This study aimed to investigate whether high yielding common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) families are the ones that show high resistance to Colletotrichum lindemuthianum. If this hypothesis is confirmed, grain yield can be used as criteria for selection of resistant lines to the pathogen. Crosses between the resistant AN 730340, AN 910522, AN 910523 and AN 910546 inbred lines and the susceptible Carioca cultivar were made. From the F2 generation onwards, the segregant populations were taken to Lavras and Lambari in Southern Minas Gerais. A total of 100 resistant plants (without symptoms) and 100 susceptible plants (severe disease incidence) were selected from each populations to form two sub-populations per cross in each location. These sub-populations were conducted in bulk to the F5 generation. Fifty F5 plants were selected to form 50 F5:6 families and then 21 F5:7 families, which were assessed for grain yield and pathogen resistance in the two locations. It was found, especially under high disease pressure, that grain yield was an excellent selection criteria to identify resistant families.
Anthracnose; disease resistance; breeding
