Researchers Identify 30 Climate-Proof, Temperature-Resilient Beans

Researchers have identified 30 new climate-proof, temperature-resilient beans that could help sustain a vital source of protein for millions of people around the world.

According to projections, half of the countries' bean production will be lost by 2050 if farmers do not have access to the new variety of bean.

Researchers at International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) dug into the seed repository and identified around 30 varieties of beans that revealed some ability to produce seeds in spite of toasty night temperatures. Usually beans are not grown in environments where the night temperature is above 18C (64F) or 19C. However the identified beans can survive increasing temperatures and might even expand the area where beans can be grown.

"We looked for varieties that were able to set pods and produce seeds in those conditions. We selected about 30 materials that were promising. That meant it was about 3% of our material that was of any interest at all," said Steve Beebe - a senior bean researcher at the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT).

"When we looked at what we had selected, the vast majority went back to the crosses that we had made 12-15 years ago."

"The grain type is very unusual, it is very small - only about half the size you are probably accustomed to. The plant type is not agronomically acceptable because it is very low growing and spreads," he said.

"But it has some very interest traits of heat tolerance and drought tolerance," Beebe added.

The beans, nicknamed heat-beaters, could help maintain a valuable source of protein and iron for almost half a billion people as the world warms, if researchers are able to get seeds to farmers, noted BBC.