Registration of ‘Yukon Gold’ yellow bean

Abstract

‘Yukon Gold’ (Reg. no. CV-363, PI 706256) yellow bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), developed by Michigan State University AgBioResearch was released in 2024 as an upright, determinate, bush type, mid-season cultivar with a bright yellow seedcoat. Yukon Gold was developed using the pedigree breeding method to F₄ generation followed by pure line selection for disease, agronomic, and quality traits. In 4 year of field trials, Yukon Gold yielded 3116 kg ha⁻¹, flowered in 43 days, and matured in 96 days on average. Plants averaged 38.9 cm in height, with a lodging resistance score of 1.8 and seed weight of 43.1 g 100 seed⁻¹. Yukon Gold is well adapted to growing conditions in Michigan and produces seeds with an intense yellow seedcoat color (highlighter color), which is brighter than others yellow bean cultivars. Yukon Gold is resistant to lodging and possesses a determinate upright growth habit with tolerance to white mold. Yukon Gold is resistant to Bean common mosaic virus, is susceptible to anthracnose race 7 and common bacterial blight. Yukon Gold cooks in 31 min and produces excellent seed color that exceeds industry standards for the yellow bean market class.