Abstract
Background: Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is Uganda's most important grain legume and a major source of dietary protein, income, and food security for millions of households. However, bean productivity remains constrained by several biotic and abiotic stresses, among which anthracnose, caused by Colletotrichum lindemuthianum, is one of the most devastating diseases, causing yield losses of up to 80% under favourable conditions. The deployment of resistant varieties remains the most effective, economical, and environmentally sustainable strategy for managing the disease.
Problem Statement: Despite the importance of the common bean in Uganda, information on anthracnose resistance among farmer-preferred market class genotypes is limited, hindering the identification and utilization of resistant germplasm for breeding durable varieties.
Experimental Design:
Assessment:
Broad-spectrum resistance to all 3 races:
Released Varieties:
Breeding Lines (Stable Resistance):
The identified genotypes represent valuable sources of broad-spectrum resistance and can be used as parents in breeding programs aimed at developing high-yielding, farmer-preferred, and anthracnose-resistant bean varieties, thereby enhancing bean productivity, resilience, and food security in Uganda.
