National Horticultural Project: Vol. 2. National Bean Improvement Programme June 1988

Abstract

This project proposes to develop high yielding dry beans of acceptable sensory and cooking qualities. The development of french bean varieties, with high fresh pod yield and desired pod characteristics which are also adapted to the Kenyan production environments ie envisaged. With regard to dry beans, the currently released varieties lack in specific genetic resistances to the major seed borne diseases. This is with the exception of TBM-22 (New Mweni Moja) and TBR-22 (Mwitemania) which have bean common mosaic virus resistance, anthracnose and haloblight resistances respectively. Locally adapted french bean varieties are not available. The project thus aims to introduce multiple disease resistance into the main popular bean types. This will be achieved through stages of hybridization followed by selection. Introduction of genetic materials, screening and hybridization and subsequent selection are planned in the development of french bean varieties. During the year, a maximum of twa generations of either hybridization or selection or a combination of one of each of these procedures shall be achieved in each of dry and french beans. The number of specific crosses will be determined by the availability of parentel materials. Maintenance breeding for the released bean varieties is planned. At least one stage in the maintenance breeding and breedere seed production procedure is to be carried out during the year. The proposel is estimated to require KE 175,300 for successful execution.