Inheritance of resistance to angular leaf spot in yellow beans

Angular leaf spot (Phaeoisariopsis griseola (Sacc) is an important disease of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in most parts of Africa, causing yield losses of 40-80%. This study was carried out to determine the inheritance of resistance to angular leaf spot in yellow beans. Biparental crosses were done between susceptible yellow bean genotypes and angular leaf spot resistant parents to generate F1, F2 and backcrosses. Resistance was evaluated in a screen house and field after inoculation with Phaeoisariopsis griseola. The F1 were resistant, indicating that resistance was dominant. There was no significant deviation from the expected 3:1 ratio for resistant to susceptible in the F2 population, confirming that resistance to angular leaf spot was both monogenic and dominant. The backcross to Lusaka Yellow showed a 1:1 segregation ratio, while the backcrosses to Mexico 54 were all resistant. Pembela was susceptible to angular leaf spot, while the F1 were resistant. The ratio of 3:1 represents resistant : susceptible F2 populations. All backcrosses to Mexico 54 were resistant, confirming that resistance to angular leaf spot in Mexico 54 is controlled by a single dominant gene. The results of the study showed that resistance to angular leaf spot in yellow beans is governed by a single dominant gene. This can be used to improve the local landraces by incorporating angular leaf spot resistance and high yield traits