Embrapa launches biofortified beans BRS FC409

Embrapa presents to the production sector the biofortified common bean BRS FC409, a carioca-type bean cultivar developed to offer more iron and zinc to the diet of Brazilian families, combining high nutritional value with good productivity in the field and resistance to diseases during cultivation.

The official launch will take place with a tasting of the beans during the opening of the Semiárido Show 2025, in Petrolina (PE), on Tuesday (26), at the Embrapa technology stand. The cultivar will also be on display, planted in the event's technology showcase.

The result of conventional genetic improvement work carried out by Embrapa Arroz e Feijão in partnership with Embrapa Tabuleiros Costeiros and the company Beckman Sementes, BRS FC409 arrives as a strategic alternative for producers in the Northeast, Central-West, Southeast and South, with validation for 19 states and the Federal District.

Main characteristics of the cultivar

• Higher average iron and zinc contents (66 mg/kg Fe and 35 mg/kg Zn);
• Carioca-type grains, the most consumed in Brazil;
• Cycle of 85 to 95 days and average productivity of 3.500 kg/ha;
• Erect shape, with white flowers and grains of a dull shine;
• High resistance to common mosaic and intermediate resistance to rust, anthracnose, bacterial blight, Curtobacterium wilt and Fusarium wilt;
• Suitable for different producing regions, such as MT, GO, RJ, ES, TO, RS, PR, SC, SP, MS, SE, BA, AL, PE, CE, PB, RN, MA, PI and DF.

More nutrients on your plate and income in the field

Like other biofortified cultivars from Embrapa, BRS FC409 was developed within the scope of the BioFort project, which brings together research and technology transfer efforts to bring foods with higher levels of nutrients to people's tables.

In addition to the higher levels of iron and zinc, BRS FC409 maintains the same preparation and consumption methods as traditional beans, and can be used in broths, soups, feijoada, feijão-tropeiro, among other typical Brazilian dishes.

Where to find

Seeds can be purchased from technology transfer partner Beckman Sementes, listed on the cultivar page on Embrapa's website.

The product can also be allocated to government institutional purchasing programs, such as PNAE and PAA, expanding its presence in schools and communities.