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A backcross breeding program between commercial common bean cultivars (VC3 and M20) and sources of resistance (Ex-Rico 23 and G122) was conducted with a view toward selecting carioca (beige with brown stripes) progenies resistant to white mold. Forty-eight progenies (27 F2:6 BC1 and 21 F1:5 BC2) were evaluated for yield, growth habit, grain type and pathogen response by two methodologies for assessment ("straw test" and "oxalic acid"). The methods were effective in discriminating the progenies, showing differing results, for they may assess different resistance mechanisms. Thus, they should be used together. Simultaneous selection for yield, growth habit, grain type and white mold resistance proved to be viable. The most appropriate strategy was to use lower intensities of selection and prioritize traits such as resistance and grain type, which are essential for commercial acceptance. Two progenies proved their superiority for the breeding program for they combine the traits of resistance and favorable grain type.