“We are interested in tepary beans because they are very stress tolerant, unlike their cousin the common bean,” said Dr. Kirstin Bett (PhD), professor of plant breeding and genetics at USask and one of the senior authors of the study. By 2050, the major regions growing common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) the most important legume protein source for human consumption may be unsuitable and the overall nutritional quality of the crop will likely be reduced. “Tepary beans are an under-appreciated protein crop that are ideal for production in marginal environments due to their inherent tolerance of temperature stresses,” said Bett. The team sequenced the genome of the tepary bean (Phaseolus acutifolis A. Gray) to study how the legume adapts more effectively to fluctuating temperatures than its common bean cousin, and to combine traits of the two species into a more sustainable crop variety.
By Jim Smalley
Research led by the University of Saskatchewan and Michigan state University is looking at Tepary beans.
The high protein legume common to the southwest U.S. may hold the key to adapting bean crops for the harsh conditions brought on by a changing climate.
Researchers found that as the temperature rises to 27 degrees C at night, which devastates current bean crops, specific genes sensitive to heat stress in the tepary bean get activated, protecting the plant.
Professor of plant breeding and genetics at the U of S, Kirstin Bett, says the tepary bean is very stress tolerant.
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IMAGE: USask plant researcher Kirstin Bett (left) discusses beans and pulses with Crystal Chan, former project manager view more
Credit: Debra Marshall Photography
SASKATOON - Tepary beans a high protein legume common to the southwest United States and Mexico may hold the key to adapting bean crops for the increasingly harsh conditions brought on by a changing climate, according to research led by University of Saskatchewan (USask) and Michigan State University.
In a study just published in
Nature Communications, the researchers found that as the mercury rises to 27oC at night a temperature devastating for current bean crops specific genes sensitive to heat stress in the tepary bean get activated, protecting the plant.
“This major investment in USask research is indicative of the key role the university plays in growing Saskatchewan’s capacity as a world leader in the agricultural sector,” said USask Vice-President Research Karen Chad. “The adoption of new agricultural technologies and creation of competitive, value-added products has the potential for real-life benefits, including new jobs and increased economic prosperity for the province.” The ADF program is supported through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a five-year $388-million investment by the federal and provincial governments in initiatives for the sector in Saskatchewan. A total of $9.8 million was announced Jan. 12 for 39 agricultural research projects in the province and across the country. More than half were awarded to USask.
“This major investment in USask research is indicative of the key role the university plays in growing Saskatchewan’s capacity as a world leader in the agricultural sector,” said USask Vice-President Research Karen Chad. “The adoption of new agricultural technologies and creation of competitive, value-added products has the potential for real-life benefits, including new jobs and increased economic prosperity for the province.” The ADF program is supported through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a five-year $388-million investment by the federal and provincial governments in strategic initiatives for the sector in Saskatchewan. A total of $9.8 million was announced Jan. 12 for 39 agricultural research projects in the province and across the country, of which more than half were awarded to USask.