Abstract

Anthracnose, caused by the fungus Colletotrichum lindemuthianum, is a significant disease affecting common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). The identification of sources of anthracnose resistance within the yellow market class is crucial for developing yellow bean varieties resistant to anthracnose. The objective of this study was to assess a set of yellow common bean genotypes for resistance to eight races of C. lindemuthianum. A total of 30 yellow-seeded bean genotypes were evaluated for their resistance to races 5, 19, 38, 39, 51, 183, 1050 and 1105. Among these genotypes, Y1612-04 demonstrated exceptional performance as it exhibited resistance to seven of the eight races used in this study. This genotype holds potential as a source of resistance to enhance the Manteca yellow bean market class, which is popular in East and Southern Africa.

Key words: Anthracnose, Colletotrichum lindemuthianum, Common bean, races, yellow beans.