Project Summary
Given the fact that there is no commercial production of Otebo beans in Michigan the breeding program at MSU cannot justify the continuation of breeding efforts in this class. The breeding program does not plan to continue future breeding efforts in the Otebo class unless opportunities exist to market seed elsewhere. If the OBG does not fund this project Ontario growers will lose their main source of otebo bean genetic material.
Therefore, the Ontario Bean Growers (OBG) would like to harness the expertise and knowledge of Professor Jim Kelly from Michigan State University to breed upright Otebo bean types for improved yield, anthracnose resistance and better tolerance to white mold for Ontario farmers.