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Understanding of the bean genomics through research and collaboration is essential in the development of bean breeding programs to produce new bean varieties which will benefit thousands of farmers and consumers.
The Bean:
- The common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) is a valuable part of the $33 billion agricultural sector of Ontario
- Beans are high in protein, fibre, and complex carbohydrates, as well as an excellent source of several vitamins, minerals and health-promoting nutraceuticals
The Challenge:
- Currently, there is a lack of genomic information available on the dry bean limiting the breeding and development strategies
The Research Solution:
- A multi-institutional partnership has been built that focuses on the development of new bean varieties and the completion of the entire bean’s genome sequence
- Through public and private sectors, as well as institutional support, over $11 million has been acquired to fund the advancement of the study on the common bean’s genome and bioproduct development
- The obtained sequence information will be used to develop several molecular markers for genes involved in enhancing the bean’s natural resistance to pathogens, improving the human health benefits through nutraceutical properties such as cancer fighting antioxidants, and increasing the applicability of the bean protein in bioproduct development
- Information gained from research will be used to accelerate the development of new bean varieties with the enhanced properties
For more information: www.beangenomics.ca.
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