Bean Rust Project

Bean Rust Project - Alliance Bioversity International and CIAT

Through a collaboration with National Institute of Agriculture and Biotechnology (NIAB) and partners, the Bean Rust project facilitates the production of a panel of single pustule bean rust (Uromyces appendiculatus) isolates for conducting research to support genetic improvement of common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) for resistance to rust in East Africa and beyond.

Project Name (full): Bean Rust Project  

Region, countries: 27 selected bean-growing districts among the six agroecological zones in Uganda

Funders: National Institute of Agriculture and Biotechnology (NIAB) through the Gray Foundation

Partners: National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO), National Institute of Agriculture and Biotechnology (NIAB) and University of Embu

Brief description

This project assembles a bean rust isolates collection and characterizes pathotypes and the genetic diversity within the fungal isolates and elucidates the networks of host nucleotide binding, leucine-rich repeat (NLR) genes conferring resistance towards the pathogen. 

Key Achievements: 

  • 200 U. appendiculatus single pustule isolates (SPI) from different bean production areas across Ugandan sample collections obtained and shipped to NIAB in two trenches

  • 500 - 1kg of seed for the differential set of P. vulgaris lines for pathotyping U. appendiculatus, multiplied and shipped to NIAB by the project endline

Bean seedlings inoculated with rust sample per tray Bean seedlings inoculated with rust sample per tray.

One of the samples from Budaka district.

One of the samples from Sironko district.

Key activities

  • To contribute to preparing 200 U. appendiculatus single pustule isolates (SPI) from different bean production areas across Uganda, a collection prepared by project partner at NaCRRI-NARO as well as shipping them to NIAB
  • Extensive seed multiplication of the differential set of P. vulgaris lines to be used for pathotyping U. appendiculatus, as well as shipping them to NIAB  

Project Leaders

Other project members: 

Project members