Coping with Drought: Strategies to Improve Genetic Adaptation of Common bean to Drought-Prone Regions of Africa

Abstract

Screening bean (Phaseo/us vulgaris) genotypes for drougltt resistance dates 10 1980s in lhe regional bean networks from sub-Saharan Afriea (SSA) However, no much progress has been made by scientists in identifying drougltt resistant be.n geootypes In May 1999, regional scientist.from Eastem and Central Africa Bean Researeh Network (ECABREN) initiated a working group 00 drougltt ca11ed 'Bean Improvement for Water De/leit in Afrea' (BIW ADA) which has becn operating across bean networks working groups, The BIW ADA group had difficully in starting its activities.During several tield visits lO some member eountries in the region, it was observed tha! there was lacle of standardized protoco! for screemng bean genolypes lo drougltl resistanee Certain parameter.tha! were used for assessing germpla.m lo drought resistanc.had no direct correlation with drought, This book demonstrates an important tool to develop drought resistant genolypes and covers different aspec!S including metbodo!ogies in breeding fer drought resistance, how to develop protocols for drough!resistance; indieators of drought resistance; and methodo!ogies for deterrnining indieaters of drougltt resistance. 1 am convineed that Ibis precious document will be used no!only by be.n scienti.t., but also by sclentists working on various erops; hey could adapt breeding and screening methodologies to tber respective erops.1 wish to thank Dr. Tilahun Amede who accepted the responsibilily of coordinating the BIW ADA meetng, and the African Highlands Initiativo for makng him avai!able.He also spent his efforts and time to have Ibis documenl published for use by regional seienls!s,Le! me also hank Ihe network plan!physiologists, breeders., and agronomists, for their fuI!eommitmen!to work