Phaseolus Germplasm Exploration

Abstract

A method for collecting Phaseolus germplasm is described. Emphasis is placed on the need to systematically collect germplasm from the whole genus (both wild and cultivated types) on a geographical basis. It is recommended that for cultivated species the collector should be aware of what material is already in collections and should make use of farmers' knowledge of local genotypes. For wild species it is suggested that a double scale grid collecting procedure should be used according to the variability found in that area.