Morpho-Agronomic Variation among Phaseolus vulgaris Landraces: A Review

Abstract

Phaseolus vulgaris L. of the family Fabaceae is widely grown for essential nutrients in its edible leaves, immature pods, and mature seeds. Landraces are local crops with wide morphological and genetic diversity. Morpho-agronomically, P. v u l g a r i s landraces vary exceptionally in their vegetative and reproductive traits. These landraces vary in their germination rate and final percentage. Their growth form varies from bushy to vining type. Flowers range in their time to flowering, color, and size. Pods also vary widely in their time to pod formation; pod size, color, and shape; number of pods per plant; and time to pod maturity. Seeds also vary in their size, shape, color, and mass, as well as their number per pod and per plant. These landraces also vary in their resistance to pests and diseases from seed germination, plant growth and yield, and seed storage duration. A review on variation among P. v u l g a r i s landraces forms basis for their future breeding as they are a good source of genetic diversity. This enables a possible selection for leaf, pod, and seed consumption, as well as resistance toward pests and diseases during the entire growth.