The Manteca Yellow Bean: A Genetic Resource of Fast Cooking and High Iron Bioavailability Phenotypes for the Next Generation of Andean Dry Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)
Authors: Wiesinger Jason , Cichy Karen , Tako Elad , Hart Jonathan , Glahn Raymond 
Published: June 2021

Dry beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) are a nutrient dense food produced globally as a major pulse crop for direct human consumption. Despite being rich in protein and micronutrients, long cooking times limit the use of dry beans worldwide, especially in regions relying on wood and charcoal as the primary sources of fuel for cooking, such as Sub‐Sahara Africa and the Caribbean. These same regions also have populations at risk for iron deficiency. There is need for a fast cooking bean, which can positively impact consumers by reducing fuel cost and preparation time. To help accelerate a reliable increase in dry bean production for Sub‐Saharan Africa, the Andean Bean Diversity Panel (ADP) was assembled as a genetic resource in the development of fast cooking, nutritional improved, biotic/abiotic resistant varieties (http://arsftfbean.uprm.edu/bean/). Six genotypes were identified as fast cooking (<25 min @ 100°C) from a germplasm screening for atmospheric cooking time of over 200 bean genotypes from the ADP. Three of these genotypes had a pale ‘Manteca’ yellow seed color (Entry name: Ervilha; Cebo Cela; Mantega, Kibala). Yellow beans of various shades are important in Eastern and Southern Africa. Their popularity has increased in recent years and they often fetch the highest prices at the marketplace. There is evidence to suggest that Manteca yellow beans have a unique nutritional profile when compared to other yellow seed types; with more soluble dietary fiber, less indigestible protein and starch and are free of condensed tannins. The hypothesis was tested that this unique composition would also have a positive influence on the bioavailability of iron in an in vitro digestion/Caco‐2 cell culture bioassay. A subset of 16 yellow bean genotypes entries selected from ADP that varied in color, appearance and cooking time (named the Yellow Bean Collection; YBC) were planted in a Randomized‐Complete‐Block Design with 2 field replicates at the Michigan State University, Montcalm Research Farm near Entrican, MI for 2 field seasons and evaluated 3 months after harvest for iron concentration and bioavailability (Figure 1). Significant variation (P < 0.0001) in iron bioavailability was measured in cooked/lyophilized/milled seed of the YBC, when expressed as the percentage of Caco‐2 cell ferritin formation (ng ferritin/mg total cell protein) relative to a high bioavailable Fe white navy bean (cv. Merlin) control with each assay (Table 1). Significantly greater Fe uptake was observed from the fast cooking Manteca yellow genotypes (17–23 min; 90 – 110% of control) when compared to slower cooking (38 – 48 min) Njano and Canary yellow genotypes (32 – 42% of control). These data suggest that genotypes within the Manteca yellow market class have enhanced nutritional quality (ie. more absorbable Fe) and fast cooking properties. Such traits can be promoted to increase bean consumption and improve Fe status of those who rely on beans as a major component of their diet.

Support or Funding Information

This research funded by USDA‐ARS.

Iron concentrations, iron bioavailability, phytate to iron molar ratios and cooking times among yellow genotypes of the Andean Diversity Panel.

Entry/Seed TypeParameter1
ErvilhaManteca
Uyole 98Yellow Brown
CanarioCanary
PI527538Njano

Iron (ppm)
74a
70b
79a
79a

Iron bioavailability (%)2
106a
62b
47b
32c

Phytate:iron ratio3
16a
15a
12b
14ab

Cooking time (min)
22d
35c
38b
48a

Values are presented as means of two field replicates per entry measured over 2 field seasons at Montcalm Research Farm, MI. Means sharing the same letter in each row are not significantly different at P ≤ 0.05.

To compare between field seasons in vitro iron bioavailability is expressed as the percentage of Caco‐2 cell ferritin formation (ng ferritin/mg total cell protein) relative to a navy bean control with each assay.

The molar ratio between concentrations of phytate and iron in lyophilized cooked whole seed (dry weight).