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ARS Home » Midwest Area » East Lansing, Michigan » Sugarbeet and Bean Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #314690
Title: USDA-ARS Black Bean Breeding Efforts for Improved Nutritive Value

Author
item Cichy, Karen
item ASTUDILLO, CAROLINA - Michigan State University
item Shaw, Robert

Submitted to: Saginaw Valley Bean and Beet Farm Report
Publication Type: Experiment Station
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/10/2015
Publication Date: 4/1/2015
Citation: Cichy, K.A., Astudillo, C., Shaw, R.S. 2015. USDA-ARS Black Bean Breeding Efforts for Improved Nutritive Value. Saginaw Valley Bean and Beet Farm Report. Michigan State University AgBio Research.pg 51-54.

Interpretive Summary: Humans require iron and zinc in their diets. Deficiencies of these micronutrients is widespread in people consuming plant based diets. This study reports the progress of a black bean breeding program to increase seed iron and zinc concentrations. In 2014, thirty F4 breeding lines along with three commercial checks were planted at the Saginaw Valley Research Farm. Average seed Zn concentration was 28 ppm and Fe was 56 ppm. The highest seed Zn concentration was 35 ppm, which is about 25% higher than that of the commercial checks. The highest seed Fe concentration was 72 ppm, which was also about 25% higher than that of the commercial checks. Seed protein levels ranged from 18 to 23% and averaged 21%. This work will continue with additional field evaluations and crossing new sources of high seed iron and zinc.

Technical Abstract: A black bean breeding program is underway focused on improving the nutritive value of beans by increasing the concentration of iron and zinc in the seed. Iron deficiency is a major cause of anemia. An estimated two billion people suffer from iron deficiency, making it the most widespread nutritional disorder in the world. Zinc is an important enzyme cofactor and component of proteins, and is needed for DNA synthesis, RNA transcription, and cell division Mild to moderate zinc deficiency is common, especially in populations consuming vegetarian diets rich in unrefined cereals. Black beans were chosen for the breeding efforts because they are an important export crop for Mexico and Central America. Hybridizations between high mineral lines and high yielding, Michigan adapted black beans began in 2013. In 2014, thirty F4 lines along with three commercial checks were planted at the Saginaw Valley Research Farm. Seed yield averaged 2308 kg per hectare, the highest yielding breeding line was at 3563 kg per hectare, which was 40% higher than the commercial check variety Zorro. Average seed Zn concentration was 28 ppm and Fe was 56 ppm. The highest seed Zn concentration was 35 ppm, which is about 25% higher than the Zn concentration of the commercial checks. The highest seed Fe concentration was 72 ppm, which was also about 25% higher than the Fe concentration of the commercial checks. Protein levels ranged from 18 to 23% and averaged 21%. A significant negative correlation between seed yield and seed protein (r= -0.43) and seed zinc (r= -0.37) was observed. No negative correlation between seed yield and seed Fe concentration was found. This work will continue with additional field evaluations and crossing new sources of high seed iron and zinc.