Farmers’ participatory selection of lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus L.) landraces in northeastern brazil

Abstract The lima bean ( Phaseolus lunatus L.) is a nutritionally important legume with significant cultural and socioeconomic value in Brazil, particularly for smallholder farmers in the northeastern region. Despite its potential, it remains underutilized. In this study, participatory plant breeding (PPB) to identify and select lima bean landraces with high adaptability and market potential in the Várzea Grande and Tianguá municipalities of Brazil. Thirty farmers participated in field trials and participatory selection workshops in which landraces were evaluated for agronomic traits, seed quality, and market-relevant characteristics. Semi-structured interviews provided insights into traditional knowledge, cultivation practices, and the criteria used for cultivar selection. Farmers cultivated small plots, often under one hectare, maintaining up to three landraces for over 10 years, with Boca de Moça predominating in Várzea Grande and white-seeded cultivars in Tianguá. Prioritized traits included pest and disease resistance, productivity, and market acceptance. Analysis of the ranking matrix identified nine landraces as the most suitable, with BGP-UFPI 797, 1331, and 1242 performing the best across multiple traits. These results highlighted the role of farmers, especially women, in conserving genetic diversity and integrating traditional knowledge into breeding. PPB facilitates the selection of genotypes that combine productivity, resilience, and market appeal, supporting the conservation of agrobiodiversity and the sustainability of family farming. These findings demonstrate the potential of participatory approaches in enhancing underutilized crops, strengthening rural livelihoods, and promoting food security.