The utilization of tropical germplasm in U.S. bean improvement programs is not well documented. The USDA-ARS project in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, under the tutelage of Dr. Freytag made many significant contributions of enhanced tropical dry bean germplasm that was utilized as parents to improve architecture and disease resistance in temperate breeding programs, Results of these efforts included the development of the upright small seeded navy bean Mayflower, first upright pinto varieties Siena and greatnorthern Matterhorn, rust resistant B-190, L-226 and L-227 lines, and improved germplasm, possessing multiple disease resistance released by Miklas in later years. The Puerto Rican location provided an alternative selection site for broadening the adaptation of previously locally adapted Durango race beans.
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