Possibilities tor the genetic improvement of Phaseolus beans in the UK

Abstract

Green beans are an important crop for the UK processing industry and for the fresh farm market, and there is a small but rapidly expanding UK area of dry or navy beans. The requirements for genetic improvement include better stability and predictability of farm yields, and better appearance and taste to the consumer. There is scope for improved disease resistance, especially in runner beans. Perhaps the most urgent problem is improved adaptation of the navy bean.