A research group from the Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV) has assessed the impacts of climatic conditions on local and commercial varieties of beans (garrofón (P. lunatus), Phaseolus vulgaris), and green beans (Vigna unguiculata). These have been sown conventionally under hot or cold conditions.
Image Credit: Valencia Polytechnic University.
The team belongs to the Instituto Universitario de Conservación y Mejora de la Agrodiversidad Valenciana (COMAV), and the Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja (Ecuador).
By subjecting these varieties of beans to different temperatures, the scientists have assessed the impact of the climate change effects on crucial parameters of these varieties, like their reproduction, morphology, phenology, and production.
Hence, the researchers have detected a few very sensitive types to changes in their conditions of origin. Others tend to perform better with the rise in temperature, and the remaining are highly flexible to any change.
During the research, we have identified the most fragile varieties in the face of the effects of climate change, which is why it is a priority to preserve them.
Mario X. Ruiz, COMAV Researcher, Universitat Politècnica de València
Therefore, this study displays that few bean varieties function better at higher temperatures, thereby making them an outstanding alternative to replace less productive types as a result of climate change.
One local variety has even proved to be highly resistant compared to the commercial variety that has been utilized as a control. Green beans (bachoqueta), which have been sourced from Africa, resisted comparatively well to temperature increase, similar to locust beans.
Furthermore, the study stresses the significance of taking the ecological and environmental background into account from which the varieties under the study originated. Briefly, the outcomes obtained have an instant application in the conservation of agrobiodiversity by disclosing which varieties are highly sensitive to the effects of climate change and which must be conserved as a preference.
Moreover, it stresses the significance of encouraging the resilience of food sovereignty in the face of environmental difficulties, as determining those varieties best adapted to the new conditions will enable crops to be locally implemented.
In plant breeding, the identification of traits majorly impacted by the environment will allow crop improvement, as this study not only aids to promote adaptation to climate change but also other disasters like the COVID-19 pandemic. This has resulted in a shortage in the supply of commercial seeds in growing communities.
The pandemic has produced a shortage of commercial seeds in developing communities. Thanks to our research, we can find the best alternatives to maintain production locally.
Mario X. Ruiz, COMAV Researcher, Universitat Politècnica de València
Journal Reference:
Acosta-Quezada, P.G., et al. (2022) Heterogeneous effects of climatic conditions on Andean bean landraces and cowpeas highlight alternatives for crop management and conservation. Scientific Reports. doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-10277-x.