Harnessing genetic diversity and modern breeding approach for climate-resilient common bean ( <i>Phaseolus vulgaris</i> L.): a critical review and future directions

Phaseolus vulgaris L., common bean. An essential global food security in developing nations because of its nutritional benefits and its capacity to increase soil fertility by fixing nitrogen. Nevertheless, its productivity is being threatened by climate change, which causes frequent drought, heat stress, and pest. Although there is pressure to develop climate-resilient varieties. However, traditional breeding techniques are not meeting the complex challenges posed by climate change. This review offers a critical assessment of why CB landraces with abundant genetic diversity are being underutilized and contemporary breeding methods, including genomic selection, genome-wide association studies, and gene editing, could increase resilience to environmental stress. Limited inclusion of landraces in breeding programs and a lack of multi-stress resistance in existing breeding strategies were identified as research gaps. The hypothesis is that combining traditional landrace diversity with advanced breeding technologies may result in more resilient types facing various climatic stresses. The review describes interdisciplinary solutions, such as participatory breeding and climate-sensitive farming techniques. The outcomes include genetic resources knowledge, breeding approaches, and molecular resources to achieve resilience in CB. Multi-trait resilience, cooperative breeding, and incorporation of sophisticated molecular equipment, in developing areas, were proposed to guarantee food and economic stability amid climate change.