Diversity of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L., Fabaceae) landraces in parts of southern and eastern Ethiopia

Abstract

The study identified the status of landrace (farmers’ variety) diversity of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in a participatory field research conducted in selected zones south eastern Ethiopia. Data were collected by interviewing common bean growers, direct field observations and ethno botanical information retrieval. Germplasm accessions (169) and voucher specimens (39) of common bean were collected at locations ranging from 1500–2500m a.s.l. These were sorted into 133(78.7%) landraces and 36(21.3%) introduced improved varieties. The highest diversity (2.34) of landraces (12) was found in Agarfa the lowest (0.67) at Boloso Sore where only two landraces dominated the fields. The dominant landraces were ADI TIKKO, DIMA, BORA, DUME, WAJJO, ZOOLOKOMA and BUSHA Yin West Hararge, Bale, Arsi, Sidama, Wolayita and Siltie, respectively. This dominance is associated with market and use values. Farmers need to be encouraged and supported by stakeholders to consciously monitor the conservation of common bean landraces for all their worth, which include use values, agro ecological intensification, income generation potential, role in breeding and other domestic purposes. In addition to this governmental and non-governmental organizations should consider the conservation of common bean landraces under both in-situ and ex-situ strategies.