Location: Sunflower Improvement Research
Project Number: 3060-21220-034-036-S
Project Type: Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Aug 1, 2025
End Date: Dec 31, 2026
Objective:
This project will evaluate breeding lines from major dry bean breeding programs across multi-location trials and leverage previously conducted research by a multi-year analysis of our field data and perform genotype by environment interaction (GEI) analysis in current years. To this end, we will address the following: Obj. 1) Characterize WM resistance of new dry and snap bean lines using multi-site WM disease nurseries and greenhouse resistance using S. sclerotiorum isolates with aggressiveness best able to differentiate lines; Obj 2) Evaluate a GEI, adaptability, and stability of genotypes evaluated in the multi-site WM disease nurseries over the past 13 years.
Approach:
The aim of this project is to evaluate breeding lines from major dry bean breeding programs for characterization and evaluation of genotype x environment interaction analyses in regard to resistance to S. sclerotiorum. Specifically, 1) Characterize WM resistance of new dry and snap bean lines using multi-site WM disease nurseries and greenhouse resistance using S. sclerotiorum isolates with aggressiveness best able to differentiate lines. Greenhouse evaluations: Bean breeders will provide lines from recombinant inbred line (RIL) populations, interspecific hybridizations, introgressions from wild P. vulgaris, and local lines identified in earlier NSI-supported research. Greenhouse test sites are in: OR, MI, WA, and ND. Greenhouse tests identify candidates for subsequent field tests after increasing seed. Field evaluation: We screen advanced pre-release lines (4 lbs. of seed needed) at multiple field locations to identify the most consistent and widely effective WM resistance/avoidance. Field tests have two rows of each entry and a common susceptible cultivar resulting in a three-row plot, 4.6 m (15 ft.) long, replicated three times in a randomized complete block design. Field plots with a history of WM are in OR, MI, NE and ND. Public and private cooperators manage nurseries. Plots are managed to maximize yields, e.g. use of windbreaks, frequent irrigation and misting, which favor WM; and 2) Evaluate genotype x environment interaction, adaptability, and stability of genotypes evaluated in the multi-site WM disease nurseries over the past 13 years. Data from the multi-site WM nurseries will be collected and analyzed using appropriate linear mixed models to handle the heterogeneity of the data. This approach allows us to model the variance structure for the genotype variety by environment effects, unbalanced data, and individual trial experimental designs. Management information will be collected to analyze genotype-by-environment-management interactions. A mixed model approach will also be evaluated. All data will be analyzed using ASReml and other packages in the R statistical environment including the statgeGxE and metan R packages.