Biochemical properties of Turkish common beans and their resistance against bean weevil Acanthoscelides obtectus (Coleoptera: Bruchidae)

Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) with highly nutritional values are cultivated worldwide. Bean seeds are commonly exposed to bruchid attacks throughout the storage. Acanthoscelides obtectus (Say), also known as the bean weevil, is one of the most important insect pests and causes significant economic losses each year in warehouses. Chemical and alternative methods are commonly used to control A. obtectus. However, alternative control methods are getting popular because of negative impacts of chemicals on environment and human health. Identification and development of natural resistant bean genotypes may constitute a good alternative in fighting against bruchid pests. In this study, seed testa thickness and biochemical properties of 13 commonly grown Turkish bean genotypes were investigated, their resistance against damage caused by A. obtectus was determined, and finally the correlations among all these parameters were investigated. The highest ash and oil content was observed in Yakutiye-98 genotype while the highest protein and fiber ratio was observed in Noyanbey-98 and Zulbiye genotypes, respectively. The highest moisture ratio was observed in KaracaAYehir-90 genotype. Akdag, Akman-98, Noyanbey-98 and KA +/- rA +/- kkale genotypes were found to be more resistant against A. obtectus than the other genotypes and the lowest infection rates were detected in these genotypes. Consequently, Akdag, Akman-98, Noyanbey-98 and KA +/- rA +/- kkale genotypes which were resistant to A. obtectus can be recommended to farmers for cultivation in Turkey.