Evaluation of Phaseolus and Vigna species in the Mediterranean climate: a morphological and chemical analysis

Abstract Understanding the adaptability and nutritional potential of cultivated bean species to specific climates is essential for sustainable agriculture and food security. This study investigates the performance of African bean landraces (including Phaseolus coccineus , Phaseolus lunatus , Phaseolus vulgaris , and Vigna unguiculata ) in Mediterranean climates through detailed morphological and mineral content analyses. Using internationally defined descriptors, our assessment of morphological characters revealed significant variability among accessions, with production yields indicating acceptable adaptability. For instance, the Phaseolus spp. accessions PL12ST and PL17ST, and the Vigna unguiculata accessions VU07BE and VU18MP, exhibited the highest seed production yield and seed size, efficiently converting vegetative growth into reproductive growth. The coefficient of variation (CV) values for morphological traits, which are crucial for selecting and developing cultivars to enhance agronomic performance, ranged significantly. Mineral profile analysis highlighted significant differences among accessions, with PV21SO and VU06MO displaying higher mineral contents. Furthermore, a comparison with sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)-grown accessions revealed that mineral contents were generally higher in SSA-grown samples. Hence, this study offers valuable insights into the adaptability of these crops to the Mediterranean climate, which can enhance productivity through targeted breeding programmes to improve yield potential and nutritional value.