Performance of Dry Beans Grown on the Coastal Plains of Puerto Rico

Abstract

Performance of a group of white-seeded and a group of colored dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) genotypes was measured at the Fortuna and lsabela Research and Development Centers during 1979 to 1982. White-seeded lines W-117, W-142, and 2W-33-2 produced seed yields as great as or greater than the mean of the tests. Compared with the standard white-seeded line Bonita, W-117, W-142 and 2W-33-2 showed more resistance to the systemic mosaic strain of the Bean Common Mosaic Virus and rust (Uromyces phaseoli (Reben) Wint.). Violeta and Galana were among the most productive colored genotypes. Unfortunately, the seed coat color of these genotypes is unacceptable to the local consumer. Among the colored genotypes with a desirable seed type, Guayamera showed the most promising performance. Several of the colored seeded lines expressed resistance to the races of rust endemic at lsabela. On the other hand, the colored lines were generally more susceptible to bacterial blight than the white-seeded lines. Genotypes with the most promising performance will be considered for release as replacements for standard cultivars or will be utilized as parents in the local bean breeding program.