Evaluation of Heirloom Dry Bean Market Classes to Promote Genetic Diversity.

There is growing need for genetic diversity in cropping systems today to maintain a sustainable agriculture system. In this study, heirloom varieties of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), lime bean (P. lunatis L.), and tepary bean (P. acutifolius A. Gray) were evaluated to determine adaptation and yield potential in the western high plains region of the US. The dry beans were planted in a field nursery in Fort Collins, Colorado. Bean entries were evaluated for growth habit, yield, flowing date, maturity date, seed size and color and reaction to endemic diseases. Disease evaluations included reaction to common bacterial blight caused by Xanthomonas axonopodis pv phaseoli, foliar rust caused by Uromyces appendiculatus, Pers.:Pers Unger,  and Bean Common Mosaic Virus. This information will provide bean growers with information to enhance diversity in the cropping systems and the market place. Additionally, this information will be useful to plant breeding programs to identify sources of genetic resistance to local growing conditions and common bean pathogens.  Information will be disseminated through Cooperative Extension and the scientific media.