International Lima Bean Network: from the origin of the species to modern plant breeding

Abstract

Lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus L.) is the second most important domesticated species of Phaseolus in the world and could represent a precious alternative for food security and quality, as well as play a major role for sustainability in the face of climate change in Latin America and worldwide. Currently, many experts on conservation, domestication, genetic improvement, and plant-rhizosphere relationship of Lima bean have been working alone or in small groups. This situation has limited obtaining a greater bene t from their research and strongly prompts the study of the Lima bean worldwide. To increase the collaboration between experts in the study of the Lima bean, we present the Lima Bean International Network (LBIN). The main objectives of LBIN are to deepen the knowledge on this species and to promote its use worldwide. The success of LBIN will depend on the collaboration of the international scienti c community interested in the study of Lima bean. Hence, we invite people from different sectors of society (researchers, producers, companies, NGOs, governments) to participate in this initiative. To get more information, you can visit https://www.cicy.mx/sitios/red-internacional-frijol-lima

Reactivating the Potential of Lima Bean (Phaseolus lunatus) for Enhancing Soil Quality and Sustainable Soil Ecosystem Stability

“…Incorporation of leguminous plants into agricultural systems offers a multifaceted approach to address these challenges, owing to their unique ability to enrich soil nitrogen content through symbiotic interactions with nitrogen-fixing bacteria. The lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus L.), is the second most important domesticated species of Phaseoulus globally and has significant potential as a valuable alternative resource for food security, quality, and sustainability in the face of climate change [21]. Its symbiotic relationship with rhizobia microorganisms offers an attractive strategy for soil fertility restoration, soil health and quality improvement, and sustainable agricultural practices [22].…”