Contributions of the Bean Research Program in Central America and the Caribbean

Abstract

The Bean Research Program (PIF, acronyms in Spanish) is a regional program focused on the genetic improvement of common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), with an emphasis in the generation and dissemination of improved varieties from the small red and black bean commercial classes. Its regional focus includes the countries of Central America and the Caribbean where these two grain bean classes are grown. The clients of the PIF are mainly small bean producers and public and private organizations involved in the development and transfer of technologies of this basic crop. The emphasis on genetic improvement of this program is on disease resistance and tolerance to drought, low soil fertility and high temperatures. The genetic improvement is done by using conventional breeding techniques, participatory plant breeding, marker assisted selection and regional evaluation and validation through the program members of the Bean Regional Network. The PIF and collaborators have released more than 40 improved bean cultivars which are extensively used by small farmers in Central America and Haiti, representing a significant impact in food security and quality of life for the families of the beneficiaries. The PIF´s collaborators includes national programs, non-governmental organizations, the International Center for Tropical Agriculture, the Bean/Cowpea CRSP and Dry Grain Pulses CRSP programs, and the Participatory Plant Breeding Collaborative Program for Mesoamerica.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/ceiba.v52i1.967