ARS Releases Heat-, Drought-Tolerant Beans

Posted by Matt Hopkins|30 June 2010

MAYAGüEZ, Puerto Rico — Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists at the agency’s Tropical Agricultural Research Station (TARS) in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, have recently released two new kidney bean germplasm lines that contain heat, drought and disease tolerance. Named TARS HT-1 and TARS HT-2, the bean lines are tolerant to high temperature conditions and are the result of collaborative breeding efforts with Cornell University, the University of Tennessee and the University of Puerto Rico.

While TARS HT-1 yields well under both high day and high night temperatures, TARS HT-2 produces better under high day and moderate night temperature stress, according to Agricultural Research magazine. The lines can improve bean yields in high temperature regions, as well as improve heat tolerance in other large-seeded beans through breeding and selection.

ARS and university scientists also are developing new black bean germplasm lines with heat and drought tolerance, as well as resistance to root rot and common bacterial blight (Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. phaseoli). Field and greenhouse trials in Nebraska, US, have demonstrated good yield, along with drought tolerance and disease resistance. The beans reportedly do well in regions with short days as well as those with long days.