Progressing the breeding of phaseolus bean
Legume Generation Report 13 outlines progress in strengthening European breeding of phaseolus beans, including common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) and runner bean (P. coccineus). The aim is to make these crops more competitive, resilient and attractive for food markets through coordinated breeder-led innovation. Legume Generation report 13 describes the progress that has been made in the first 24 months of the project.
The Bean Innovation Community brings together 20 partners running 11 breeding and 13 pre-breeding programmes across Europe. Work covers snap and dry beans, bush and pole types, and intercropping systems. Two diversity panels combining breeding material and genetic resources were created to capture useful variation. First crosses for a multi-parental breeding population were completed, and single-seed descent lines from interspecific crosses between common and runner bean were advanced. Precision breeding has also been applied to introduce potyvirus resistance into local cultivars. Existing resources from earlier projects are being integrated to speed trait discovery and cultivar development.
By 2028, results should be transferred directly to breeders for practical use, while scientific outputs continue to support further innovation. The community should define new strategic research priorities and exploit niche markets, especially for dry bush beans, to improve Europe’s competitiveness. Continued cooperation, regular exchange and new joint projects will be essential. By 2033, the network should evolve beyond project structures into a durable European platform that preserves knowledge, supports breeders and drives further crop improvement. Conferences, workshops and shared breeding initiatives are recommended to maintain momentum and collaboration.
Legume Generation - Boosting innovation in breeding for the next generation of legume crops for Europe
Ongoing | 2023-2028
- Main funding source
- Horizon Europe (EU Research and Innovation Programme)
- Geographical location
- Germany, Austria, Spain, Italy, Greece, Bulgaria, Czechia, Netherlands, France, United Kingdom, New Zealand