Production and assortment of dry beans in Serbia

Dry beans belong to pulses, species from Fabaceae family. Its dry grain is used in human nutrition. It is valued as traditional and modern food and medicine, protein source, and high-energy concentrated food. It is an important crop in agricultural production and international trade of many countries, economically viable and good preceding crop. Dry beans are considered the national dish of all people from Balkans, and it is inviolable in Serbia. Crossing of important trade routes, land and climate, turbulent history, which caused frequent population migrations, led to a great divergence of bean germplasm in our area. Domestic bean populations are exceptional genetic potential for breeding of new varieties that could give satisfactory results in these environmental conditions, with the application of appropriate cultivation technology. Areas under beans in Serbia are declining. Due to short vegetation and other biological traits, bean is very intensive and sensitive crop. This is emphasized by exceptional sensitivity to polyphagous insects, as well as the presence numerous pathogens. Low average yield is affected by weather, primarily high temperatures and drought. Yields could be increased by correct and timely application of modern agronomic knowledge, irrigated cultivation, in a joint crop or by sowing as second crop.