Increased disease resistance in native High Andean fickle beans

Code:
ATN/SF-7382-RG09/99
Initiative:
Call for Proposals
Other agencies:
USD 125.000
Counterpart Amount:
USD 100.000
Execution time
36 Months
Total Amount:
USD 225.000
Participating countries:
Colombia Colombia Ecuador Ecuador Peru Peru
Funding source:
Other agencies 56% Counterpart Amount 44%

Executive Summary

Work was done on improving the disease resistance of Andean fickle bean, susceptible to anthracnose and common mosaic. These beans are unique in the world, appreciated for their quality. They are important in smallholder agriculture along with corn. Nurseries were created with new commercial genotypes selected through yield evaluation, adaptation between 1000 to 1800 masl and reaction to diseases. Materials of different colors were selected in attention to the preferences of farmers and consumers. The selected material was evaluated in several campaigns during two years in different locations. Gametic selection was made by molecular characterization with SCAR markers for resistance to anthracnose and common mosaic, followed by hybridizations and single, multiple and backcrosses between pathogen resistant individuals. Advanced lines with commercial grain type were multiplied and their performance was evaluated. Pathogenic diversity was characterized by isolations in several areas and four bean materials were found to express resistance to isolates confirming their usefulness for the crossing program. Marker-assisted selection allowed the resistance genes to be introgresed. Promising varieties were released from genetic seed multiplication and evaluated on farmers' farms in several areas and an ex-ante analysis of the impact of these new varieties was made. 

The technological solution

The technological solution consists in the development, via genetic improvement based on molecular characterization, hybridization and selection, of fickle bean varieties resistant to anthracnose and common mosaic. The production sector of reference is that of smallholder farming in the Andean region, which will be able to have improved varieties to achieve better yields, greater food security and higher income. 


Results

Identification of genes for resistance to anthracnose and the common mosaic has led to improved varieties of fickle beans that have shown resistance to these diseases in experimental trials and participatory assessments with farmers. These varieties can have a significant impact on smallholding farming where this bean, in addition to maize, is the basis of the diet. Another result is the establishment of collections and nurseries of this bean, useful for obtaining seed for breeding programs. 

Beneficiaries

The direct final beneficiaries will be, after a process of extension and adoption of the disease-resistant varieties, the smallholder farmers in the participating countries. It should be noted that the potential beneficiary population has not yet been quantified. On the other hand, the breeding institutes and the selection of new commercial varieties have benefited from the implementation of collections of fickle bean germplasm showing resistance to anthracnose and common mosaic. 

Sustainable Development Goals

Zero Hunger

Main donors

Participating Organizations

Executor
  • International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) - Colombia
Associated
  • Universidad de Nariño (UDENAR) - Colombia
  • Corporación Colombiana de Investigación Agropecuaria (CORPOICA) - Colombia
  • Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Agropecuarias (INIAP) - Ecuador
  • Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina (UNALM) - Perú
  • Universidad Nacional de Cajamarca (UNC) - Perú

Graphics and data

Financing by country (in USD)
FONTAGRO Amount Other agencies Counterpart Amount

Researchers

Project leader United States

Matthew Blair

Researcher

Eduardo Peralta

Sponsors
BID
IICA
With the support of
Fondo Coreano de Alianza para el Conocimiento en Tecnología e Innovación (KPK)