Agronomic performance and yield stability of the RNA interference-based Bean golden mosaic virus-resistant common bean

Abstract

Bean golden mosaic virus (BGMV) causes themain common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) viraldisease in Brazil, causing yield losses of 40 to100%. Effective resistance to BGMV has not beenidentified in common bean lines tested in Brazil.Therefore, Embrapa used a transgenic approachto develop effective resistance to BGMV (eventEmbrapa 5.1), using RNA interference and planttransformation through the biolistic method. Inthe present work, we evaluate the agronomicperformance and yield stability of 10 trans-genic BGMV-resistant common bean elite linesfrom the carioca market class in 31 field trialsconducted in Brazil from 2012 to 2014 to identifysuperior line suitable for release as a newcultivar. The results showed that the presence ofthe transgene did not cause any loss in yield andconferred greater yield stability in the transgenicelite lines because of the resistance to BGMV.The first commercial product developed with theBGMV resistance was selected, the line CNFCT16205 (cv. BRS FC401 RMD), which is also thefirst genetically modified common bean cultivardeveloped in the world. The line exhibited highyield potential and stability, standard commer-cial seeds, a normal growing cycle (85–94 d),and effective resistance to BGMV. In addition,it has moderate resistance to anthracnose.However, it is susceptible to Cowpea mild mottlevirus (CPMMV). BRS FC401 RMD can contributeto the sustainability of the common bean crop inBrazilian agriculture sector, and to the stabilityin the supply and price of common bean in thedomestic market.