Characterization and Selection of Dry Bean Germplasm for Adaptation to Manitoba

One hundred fifty black bean accessions were introduced from the USDA Phaseolus Germplasm Collection at Pullman, Washington. These lines originated in 21 countries and constitute the complete depository of black beans at the USDA. The black bean collections will be evaluated for the photoperiod sensitivity, plant maturity, resistance to anthracnose, common bacterial blight (CBB) and white mould, growth habit, resistance to lodging and shattering, seed germination ability, hydration and stone seed, seed shape and shininess, seed quality, and yield. Selections will generate diverse and unique materials for use as parents in cultivar development for Manitoba.