AUTHOR=De Ron Antonio M. , Bebeli Penelope J. , Negri Valeria , Vaz Patto Maria Carlota , Revilla Pedro 

TITLE=Warm Season Grain Legume Landraces From the South of Europe for Germplasm Conservation and Genetic Improvement

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Plant Science

VOLUME=9

YEAR=2018

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/plant-science/articles/10.3389/fpls.2018.01524

DOI=10.3389/fpls.2018.01524

ISSN=1664-462X

ABSTRACT=<p>Currently, there is a high concern from consumers regarding food quality, with emphasis on the origin of food sources. We here review the current situation of beans (<italic>Phaseolus</italic> spp.) and cowpea (<italic>Vigna unguiculata</italic> (L.) Walp.) landraces in the South of Europe focusing on morpho-agronomic and genetic diversity and physiological adaptation to the different agrosystems, including the symbiotic association with rhizobia. Despite the reduction in the production and consumption of grain legumes in Southern Europe, the variability of common bean, runner bean and cowpea landraces in this region is adequately preserved <italic>ex situ</italic> in germplasm banks and in breeder collections in Portugal, Spain, Italy and Greece; however, on-farm (<italic>in situ</italic>) conservation in isolated areas mainly in gardens and small fields for farmers own consumption and local markets is not guaranteed. This variability can be used for the genetic improvement of varieties, which will result in environmental-friendly improved legumes for a sustainable production in the South of Europe as well as in other regions of the World.</p>