Location: Soybean Genomics & Improvement Laboratory
2019 Annual Report
Accomplishments
1. Beans with resistance genes. Research conducted using genomics technologies at the USDA-ARS, Beltsville, Maryland, has enabled the development of two new molecular markers. Genes conferring resistance to the fungus that causes the destructive rust disease of common bean, dry and snap beans in the United States and other countries in South and Central America and in Africa. When combined in a bean plant, these two genes increase protection to rust. These two markers can be used by dry and snap bean breeders to develop rust resistant bean lines and varieties.
2. Beans of pride. A new, great northern common dry bean cultivar named “Panhandle Pride” was developed by scientists because Nebraska continues to lead all states in great northern common bean on production, Panhandle Pride was bred specifically for better adaptation to Nebraska growing conditions. Furthermore, Panhandle Pride combined genes for resistance to the fungus that causes rust disease, to common bacterial blight disease, and to the bean common mosaic virus. The yield of Panhandle Pride, tested in multiple locations in Nebraska, was higher than many of the popular great northern bean varieties planted in Nebraska. Panhandle Pride is being made available to farmers who want to grow great northern common dry beans.