Genetic tools to ensure Saskatchewan dry beans are protected from anthracnose

The first objective is to identify markers to facilitate marker-assisted selection for resistance to anthracnose for western Canadian beans.  Using two different association mapping strategies, we will identify markers associated with resistance to Colletotrichum lindemuthianum races 73 and 105 in common bean lines that are adapted to SK. These will be tested on a range of other material to ensure that they are useful beyond just these populations.

The second objective is to identify suitable sources of Co-42 and develop a strategy to incorporate this gene into susceptible market classes.  We will develop a marker-assisted selection strategy to incorporate the Co-42 resistance gene into SK-adapted common beans. Of particular importance will be market classes that do not currently have any tolerance.