ABSTRACT A previously unrecognized recessive resistance gene (or allele) was identified in three host group (HG) 3 common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) cvs. Olathe, Victor, and UI 37, based on genetic analysis of plants from five populations screened with the NL-3 K strain of Bean common mosaic necrosis virus (BCMNV). The gene (or allele) was associated with resistance to leaf stunting and deformity and reduction in plant height. The gene (or allele) provides similar, but slightly better resistance than the bc-1(2) gene that is characteristic of HG 3 cultivars. Traditional HG 3 cultivars like Redlands Greenleaf B with bc-1(2) are susceptible to NL-3 K, whereas this newly identified gene (or allele) conditions resistance to NL-3 K. Other slight variations in disease reaction pattern to a wide array of bean common mosaic (BCM)-inducing strains were noted among HG 3 differentials, indicating that additional resistance to BCM exists in common bean that remains to be exploited. To gauge the full breeding value of this newly identified gene (or allele), allelism tests with existing genes, namely bc-1(2), and further characterization of responses to all Bean common mosaic virus (BCMV) and BCMNV strains need to be conducted. Meanwhile, breeders should consider introgressing this more effective gene (or allele) into susceptible cultivars while plant pathologists continue to decipher the genetic variability present among HG 3 differential cultivars.