Peer review

Lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus L.) is a crop of notable agricultural importance. However, its production is severely affected by anthracnose, a disease caused by the fungus Colletotrichum truncatum. This study aimed to investigate the genetic inheritance of anthracnose resistance in lima beans to support breeding efforts. Segregating populations (F1 and F2) derived from crosses between resistant and susceptible genotypes were used. All plants with their first pair of developed leaves were inoculated with a conidia suspension of the CT4 isolate of C. truncatum (106 conidia/mL) to study their inheritance. Phenotypic data were collected and analysed to identify inheritance patterns and resistance loci. According to the chi-square (χ2) test, the segregating ratio of 1:0 (resistant:susceptible) was accepted for the F1 generation, and the ratio of 3:1 (resistant:susceptible) was accepted in the F2 generation. These results indicate that resistance to C. truncatum in lima beans is conditioned by a single gene, showing evidence of dominant monogenic inheritance. The results offer pathways to develop resistant cultivars, improving crop productivity and sustainability.

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