The ABCs of bean breeding
Channel: GCProgramme
Date: 10/01/2013

In the 3rd and final episode of our bean research video series, the 'bean brigade' gives us our marching orders back to the Legume Academy to learn the basics of beans in the 'ABCs of bean breeding'. This master class highlights how research activities and impacts from GCP's Tropical Legumes I (TLI) project are combatting the two big 'Ds' of breeding: drought and disease.

The 'A' takes us Across continents as we meet the global team, 'B' brings home the importance of beans on the world food stage, whilst 'C' lists a cornucopia of characteristics including cooperation, communication, collaboration and capacity building -- all present and correct in this prime project. 

The class conclusion rounds up lessons learnt over the years of this international initiative, whilst showcasing imminent impacts and those already present. The assignment from this lesson is how to have direct impacts in farmers' fields in the seasons to come, through increased adoption of improved varieties developed through this project.

Beans: Sidestepping variety...to create varieties to combat drought, disease and pests: http://blog.generationcp.org/2012/10/30/beans-sidestepping-variety-to-create-varieties-to-combat-drought-disease-and-pests/

A bout with drought and disease: Beans that beat the heat and odds in Zimbabwe: http://blog.generationcp.org/2013/02/28/a-bout-with-drought-and-disease-beans-that-beat-the-heat-and-odds-in-zimbabwe/

Facts and figures on beans: https://www.integratedbreeding.net/bean-facts-figures
Join the bean research community: https://www.integratedbreeding.net/community/beans