Prevalence and host resistance to Common bean rust Disease In Central and Western Kenya

Rust (Uromyces appendiculatus) (Pers.:Pers.) Unger., is among the most destructive pathogens constraining the production of common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in Kenya. The study's objectives were to (i) determine the prevalence of bean rust in central and western Kenya; (ii) evaluate common bean genotypes for host resistance to rust disease under field and greenhouse conditions; (iii) characterize the Ur gene in a French bean breeding line MU#13; and (iv) identify SSR markers linked to the Ur gene in a French bean breeding line MU#13. A field survey was conducted in 150 farmers’ fields in 5 counties in Kenya from September 2020 to January 2021. During the survey, germplasm and rust isolates were collected for screening in the field and under greenhouse conditions. A total of 77 common bean genotypes were subjected to natural infection under field conditions and inoculated with rust races 29-1, 29-3, 61-1, and 63-1 under greenhouse conditions at the University of Embu. The gene pool affiliation of the genotypes was determined through phaseolin protein marker analysis. Further, F2 populations that were obtained from a cross between a French bean breeding line (MU#13) and 13 known Ur gene sources were screened using bean rust isolates to characterize the Ur gene in MU#13. Bulk segregant analysis (BSA) using 14 SSR primers and the DNA obtained from susceptible parent Amy, MU#13 (resistant parent), and the F2 plants, as well as RILs, was used in the identification of SSRs linked to the Ur gene in MU#13. The collected rust incidence and severity data were subjected to an analysis of variance using GenStat statistical software. The goodness-of-fit of hypothetical ratios in the F2 mapping populations was assessed using the Chi-square test. The findings revealed a resurgence of bean rust, with Bungoma County displaying the highest disease incidence at 71% and a severity rating of 4. On the other hand, Embu County exhibited the lowest incidence at 38% and a severity rating of 2. The common bean cultivar grown, debri management, management of volunteer plants, use of fungicides, and crop spacing significantly (p