Abstract: A novel plant genotype characterized by the expression of a low pod detachment force in Phaseolus. The seed which carries the genetic code for this characteristic is capable of germinating into a plant having a mean pod detachment force (PDF) of about 0.51 kg or less when pods are at market maturity size. The plant is further characterized by an erect shape having pods clustered high in the bush, and easy detachability of the pedicel from the stem at nodes. The low PDF characteristic can be used to develop new low PDF varieties through hybridization with high PDF lines of Phaseolus.