Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Bean anthracnose, caused by the seed-borne fungus Colletotrichum lindemuthianum, is a destructive disease of French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.).
Developing and growing resistant crop varieties is the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly method to control this disease.
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
Let us evaluate the characteristics of the French bean varieties listed:
- Tweed Wonder (D): This is a classical, widely recognized commercial variety of French bean.
It is highly valued by breeders for its genetic resistance to bean anthracnose.
Using this variety prevents the red-brown, sunken lesions on pods and stems that are typical of anthracnose infections.
- Let us analyze the other options:
- Kentucky Wonder (A): An old, popular climbing pole-bean variety known for its excellent yield and flavor, but it is highly susceptible to anthracnose.
- Contender (B): A popular bush-type French bean variety.
While it is resistant to Bean Common Mosaic Virus (BCMV) and powdery mildew, it does not possess specific resistance to anthracnose.
- Pusa Fiona (C): A modern bush-type selection developed in India, valued for its quality but not primarily classified as an anthracnose-resistant standard.
Therefore, Tweed Wonder is the variety specifically known for its resistance to anthracnose.
Step 4: Final Answer:
The anthracnose-resistant variety of French bean is Tweed Wonder, matching Option (D).