A molecular marker tightly linked to P, a gene required for flower and seedcoat color in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), contains the Ty3-gypsy retrotransposon Tpv3g.

In common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), the expression of color in flower and seedcoat tissues requires the dominant allele of the P gene. The fully recessive p allele completely suppresses color expression in these tissues, whereas in specific genetic backgrounds, the p(gri) allele potentiates a grayish-white seedcoat and pale violet (nearly white) flowers with two violet dots on the banner petals.