Description:
Kona, tested as MSU black bean breeding line B20536, was developed from the cross between two MSU black bean breeding lines B15430/B16504. MSU breeding line B15430 was a black bean derived from the cross: Zenith/B12721 made to combine black color retention after canning with excellent plant architecture and yield potential. It exhibited an upright plant habit, good yield performance and efficient dry down. B16504 was derived from the cross Zenith//Alpena*/B09197 intended to combine the exceptional color retention of Zenith with additional anthracnose [caused by Colletotrichum lindemuthianum (Sacc. et Magnus) Lams.-Scrib] resistance conferred by the Co-42 gene. The final selection, B20536 did not inherit the resistance gene as indicated by a susceptible reaction when screened with race 73. The purpose of the final cross was to combine the desirable agronomic traits and good color retention of the female parent with exceptional yield potential of B16504.