Genetic variability of Colletotrichum lindemuthianum isolates from Slovenia and resistance of local Phaseolus vulgaris germplasmGenetische Variabilität slowenischer Isolate von Colletotrichum lindemuthianum und Resistenz lokalen Keimplasmas von Phaseolus vulgaris

Bean anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum lindemuthianum is one of the most destructive diseases in all bean growing areas. AFLP analysis was used to assess genetic variability and relationships among C. lindemuthianum isolates from Slovenia. Isolates were obtained from different common bean growing regions in Slovenia and have previously been characterized as races 23, 55, 103 and 131. AFLP clustering revealed two main groups that did not clearly correspond to race classification based on pathogenicity towards differential common bean cultivars. Local common bean germplasm as well as the set of 12 international differential bean cultivars were evaluated for resistance against the four C. lindemuth-ianum races that occur in Slovenia. None of the 26 local common bean landraces and cultivars was resistant to all four races; however, six genotypes reacted as moderately resistant. Considerably higher level of resistance was recorded among differential common bean cultivars, particularly those derived from the Mesoamerican germplasm. Introgression of some major anthracnose resistance genes from the Mesoamerican germplasm is therefore recommended to develop resistant common bean cultivars for our production system.