Genetic Innovation
Crop diversification and lowering inputs are major drivers for sustainable agricultural policy. Pulse crops could be an answer. They are important in arable rotations fixing enough atmospheric nitrogen for themselves and contributing a surplus to succeeding crops, and so require minimal inputs while acting as a very effective break crop in a cereal dominated rotation. This is of economic benefit to the grower and also benefits the environment as nitrogen fertiliser contributes 9% of Europe’s greenhouse gas emissions through the release of nitrogen compounds from the soil, e.g. N2O, NOx and NO3 leaching.
Pulses are also being seen as an important, home-grown protein source for human and livestock nutrition, particularly addressing concerns over an impending shortfall in protein for animal feed across Europe.
Runner Beans (Phaseolus coccineus)
Supplier: Tozer Seeds Ltd
The new generations of runner beans are benefiting from cross pollination with French beans (Phaseolus vulgaris). Pod set has been improved even under challenging growing conditions such as warm nights and dry soils, as have the pod eating qualities with fleshier, smoother pods that have a better ‘crunch’ texture and little fibre or ‘string’, but still retain the traditional runner bean flavour.
- Tenderstar
- Moonlight
- White Emergo
- Aintree
- Firestorm
Phaseolus Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris)
Phaseolus, or the common bean, is grown worldwide for human consumption. There are many different types and varieties. NIAB Innovation Farm is demonstrating
Flageolet vert
Originally selected from a mutant white seeded bean the green colour is maintained because it has lost an enzyme that usually destroys chlorophyll at maturity.
- Gogo
- Envy
Coscorron
Originally selected from a mutant white seeded bean the green colour is maintained because it has lost an enzyme that usuallydestroys chlorophyll at maturity.
- Victor
Quasi-commercial market classes.
These are lines that show commercial promise or are sold in niche markets.
- Dordogne
- Horsehead
- Stop
- Prim
- Generatfi
Soya Beans (Glycine max)
Partner: Soya UK
Globally, soya bean accounts for by far the biggest oilseed crop area, and has the largest share of both oil and meal markets. The meal has considerable value as a protein source for animal feeds and can have an impact on the prices of rapeseed, oil and meal. Soya beans contain significant amounts of all the essential amino acids and are a good source of protein. The worldwide demand, and price, for soya has increased steadily over recent years with demand from China and South East Asia, biofuel use, and increasing demand for GM-free soya.
- Vilshanka
- Elena
