Resistance of Common Bean Genotypes to the Broad Mite, Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks, 1904) (Acari: Tarsonemidae): Offspring Development and Biochemical Basis

The broad mite (BM) Polyphagotarsonemus latus is a pest of great prominence for several crops, including the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris). The objective of this study was to select resistant genotypes and to determine chemicals associated with resistance. In the first experiment, BM incidence was assessed for 36 genotypes in a greenhouse study. A group of 10 genotypes was selected according to the development of BM populations. Mite populations and phytometric and biochemical variables were then determined to study eventual differential genotypic responses to mite infestation. Lower numbers of mite mobile forms (larvae + adults) were found on Verdão, Negrão and Carioca Original genotypes. The magnitude of differences reached 5.4 times more BM in the IAC Alvorada than the Verdão genotype. Plant yields were reduced for the genotypes TAA Bola Cheia, IPR Sabiá, IPR Uirapuru, IAC Alvorada and Carioca Original when plants were infested with BM. The yields for LP 13833, BRS Esteio, Negrão 11, Verdão and MD 1133 were similar between infested and non-infested genotypes, indicating tolerance. Verdão and Negrão 11, besides the tolerance, exhibited low offspring development, indicating antibiosis and/or antixenosis. Higher phenolic compound levels were found in the Verdão genotype. Increased contents of catalase and peroxidase were detected for Negrão 11 genotype when infested with BM. This work allowed the detection of common bean genotypes that express resistance and tolerance to BM. These genotypes can be used in places with a history of BM infestation, or used in breeding programs to incorporate these characteristics in other genotypes.