In this project, we evaluated factors impacting productivity and product value in grain legume crops in semi-arid organic farms. Specifically, we focused on 1) characterization of yield and other agronomic traits in diverse grain legume crops grown in semi-arid organic environments, 2) selection of breeding materials based on yield and other characteristics in these same environments, and 3) understanding the genetics of unique seed types that provide a high value to organic farmers. To this end, we evaluated a total of 72 varieties or breeding lines representing four species at each of two locations in the interior of California. Our results show that tepary beans (Phaseolus acutifolius) vastly outyielding common beans (P. vulgaris) in these environments, while the one trialed lima bean (P. lunatus) was intermediate between these species in yield.

Significant differences existed in yield between breeding lines, informing selection by growers and breeders. Our genetic results identified at least 11 previously unidentified mutations across five genes, leading to a broad array of seed colors found in legumes. Comparisons between different varieties show that the same genes have been repeatedly selected for seed type diversity between species and between diverse varieties within species. This understanding will be useful for breeders working to maximize market value. This funding helped the project team continue to advance breeding work to maximize crop productivity and product value for organic farmers in arid conditions. It also enabled the distribution of seeds and knowledge regarding the promising lines at events such as the California Organic Seed Summit and a booth at UC Davis’s Picnic Day.