germplasm will be tested in Angola in collaboration with Angolan scientists. Molecular markers will be developed for specific disease traits of interest, such as ashy stem blight (associated with drought tolerance).