Inheritance of partial resistance to bean rust in the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

The inheritance of partial resistance within eight bean cultivars to a single-pustule isolate of bean rust was studied by means of a F₁ diallel test. General combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) were very highly significant over two seasons and in interaction with seasons. The partitioning of the sums of squares indicated the greater importance of GCA in the inheritance of the resistance. Reciprocal effects were not significant. The estimates of narrow-sense heritability in the two seasons were 0.899 ± 0.056 and 0.603 ± 0.065.     

Preliminary Investigations on the Rusts of Perennial Ryegrass in Central Italy

The results of a four-year investigation carried out in Central Italy on the occurrence of perennial ryegrass rusts from 1989—92 are reported. The crown rust (Puccinia coronata) was the most frequently recorded in the surveyed are while P. graminis was only occasionally detected. The causal agents were identified by the morphological criteria proposed by CUMMINS (1971).
A single-pustule isolate of P. coronata was used to test the resistance of seven ryegrass cultivars under greenhouse conditions. Two cultivars, 'Artal' and 'Score', proved resistant to the fungus isolate while the remaining ('Elka', 'Patora', 'Pleno', 'Sisu' and 'Vejo') were high susceptible.     

Toxic and antigrowth effects of raw and processed field bean (Dolichos lablab) on albino rats

Samples of freeze dried green field bean (Dolichos lablab) and dry mature bean, were subjected to the following processing methods—heat processing, extraction with 80% ethanol, hexane or dilute acid, protein isolation; and these samples were evaluated for growth promoting value and toxicity. Extraction with 80% ethanol or with dilute acid increased survival period of the animals; but these did not promote growth. Heat processing was essential to destroy antinutritional factors and promote growth. Extraction of the beans with 80% ethanol did not however alter the trypsin inhibitor or haemagglutinin activities. The protein isolate and acid-extracted residue which had low trypsin inhibitor and haemagglutinin activities, did not also promote growth. Thus the trypsin inhibtor and haemagglutinin activities did not completely account for the toxicity to albino rats. However, heat processing of ethanol extracted bean flour indicated that the beneficial effect of ethanol extraction was not apparent, once the samples were heat processed. Dry mature bean dhal was more toxic than the whole bean either dry or green. Supplementation of heat processed field bean with methionine and tryptophan promoted good growth of albino rats and significantly increased the protein efficiency ratio. Part of the Ph.D. thesis entitled “Studies on the factors affecting the nutritive value of field beanDolichos lablab”, University of Mysore, 1977.     

Red-Light-Induced Resistance in Broad Bean (Vicia faba L.) to Leaf Spot Disease Caused by Alternaria tenuissima

The effect of different light wavelengths on the development of lesions induced by Alternaria tenuissima in broad bean leaves was investigated. Lesion development was completely suppressed in red‐light‐irradiated broad bean leaflets, irrespective of isolate or spore concentration. Pre‐treatment of leaflets with red light for 24 h before inoculation also suppressed lesion development. Alternaria tenuissima failed to produce infection hyphae in red‐light‐irradiated broad bean leaflets. These results indicate that disease suppression in broad bean leaflets is due to light‐induced resistance. Spore germination fluid (SGF) of A. tenuissima allowed non‐pathogenic Alternaria alternata to infect wounded and unwounded broad bean leaflets kept in the dark, results suggesting that SGF induced susceptibility. Red light suppressed susceptibility induced by A. tenuissima SGF; thus, lesion formation and development were suppressed when leaflets inoculated with the spores of A. alternata suspended in A. tenuissima SGF were kept under red light. From these results, we conclude that red light induced resistance in broad bean to leaf spot disease caused by A. tenuissima, and that SGF induced susceptibility of broad bean leaflets to a non‐pathogenic isolate of A. alternata.     

Host plants influence susceptibility of whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) to the entomopathogenic fungus Isaria fumosorosea (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae)

We quantified the tritrophic effect of host plant on the susceptibility of the sweetpotato whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Genn.) to a fungal pathogen in the laboratory. Second-instar whiteflies reared on cucumber, eggplant, tomato and bean plants for six generations were exposed to conidial suspensions of Isaria fumosorosea isolate IF-1106. Our results did not detect differences in response (proportional survival or median lethal time, LT₅₀ days) among insect populations derived from different plants that were treated with 10⁷ conidia/ml. However, at concentrations ≤ 5×10⁶ conidia/ml, whiteflies reared on bean and tomato died significantly more quickly (i.e. LT₅₀ of 4–5 days) compared with cucumber and eggplant reared populations (5–7 days). Bean and tomato-reared populations were also more susceptible to mycosis (LC₅₀ ≈ 6 × 10⁵ conidia/ml) compared with those reared on cucumber (1.9 × 10⁶ conidia/ml) and eggplant (1.5 × 10⁶ conidia/ml). A separate study confirmed that this differential response of whitefly populations to I. fumosorosea was not explained by differences in deposition rate of conidia on leaf surfaces (i.e. a dosage effect). Our findings show that host plants affect the pathogenicity and virulence of a herbivore pathogen, but depend on the rate of exposure (inoculum) applied.     

Acceptance and suitability of four plant substrates for rearing Orius sauteri (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae)

Orius sauteri (Poppius) is an important hemipterous predator that has been mass-reared for biological control of numerous pests in protected crop-production systems. To find a good oviposition substrate for mass-rearing this predator under insectary conditions [25°C, 65 ± 5% relative humidity, and a photoperiod of 16:8 (L:D) h], we compared kidney bean, soybean, broad bean sprouts and fresh leaves of kidney bean. We found that O. sauteri made more punctures and laid more eggs in kidney bean sprouts than in the other substrates examined. However, there were no significant differences among substrates in the proportion of punctures receiving eggs. Female O. sauteri laid the most eggs (as many as 68 eggs) in kidney bean sprouts and also had the shortest pre-oviposition period on this plant material. In addition, there were no significant differences in total oviposition durations or female longevity among the four plant substrates. The hatch rates of nymphs in the sprouts and leaves of kidney bean (>90%) were higher than those in soybean and broad bean sprouts. Thus, we found that the kidney bean sprout was the most suitable substrate for mass-rearing of O. sauteri.     

The genetics of domestication of the azuki bean (Vigna angularis)

Genetic differences between azuki bean (Vigna angularis var. angularis) and its presumed wild ancestor (V. angularis var. nipponensis) were resolved into QTL for traits associated with adaptation to their respective distinct habits. A genetic linkage map constructed using progenies from a cross between Japanese cultivated and wild azuki beans covers 92.8% of the standard azuki bean linkage map. A reciprocal translocation between cultivated and wild azuki bean parents was identified on the basis of the linkage map having a pseudolinkage group and clustering of seed productivity-related QTL with large effect near the presumed breakpoints. In total, 162 QTL were identified for 46 domestication-related traits. Domestication of azuki bean has involved a trade-off between seed number and seed size: fewer but longer pods and fewer but larger seeds on plants with shorter stature in cultivated azuki bean being at the expense of overall seed yield. Genes found related to germination and flowering time in cultivated azuki bean may confer a selective advantage to the hybrid derivatives under some ecological conditions and may explain why azuki bean has evolved as a crop complex in Japan.     

Yield loss of faba bean (Vicia faba) due to chocolate spot (Botrytis fabae) in sole and mixed cropping systems in Ethiopia

Two field experiments were conducted during 2004 and 2005 cropping seasons at Adet Agricultural Research Center, Ethiopia to assess yield losses caused by chocolate spot(Botrytis fabae) of faba bean in sole and mixed cropping systems using two cultivars. Cropping systems were sole faba bean (FB), faba bean mixed with field pea (FB: FP), barley (FB: BA) and maize (FB: MA). Mancozeb was sprayed at the rate of 2.5 kg a.i/ha at 7-, 14- and 21-day interval to generate different levels of chocolate spot disease in all the four cropping systems, and unsprayed control was also included. The treatments were arranged in a randomised complete block design (RCBD) with four replications. FB: MA mixed cropping significantly reduced disease severity and the area under disease progress curve (AUDPC) and increased faba bean grain yield. The highest faba bean grain yield among the three mixed croppings under different spray schedules was obtained from FB: MA mixed cropping in both 2004 and 2005 (2.56 and 3.74 t/ha, respectively) cropping seasons. There were highly significant yield differences (P < 0.05) among the spray intervals of mancozeb in both seasons. The highest grain yield (4.9 t/h) was recorded from the 7-day spray interval in 2005. The unsprayed faba bean had a lower grain yield (1.9 t/ha in 2004 and 2.3 t/ha in 2005) compared to the sprayed plots. The highest relative yield loss (67.5%) was calculated in 2005 from FB: FP mixed cropping in unsprayed plots. The relative yield losses in the unsprayed plots were in the range of 35.8–41.5% in 2004 and 52.6–67.5% in the 2005 cropping season. Severity and AUDPC were inversely correlated with faba bean grain yield. Significant differences were recorded in the 100-seed weight and days to maturity (DM). The unsprayed plots had shorter DM ranging from 126 to 128.5 day (except FB: MA mixed cropping) in 2004 and 122–123.9 days in 2005. In the sprayed plots DM was relatively longer than the unsprayed plots. A higher seed weight was recorded in the sole FB (56 g) and FB: MA (55 g) mixed cropping, and the lowest value of 100-seed weight was recorded from FB: FP (53 g) mixed cropping. The productivity of the mixed cropping evaluated by land equivalent ratio (LER) exceeded that of sole cropping. Faba bean grain yield was highly influenced by the severity of chocolate spot. The disease affects the DM, forcing early maturing of the plants.     

Genome dissection of traits related to domestication in azuki bean (Vigna angularis) and comparison with other warm-season legumes

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to dissect into quantitative trait loci (QTLs) the large morphological and physiological differences between cultivated azuki bean (Vigna angularis) and a wild relative and to infer the commonalities of the QTLs for domestication-related traits across the Asian Vigna and with other warm-season legumes. METHODS: Two linkage maps, for the BC(1)F(1) and F(2) populations, respectively, from the same cross between azuki bean and V. nepalensis were developed. Using these linkage maps QTLs for 33 domestication-related traits were analysed and mapped. The location of mapped QTLs was compared with locations of similar QTLs in other warm-season legumes. KEY RESULTS: QTLs were detected for seed-, pod-, stem- and leaf-related traits. Most traits were controlled by between two and nine QTLs but several traits, such as pod dehiscence, were controlled by single genes. QTLs for domestication-related traits were restricted to particular regions of the azuki bean genome, especially linkage groups 1, 2, 4, 7 and 9. Linkage groups 1 and 2 had QTLs for a suite of traits including pod size, germination, seed size and lower stem length. QTLs on linkage groups 7 and 9 were associated with upper stem length, maximum leaf size and pod and seed size. Pleiotropy or close linkage of genes for domestication-related traits is suggested in these regions. While some QTLs are common to azuki bean and other warm-season legumes, many are recorded for the first time in azuki bean. CONCLUSIONS: QTLs for a large number of domestication-related traits have been mapped for the first time in azuki bean. QTLs with unexpected effect and new QTLs for traits such as seed size have been found. The results provide a foundation that will be useful for improvement of azuki bean and related legumes.     

Scab disease of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) caused by Sphaceloma a species of the fungus

Scab disease of cowpea (Vigna unguiculuta) was shown to be caused by Sphaceloma sp. It affects all above ground parts of the plant. The first symptom of the disease, appearing within 3 to 6 days of inoculation, is puckering of the lamina. Spots on mature leaves are white with or without brown margins. Typical scab lesions on petiole, stem, peduncle and pod are white turning dark brown when chlamydospores are formed and are oblong-elongate except for pod lesions that are ovoid. The most destructive phase is scab of the flowering axis which causes flower and, or, pod abortion or completely prevents flower formation. Inoculation of asparagus pea (V. sesquipedalis) with a cowpea isolate of Sphaceloma sp. produced symptoms similar to those on cowpea. Inoculated hyacinth bean (Lablab niger) produced atypical mild lesions. The following legumes were not affected when artificially inoculated with the fungus: black gram (Phaseolus mungo), green gram (P, aureus), French bean (P. vulgaris), Lima bean (P. lunatus), groundnut (Arachis hypogaea), and soyabean (Glycine max). The characteristics of the fungus on potato dextrose agar are described.     

Characterization of resistance to three bruchid species (Callosobruchus spp., Coleoptera,Bruchidae) in cultivated rice bean (Vigna umbellata)

Resistance of wild and cultivated rice bean (Vigna umbellata [Thunberg] Ohwi and Ohashi) to three bruchid species, Callosobruchus chinensis L., Callosobruchus maculatus F., and Callosobruchus analis F., was evaluated. All but three accessions of cultivated, and all wild rice bean accessions tested, exhibited complete resistance to all three bruchid species. Rice bean seeds with seed coat removed also showed complete resistance to the three bruchid species. Results indicate that physical attributes and/or chemical(s) present in the seed coat of rice bean are not the main factors responsible for resistance. Feeding tests were performed by using artificial beans prepared with varying proportions of rice bean (resistant) and azuki bean (susceptible) flour. Number of bruchid adults that emerged decreased, and larval developmental period (days) was extended, when artificial beans with an increasing proportion of rice bean flour were used. These tests revealed that a chemical compound(s) contained in the cotyledon of rice bean has an inhibitory effect on the growth of these bruchid species. The results also indicate that the chemical(s) in rice bean cotyledon is most effective against C. maculatus.     

Use of GUS Transformants of Trichoderma harzianum Isolate T39 (TRICHODEX) for Studying Interactions on Leaf Surfaces

Trichoderma harzianum , isolate T39 (TRICHODEX), was transformed with the GUS ( βglucuronidase) reporter gene to visualize the interaction with Botrytis cinerea and to determine potential mechanisms involved in biocontrol. T39GUS transformants did not appear to penetrate the bean leaf epidermis nor grow into the mesophyll via stomata. No direct penetration or coiling was observed between hyphae and conidia of the T39GUS transformants and of B. cinerea , however, structures of the pathogen were stained blue. Similarly, blue substrate accumulated in various non-transformed fungi such as Alternaria sp., Colletotricum acutatum and the wild-type isolate T39 when co-inoculated on leaves and plates with the T39GUStransgenic strains of T. harzianum and Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum . Therefore, the role of diffusible compounds, specifically from T. harzianum transformants, will need further investigation.     

Partial application of insecticide to broad bean (Vicia fabae) as a means of controlling bean aphid (Aphis fabae) and bean weevil (Sitona lineatus)

The effects upon the nature of insect pest attack of treating only a certain proportion (0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%) of the plants in a field bean (Vicia fabae) stand, with a systemic insecticide (aldicarb as Temik 10G, Rhone Poulenc Drugs Ltd; 10% a.i.) were assessed. Numbers of both the black bean aphid (Aphis fabae) and the bean weevil (Sitona lineatus) were proportionally reduced on untreated plants in plots with an increasing proportion of insecticide treated plants. A similar response was also observed with bean weevil leaf damage scores.
It is postulated that the observed effects are due to a reduction in insect numbers per plot brought about by redistribution of insects after initial invasion. Insects initially alighting on untreated plants later migrate to treated plants and either die or leave the plot altogether. This resulted in proportionally fewer insects on the untreated plants than would be expected.     

Isolation, Pathogenicity and Safety of Curvularia eragrostidis Isolate QZ-2000 as a Bioherbicide Agent for Large Crabgrass (Digitaria sanguinalis)

A pathogen isolated from lesions on blighted leaves of crabgrass in three different locations of China was identified as Curvularia eragrostidis. Isolate QZ-2000 was the most virulent of six isolates tested. Experiments on morphology, pathogenicity, effect of environmental factors, and host-range of isolate QZ-2000 were conducted in the laboratory, greenhouse and field to assess the potential of this isolate as a biocontrol agent for grassy weeds. Pathogenicity was quantitatively determined based on mortality and dry-weight reduction of infected large crabgrass. Inoculum concentration, rapeseed oil concentration in formulaton, post-inoculation dew temperature and duration, and plant growth age all significantly influenced the efficacy of the isolate. A total of 85-100% control of large crabgrass was obtained when inoculum concentrations were ≥1×10⁶ conidia mL^-1, oil concentrations ≥0.9% (v/v), dew period ≥24 h and air temperatures 20-30°C in the greenhouse. A total of 51 plant species in 20 families were screened against isolate QZ-2000 in host-range studies. Six other species of grassy weeds were susceptible to isolate QZ-2000, but no mortality or significant dry-weight reduction was observed for maize (Zea mays), rice (Oryza sativa), soya bean (Glycine max), cotton (Gossypium hirsutum), or any other economically important crops and plants. In field trials, with 5×10⁶ conidia mL^-1 inoculum density, 60-7% reduction in dry weight was achieved for large crabgrass seedlings under natural dew-free conditions. These results indicate that isolate QZ-2000 is a potential microbial bioherbicide for control of large crabgrass in crops such as corn, soybean, cotton, water-melon, and peanut.     

Growth promotion of bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) by a polyamine-producing isolate of Streptomyces griseoluteus

Of seventy-five actinomycetes isolated from a bean rhizosphere in the United Arab Emirates, an isolate of Streptomyces griseoluteus (WT) was found to be capable of producing relatively high levels of putrescine on decarboxylase agar medium and to produce putrescine, spermidine and spermine in liquid decarboxylase medium. In the glasshouse, the application of the WT strain to soil amended with arginine (as a precursor for putrescine) significantly (P < 0.05) promoted the growth of bean plants and increased the fresh and dry weights and lengths of roots and shoots, compared with control plants. Infestation of soil with the WT strain resulted in a significant (P < 0.05) increase in the levels of putrescine, spermidine and spermine, certain endogenous plant growth regulators (PGRs) (indole-acetic acid, and gibberellic acid), chlorophylls (a, b) and carotenoids with a concomitant reduction in the level of abscisic acid in bean plants, compared with control plants. A polyamine non-producing mutant strain (PNPM) obtained from the wild-type isolate (WT), however, failed to promote plant growth. There were no significant (P > 0.05) differences between the levels of polyamines, endogenous PGRs, chlorophylls (a, b), and carotenoids between plants that were not exposed to either of the strain (control) and those grown in soil with the PNPM strain. Both WT and PNPM strains were incapable of producing in vitro detectable levels of PGRs, indole-acetic acid, indole-pyruvic acid, gibberellic acid, isopentenyl adenine and zeatin in the culture filtrates. This study is the first to demonstrate the potential of a polyamine-producing actinomycete to promote plant growth. In addition, it is also the first published report of the production of polyamines by streptomycete actinomycetes.     

Changes in Mitochondrial Properties Associated with Chloroplast Development in Jack Bean (Canavalia ensiformis [L] DC.)

Procedures were developed to isolate actively respiring mitochondria from jack bean (Canavalia ensiformis [L.] DC.) leaves and cotyledons. Consistent respiratory control values of about 2 for succinate oxidation were obtained in preparations from etiolated cotyledons. Jack bean mitochondria oxidized malate with high respiratory control (2 to 5) and ADP/O (up to 2.8).     

Suppression of the Defence-Related Oxidative Burst in Bean Leaf Tissue and Bean Suspension Cells by the Necrotrophic Pathogen Botrytis cinerea

The interaction of two selected isolates of Botrytis cinerea with bean suspension cells and bean leaf discs was compared in relation to levels of reactive oxygen intermediates (ROI). Isolate B 1.7 was arrested by a hypersensitive‐like necrosis of bean leaf tissue. According to its inability to spread and produce conidia on the bean leaf tissue it was classified as non‐aggressive. The second isolate induced a fast expanding light brownish necrosis of the leaf tissue. It was able to produce conidia on bean leaf discs and was classified as aggressive. The generation of superoxide was followed biochemically in inoculated bean cell suspensions. Both isolates induced a similar early superoxide peak approximately 18‐h post inoculation (hpi). While the non‐aggressive isolate induced a much stronger secondary superoxide burst at 33 hpi, the level of superoxide of suspension cells inoculated with the aggressive isolate was below the control level. This is the first report on the occurrence of a biphasic oxidative burst in plant cells induced by a fungal pathogen. Such a suppression of superoxide generation was also observed in bean leaf discs inoculated with the aggressive isolate. An oxidative burst‐suppressing agent was extracted from inoculated cell culture medium and determined as 2‐methyl‐succinate (2‐MS) by GC/MS analysis. The compound was detected approximately 20 hpi in the aggressive fungus–plant interaction. 2‐MS was able to suppress the hypersensitive response‐like necrosis on leaf discs as well as the second superoxide burst in suspension cells when inoculated with the non‐aggressive isolate. The early superoxide burst at 18 hpi was not affected. The results confirm the important role of enhanced production of ROI in plant resistance reactions, also for a necrotrophlike B. cinerea.     

Arachidonic and Linoleic Acids Elicit Isoflavonoid Phytoalexin Accumulation in Phaseolus vulgaris (French bean)

Arachidonic and linoleic, but not α-linolenic or γ-linolenic acids, induced necrosis and the accumulation of isoflavonoid phytoalexins in leaves of French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cv. ‘Red Mexican'. The levels of phytoalexins which accumulated were similar to those found in an incompatible interaction between cv. ‘Red Mexican’and an avirulent race 1 isolate of Pseudomonas syringae pv. phaseolicola. Maximum amounts of phytoalexins accumulated in response to 1.6 mM fattyacids, as opposed to 3.3 or 0.6 mM. The most severe tissue necrosis was not accompanied by the highest levels of phytoalexin accumulation. In contrast to leaves, only trace amounts of phytoalexins were elicited in hypocotyls. The possible significance of, these results is discussed in terms of mechanisms leading to plant cell death and phytoalexin accumulation.