ARS | Publication request: Development of improved tepary bean (Phaseolus acutifolius A. Gray) Germplasm

Submitted to: Bean Improvement Cooperative Annual Report
Publication Type: Research Notes
Publication Acceptance Date: March 20, 2012
Publication Date: March 20, 2012
Citation: Porch Clay, T.G., Beaver, J. 2012. Development of improved tepary bean (Phaseolus acutifolius A. Gray) Germplasm. Bean Improvement Cooperative Annual Report. 55:123-124.

Interpretive Summary: Heat and drought are major constraints to grain legume production worldwide, while use of tepary bean (Phaseolus acutifolius A. Gray.), a desert native species of the U.S. Southwest and Mexico with elevated levels of abiotic stress tolerance, remains limited partly due to seed quality, production, and cooking characteristics. In an effort to generate tepary germplasm with wider adoptability, breeding lines are being developed with improved seed size and growth habit, while maintaining common bacterial blight resistance, and drought and heat tolerance. These improved tepary lines may provide the opportunity to expand tepary production in areas prone to abiotic stress.

Technical Abstract: Heat and drought are major constraints to grain legume production worldwide, while use of tepary bean (Phaseolus acutifolius A. Gray.), a desert native species of the U.S. Southwest and Mexico with elevated levels of abiotic stress tolerance, remains limited partly due to seed quality, production, and cooking characteristics. In an effort to generate tepary germplasm with wider adoptability, breeding lines are being developed with improved seed size and growth habit, while maintaining common bacterial blight resistance, and drought and heat tolerance.