Local Landraces of Dry Beans (Phaseolus Vulgaris L.): A Valuable Resource for Organic Production in Greece

Microclimate and Genotype Impact on Nutritional and Antinutritional Quality of Locally Adapted Landraces of Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

“…Siddiq et al [ 3 ] identified protein levels between 20.93 and 23.62 g/100 g DW in small red beans, kidney, and cranberry dry beans. Similar protein concentrations in different dry bean landraces and varieties are also reported in other studies in Greece and elsewhere [ 20 , 23 , 25 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 ]. In addition to genetic factors, protein values are influenced by genotype–environment interactions and also cultivation practices, as shown by different reports [ 20 , 25 , 38 , 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 ].…”

“…In Greece and neighboring countries, dry bean local populations are still cultivated with traditional methods (e.g., harvesting by hands). Compared to commercial varieties, these populations are less productive and more variable but better adapted to the specific pedoclimatic conditions of these areas [ 20 , 25 ]. Such local populations constitute valuable genetic resources that could be commercially exploited following appropriate evaluation and selection.…”

“…This is a significant factor for organic agriculture as the objective is to use local varieties or populations characterized by high adaptability to low input system [ 26 ]. Organic farmers can profit from the genetic material’s physiological and qualitative characteristics adapted to local conditions with possible tolerance to diseases and weed competition [ 25 ]. Consumer preference for high-quality products with suitable physicochemical characteristics is also essential when selecting cultivars adapted to organic farming.…”

Towards the Development of a Smart Plant Protection Solution for Improved Pest Management of Dry Beans (<em>Phaseolus vulgaris </em>L.) in Northern Greece

“…Common bean production, P. vulgaris is one of the most important crop of the prefectures of Florina and Kastoria in Northern Greece [9]. The Prespa Lakes area particularly, has a long-term established tradition of dry bean cultivation in which the distinct microenvironmental conditions combined with the extensive genetic diversity have led to region-specific high-quality product [9,10].…”

“…Common bean production, P. vulgaris is one of the most important crop of the prefectures of Florina and Kastoria in Northern Greece [9]. The Prespa Lakes area particularly, has a long-term established tradition of dry bean cultivation in which the distinct microenvironmental conditions combined with the extensive genetic diversity have led to region-specific high-quality product [9,10]. Nevertheless, due to favorable microenvironmental conditions bean cultivation in Northern Greece suffers from the regular presence of arthropods pests including; the cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera, Thrips species, such as Frankliniella occidentalis and Thrips tabaci, as well as the two spotted mites Tetranychus urticae [11].…”