Phaseolus beans, a staple food in Burundi

Abstract

This paper reviews the cultivation of beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), the most important food crop in Burundi. The principal areas of cultivation are indicated. Data are included on climate, annual production and cultivation area, cultural practices, utilization and varietal diversity. A review of the main pests and diseases is added. Taking into account all these considerations a strategy for bean research was established, giving the main emphasis on varietal selection, by establishing multilocation trials at different altitudes over several seasons. On the base of the results from the first series of muItilocation trials, two dwarf bean varieties were released : Kamara var. 1/2 for the 800-1200m altitude range, and Diacol Calima for altitudes between 1200 and 1900 m.