Molecular mapping and intra-cluster recombination between anthracnose race-specific resistance genes in the common bean differential cultivars Mexico 222 and Widusa

Resistance to races 19, 31, 38, 65, 73, 102, and 449, of the pathogenic fungus Colletotrichum lindemuthianum (anthracnose) was evaluated in F₃ families derived from the cross between the anthracnose differential bean cultivars Mexico 222 (resistant to races 19, 31, and 38) and Widusa (resistant to races 38, 65, 73, 102, and 449). Molecular marker analyses were carried out in the corresponding F₂ individuals in order to identify the genes for anthracnose resistance present in these two differential cultivars. The results of the combined segregation indicate that the resistance to anthracnose races 19, 31, and 38, present in Mexico 222, is conferred by single dominant race-specific genes organized in a cluster located in B4 linkage group, corresponding to the previously described Co-3/Co-9 locus. The resistance to anthracnose races 65, 73, 102, and 449, present in Widusa, is conferred by a dominant gene (or genes) representing a different haplotype of the same Co-3/Co-9 cluster. A single dominant gene located in a position independent from cluster Co-3/Co-9 (probably at the Co-1 locus) confers specific resistance to race 38 in Widusa. Recombinants for closely linked resistance specificities belonging to the Co-3/Co-9 cluster have been detected. The possibility of pyramiding race-specific resistance genes by means of intra-cluster recombination, and its potential use in plant breeding, is indicated. C. Rodríguez-Suárez and J.J. Ferreira equally share for authorship.