Technology Development Workshop March 5-6, Celaya, Mexico

Background First workshop between Mexico and Canada to discuss current/future collaborative research in beans INIFAP, AAFC, Mexican and Canadian Universities

Background Topics: genetic improvement, biotechnology, functional foods/ nutraceuticals INIFAP project list reviewed Focus: science, collaboration, deliverables Discussion on next steps

Proposed Projects 1.Development of bean cultivars tolerant to biotic and abiotic stresses 2.Functional genomics and molecular marker development for bean breeding 3.Development of slow-darkening varieties and varieties with reduced cooking time 4.Development of functional foods from beans to target diabetes prevention

1. Development of bean cultivars tolerant to biotic and abiotic stresses Background:  Global climate change (prolonged droughts, high temperatures, combinations of both)  Occurrence of devastating insect plagues such as white fly and leaf hopper  High incidence of pathogens that cause root-rot (Fusarium spp and Rhizoctonia solani), and common bacterial blight (CBB) (Xanthomonas campestris) will increase over the short term in bean production areas. Key words: genetic diversity, tolerance to adverse factors, sources of resistance. Benefits: Development of main market class cultivars that are resistant to biotic and abiotic stresses will reduce production risks and contribute to consistency in yield and quality; traditional and upright architecture Actions: Short term (2007): Exchange of lists and sources of resistance. Technical exchange visits Medium term (2008): Common nurseries: a) black bean varieties tolerant to common blight; b) pinto bean varieties with drought tolerance Long term: registration and multiplication of new varieties with drought and disease resistance Risks / Weaknesses: The identified sources of resistance in Mexico may not function in Canada and vice versa Conclusions: Collaboration between scientists from both countries will enable the development of new cultivars incorporating multiple resistances Collaborators: INIFAP, AAFC, University of Saskatchewan and University of Guelph, (with IICA support)

2. Functional genomics and molecular marker development for bean breeding Background: Breeders in both countries have used a limited set of molecular markers linked to CBB resistance with varying degrees of success. Development of gene-based markers would greatly facilitate marker-assisted selection, increase the efficiency of breeding programs and lead to the development of improved varieties. Key Words: marker-assisted selection, genetic improvement Actions:  short term: CBB markers and protocols currently in use will be shared  Identify current populations that could be grown in different regions to phenotype for disease and stress reactions  Link up with US researchers working on CBB and stress tolerance  Medium term: Develop and utilize recombinant populations specifically to map genes of interest  Develop molecular markers linked to drought and CBB resistance to select for resistant lines  Development of transformation technology to confirm the function of specific genes for traits of interest  Long term: Develop QTL and gene-based markers for other characteristics related to bean quality (slow darkening, phytochemicals) Benefits: molecular markers linked to genes with specific functions will improve the efficiency of cultivar development Risks / Weaknesses: Lack of densely populated gene maps; markers may not be universally applicable Conclusions: The application of biotechnology will enable development of new varieties, including those with the needed genetic resistances. Collaborators: INIFAP, AAFC, University of Saskatchewan and University of Guelph

3. Development of slow-darkening varieties and varieties with reduced cooking time Background:  Slow-darkening extends shelf-life of dry beans  Consumers demand fast-cooking varieties  Canadian and Mexican consumer interest in light-coloured beans with these characteristics  Longer cooking time has been associated with decreased nutrition  Canners would benefit from quicker, more uniform cooking varieties Key Words: shelf-life, seed coat impermeability, hard seeds Benefits: Improved market quality and greater benefits to the consumer and canners; therefore, all players in the value chain benefit Actions: Short Term: Exchange of slow-darkening genetic materials particularly of light-coloured beans Medium Term: Development of RIL populations from contrasting parental phenotypes (RILs) Longer Term: Identify specific seed coat compounds linked to slow-darkening trait and the effect of the interaction of light Risks / Weaknesses: Slow-darkening trait is not easily transferred among market classes; wholesalers may mix slow-darkening bean varieties with regular bean varieties Conclusions: Meeting consumer demands is necessary and will benefit producers Collaborators: INIFAP, AAFC, University of Saskatchewan and University of Guelph

4. Development of functional foods from beans to target diabetes prevention Background:  Diabetes is probably the most important disease in our society due to the increasing number of people affected and the economic burden on the healthcare system.  Bean phytochemicals have demonstrated beneficial effects in diabetes and colon cancer in rats  Two cultivars demonstrated more pronounced effect (Pinto Zapata and Black 8025) which vary in phyto-chemical concentration Key Words: functional foods, diabetes, metabolic disorders Benefits: Development of new products that may improve health and wellness Actions: Short Term: Implementation of methods developed in Canada to analyze bean phytochemicas in serum Medium Term: 1) Epidemiological study relating bean consumption and prevalence of metabolic disorders such as diabetes; 2) Gene expression resulting in bean phytochemical synthesis especially related to diabetes Longer Term: Clinical studies involving obese children and pre-diabetic young adults in Mexico using dietary intervention with existing and new FF bean products (PZ, N8025) Risks / Weaknesses: Regional consumer preference may not be for these selected beans; transfer of results from rat model may not apply to human clinical trials Conclusions: Consumption of beans and bean products may prevent diabetes and obesity among the target population Collaborators: INIFAP, AAFC, SAGARPA, University of Guelph, University of Tor onto,Diabetes Association of LA, IICA

Next Steps: Research Short-term Deliverables: Exchange of germplasm (disease and drought resistance, quality traits) Scientist visits, student internships Exchange of knowledge on molecular markers, specific populations, methods/protocols Transfer of protocols/methods for analyzing phytochemicals in blood Two joint meetings in next year (proposed: July & October, CMP?)

Next Steps: Administrative Support Complete/sign INIFAP-AAFC MOU Support by each government for “in- country” research Explore and identify funding sources for incremental and new research costs Explore and decide on call/review and approval of research projects between Mexico and Canada

Canada Mexico Bean Congress Research and Innovation Session Participants: 30 people Canadian researches, INIFAP researchers CINVESTAV, traders, producers

Research and Innovation Session Four potential projects reviewed and discussed Comments received by all participants Comments incorporated into project proposals Very positive discussion regarding research proposals – tremendous enthusiasm for projects and collaboration

Research and Innovation Session Discussion Topics: Traders and growers agreed that projects will be of benefit to them Consider US researcher participation Basic research on health benefits of beans is needed Promotional campaign for health benefits – sound scientific backing Traders indicated a willingness to participate actively in health promotion initiatives Funding is key constraint to moving forward Must meet more than one time per year to keep momentum going and achieve results

Research and Innovation Session Outcomes: Dr. Horacio Guzman added to Pulse Innovation Project - Fraction Expert Panel Critical review and support of four projects Research leads identified Research steering committee proposed

Canada Mexico Bean Congress Producer Breakout Session Participants: More than 50 participants Farmers, importers, processors, association representatives and INIFAP staff.

Producer Breakout Session Session began with overview of equipment used for bean seeding, fertilizer application, harvesting and transporting product to storage facilities. Good general discussion on a broad range of topics including cost of production, labour costs and requirements, pest concerns in Canada etc.

Producer Breakout Session Priority Issues: Need for a united grower voice on a wide range of issues. –In Mexico –Between Mexico and Canada Need for consistency and more frequent meetings. Need for collaboration on research priorities AND nutrition marketing strategy. Need for immediate recognition of funding requirements.

Producer Breakout Session Outcomes: Agreement to formalize the Canada Mexico Bean Producer Steering Committee –Canadian invite for meeting of Steering Committee in July-August –CMP? Create a link between the SPF Consumption Promotion Committee and the Pulse Innovation Project.

Canada Mexico Bean Congress Outcomes Mexican expert added to Pulse Innovation Project. Four collaborative research projects. Research leads identified and steering committee to be created. Formal link established between PIP & SPF –Bean summit? Agreement to establish Canada Mexico Bean Producer Steering Committee (link between Pulse Canada & SPF). Meeting of researchers and growers in Canada in July- August 2007 (other opps?). Consensus amongst all stakeholders that funding is #1 priority.

Take home message The Canadian and Mexican bean industries are on the same page! Focus on demand through nutrition marketing (recognizing the need to balance with production fundamentals). We are interdependant. Cooperation on production issues, research priorities, and nutrition marketing is key for sector growth and increasing demand for beans.