International Lima Bean Network: from the origin of the species to modern plant breeding

Lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus L.) is the second most important domesticated species of Phaseolus in the world and it could be a valuable alternative resource for food security and quality. Worldwide, and in Latin America especially, Lima bean may also contribute to sustainability in the face of climate change. Currently, many experts on conservation, domestication, genetic improvement, and plant-rhizosphere relationships of Lima bean have been working alone or in small groups. This situation has limited the progress and reach of their research and demonstrated the need to connect Lima bean researchers worldwide. To increase collaboration between experts in the study of Lima bean, we present the International Lima Bean Network (ILBN). The main objectives of ILBN are to deepen the knowledge on this species and to promote its use around the world. The success of ILBN will depend on the collaboration of the international scientific community interested in the study of Lima bean. Therefore, we are inviting people from different sectors of society (researchers, producers, companies, NGOs, governments) to participate in this initiative. To learn more, you can visit https://www.cicy.mx/sitios/red-internacional-frijol-lima