Cultivation

Plants such as the species known as Phaseolus, Vicia and Vigna are summarized with the term bean. The common bean, Phaseolus vulgaris, also called Fisole in Austria, is cultivated worldwide in temperate warm regions. In the field, the perpendicularly-growing bush bean is predominant; in gardens and greenhouses, the pole bean is predominant.

Species known as Vigna are native to Europe, Asia and Africa. Beside of the cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) a substitute of this species is the adzuki-bean.

The field beanthat belongs to the Vicia species is one of the oldest crops.

Utilization

Next to other legumes (lentils, peas, soybean), beans are important protein suppliers in many countries. The immature legumes and the leaves of the common bean are used as food:

• immature legumes are cooked/steamed as vegetable or lettuce
.
• processed as canned goods and frozen vegetable.
• from ripe seeds, soups and puree are prepared.
• the leaves are dried or steamed and used as seasoning.
• processing of the husks to medicine and tea.

Gene technology: Aims of research and development

Agronomic traits

Weed management

• herbicide tolerance

Disease resistance

• fungal resistance

• viral resistance

Adaptation to climate and localities

• heat resistance

Field trials with GM common beans

* Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) as well as Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris)