Beat the heat

High disease resistance and tolerance to abiotic stress are becoming increasingly important in bean breeding

Legumes such as beans and peas are a particularly good source of plant-based protein. KWS sees enormous potential in the cultivation of these high quality vegetables, which are increasingly in demand as an alternative to animal based meat and milk products.

The cultivation of legumes also has a positive effect on soil fertility: The so-called legumes fix nitrogen in the form of biomass and help farmers to reduce mineral fertilization and the CO2 footprint of their farms.

Yield is a crucial factor when breeding legumes. And high disease resistance can indirectly increase yield: “That's why we develop resistances that increase the resistance level of our varieties to diseases and pests,” explains bean breeder Gerthon van de Bunt.

In the course of climate change, tolerance to heat and drought is also becoming increasingly important. As an open field crop, beans have to deal with different conditions: “Tolerance to abiotic stress is a decisive trait for yield conservation,” explains Gerthon van de Bunt.

With the “Beat the Heat” Magma Collection, KWS offers particularly heat-tolerant and high-performance varieties of green beans. Further information can be found here: The Magma Collection® – Pop Vriend Seeds

KWS Vegetables

With its entry into the growing vegetable seed market in 2019, KWS has added new crops to its portfolio, including spinach and beans. In the future, the focus will also be on tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, watermelons and melons – the five most important vegetable crops worldwide. Read more about KWS's development in the vegetable sector here: Vegetables – Products – KWS SAAT SE & Co. KGaA

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