Better beans: using cultivated biodiversity in breeding for improved water economy and drought tolerance of common bean cultivars in Rwanda

Water is a fundamental and often limiting resource for plant growth.

Improving crop yields under dry conditions will be crucial for food security as dry environments and seasons become even drier with climate change. Different species and cultivars show a large variation in water economy and drought tolerance. Our current understanding of the underlying genetic variation is limited.

Traditionally, selection for higher yields have often resulted in increased water use and poor stress tolerance.

However, recent breeding efforts demonstrate that water economy and drought resistance can be improved without adverse effects on yield.

We will study the variation in traits related water use and drought tolerance among local Rwandan cultivars of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) and identify underlying genetic components. This information will be used to introgress traits for improved drought resistance into high-yielding bean cultivars.

We will use a combination of field experiments in Rwanda and molecular genetic methods to study a wide range of traits related to drought resistance. Bean is the main source of protein in Rwanda. Higher yields in dry periods would significantly improve the food security of local farmers.

The project is carried out in collaboration with the University of Rwanda and Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board, ensuring capacity building in modern crop breeding.