Common Bean Improvement in the Twenty-First Century

The main theme of this volume deals with late-1990s advances in understanding the organization and use of diversity in Phaseolus species, integrated genetic improvement of the common dry bean (P. vulgaris, the world's most important pulse crop), and integrated management of abiotic and biotic production constraints. Combined use of the best of the conventional and modern genetics and breeding technologies and crop management practices for sustained production of this nutritious food are documented in this volume. The authors represent a worldwide team of bean researchers. They have prepared an account on most relevant topics and offer their insights into research directions for the twenty-first century.