Physiological mechanisms and adaptation strategies in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) under P deficiency

Abstract

Common bean is an excellent protein and mineral source for human consumption. Likewise, this legume, through symbiosis with rhizobia, incorporates atmospheric dinitrogen (N2) into the food chain. Unfortunately, these properties are seriously affected when common bean plants grow on soils with low phosphate levels. Hence, in order to design strategies to develop elite cultivars able to produce high quality seeds and efficiently fix N2 under phosphorus (P) deficiency, it is important to understand how common bean copes with this nutritional constraint. Over the two past decades, significant progress has been made in understanding the genetic and metabolic responses of common bean. In this chapter, we summarize and discuss recent advances in the understanding of the strategies that non-nodulating and nodulating common bean use to cope with P deficiency. We also discuss future directions and research priorities that may lead to a better understanding of the physiological and molecular adaptations that allow common bean to thrive under conditions of P deficiency.