Assessment of the Origin and Diversity of Croatian Common Bean Germplasm Using Phaseolin Type, SSR and SNP Markers and Morphological Traits

Factors Influencing the Emergence of Heterogeneous Populations of Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and Their Potential for Intercropping

The common bean is an important legume valued for its protein-rich seeds and its ability to fix nitrogen, making it a key element of crop rotation. In conventional agriculture, the emphasis is on uniformity and genetic purity to optimize crop performance and maximize yields. This is due to both the legal obligations to register varieties and the challenges of implementing breeding programs to create genetically diverse varieties. This paper focuses on the factors that influence the occurrence of heterogeneous common bean populations. The main factors contributing to this diversity have been described, including local adaptations, variable weather conditions, different pollinator species, and intricate interactions between genes controlling seed coat colour. We also discuss the benefits of intercropping common beans for organic farming systems, highlighting the improvement in resistance to diseases, and adverse environmental conditions. This paper contributes to a better understanding of common bean seed heterogeneity and the legal obligation to use heterogeneous populations.

A Multi-Level Approach as a Powerful Tool to Identify and Characterize Some Italian Autochthonous Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Landraces under a Changing Environment

A prime role in matters of agrobiodiversity is held by landraces, which serve as a repository gene pool able to meet sustainable development goals and to face the ongoing challenges of climate change. However, many landraces are currently endangered due to environmental and socio-economic changes. Thus, effective characterization activities and conservation strategies should be undertaken to prevent their genetic and cultural erosion. In the current study, the morphological, genetic, and biochemical analyses were integrated with stress response-related studies to characterize the diversity of seven Italian autochthonous common bean landraces. The results showed that the morphological descriptors and the neutral molecular markers represent powerful tools to identify and distinguish diversity among landrace populations, but they cannot correlate with the stress tolerance pattern of genetically similar populations. The study also supported the use of proline as a biochemical marker to screen the most salt-sensitive bean landraces. Thus, to fully elucidate the future dynamics of agrobiodiversity and to establish the basis for safeguarding them while promoting their utilization, a multi-level approach should always be included in any local and national program for the characterization/conservation/use of genetic resources. This study should represent the basis for further joint research that effectively contributes to set/achieve Italian priorities towards sustainability in the framework of emerging environmental, societal, and economic challenges.

Analysis of genetic diversity among common bean germplasm by start codon targeted (SCoT) markers

BACKGROUND

Breeding strategies to improve modern varieties having high yield, high nutritional value and resistance to biotic and abiotic stress, etc. is very important to make up for the food deficiencies. Molecular studies as a tool in breeding programs for the characterization of germplasm have been performed with several DNA marker systems.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In the present study, the genetic diversity of 53 common bean landraces and 22 registered varieties from Turkey, and 12 genotypes from USDA was investigated using start codon targeted (SCoT) markers for the first time worldwide. The 8 primers having stronger and more polymorphic bands were used for PCR amplification.

RESULTS

The mean polymorphic band of all primers was found as 13.13. The average of polymorphic information content and resolving power values was 0.34 and 7.55, respectively. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) explored the existence of higher genetic diversity within populations accounting for 92% compared to among populations variations. According to cluster analysis (UPGMA) and genetic structure based on SCoT data, accessions were separated into Andean (PopA) and Mesoamerican PopB) gene pools. Moreover, accessions were mostly placed in the same groups/subgroups according to their geographical origin.

CONCLUSIONS

A high level of genetic diversity was observed between the investigated accessions in this work. The findings will help to plant breeders to characterize common bean accessions.