Performance of Mesoamerican bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) lines in an unfertilized oxisol

Introduction. Common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in Central America and the Caribbean are often produced on low fertility soils which reduces crop yield. Bean breeding programs need to identify genotypes that have superior adaptation these conditions. Objective. Identify Mesoamerican bean germplasm lines with soil fertility. Materials methods. The performance of twenty-seven from Abiotic Stress Evaluation (BASE) 120 panel were evaluated an unfertilized oxisol at Isabela, Puerto Rico over five growing seasons (four-year period 2015-2018). inoculated a mixture Rhizobium etli R. tropici promote symbiotic nitrogen fixation (SNF). Results. Four mean seed yields >1,200 kg ha-1 had estimates derived atmosphere (NDFA) >50 %. Greater nodule number was positively correlated % NDFA, later maturity heat drought tolerant small red cultivar ‘Rojo Chortí’ white ‘Verano’ among smallest apparent C isotope discrimination values suggesting greater water use efficiency. Among elite trial, root rot damage minimal basal growth angles intermediate (40-60 %), favored uptake nutrients. Conclusion. yield enhanced identified. Many also possess resistance other biotic abiotic factors limit Caribbean.