Improvement of the nitrogen fixation potential of common bean for Latin America
Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is one of the most important grain legume crops in Latin America. Beans are a component of the traditional diet and an important source of protein; however, limited availability allows only about one-half of the desiderable per capita consumption. Often beans are produced in areas with infertile soils. Nitrogen and phosphorous are especially low, and where fertilizer is too expensive or in limited supply, this contributes to low yields. Increasing the N2-fixation ability of improved cultivars to satisfy the nitrogen requirements provides an attractive method for increasing productivity, particularly when combined with desease resistance and stress tolerance. Measurements of N2-fixed and various parameters of N2-fixation have indicated that there is a substancial genetic variability among cultivated germplasm, and suggest that improvement through selection is possible. The application of indirect measurements of N2-fixation will continue to be important for breeding programs in Latin America. Direct measurements of N2-fixation by 15N-isotope techniques are useful to estimate the level of improvement, and to develop improved selection criteria for the indirect estimation of N2-fixation. However, isotope methods are too expensive to be used in small breeding programs. The inbred backcross line method of population development has proved to be very efficient in introducing high N2-fixation potential from exotic germplasm into desirable commercial bean types. It is recommended as a breeding method for the development of superior cultivars which are readily accepted by farmers and consumers
| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | biblioteca |
| Published: |
San José (Costa Rica)
1985
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| Subjects: | FRIJOL (PHASEOLUS), FIJACION DEL NITROGENO, FITOMEJORAMIENTO, FERTILIDAD DEL SUELO, AMERICA LATINA, |
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