New bush beans have new colors and are more productive

Distinctive colors, pod quality and high productivity are the main attributes of the two new cowpea cultivars, of the meter-long bean type, that Embrapa Amazônia Oriental (PA) is introducing to the market. BRS Lauré, with reddish-purple pods, and BRS Raíra, with olive-green pods, are recommended for planting in the state of Pará and have potential for other regions with warm climates. Both have plant architecture adapted to cultivation on trellises (espaliers).

With long, reddish-purple pods, BRS Lauré is the first cultivar with these characteristics developed by research for the Northern Brazilian market. “It is a new product on the market that attracts attention due to its visual appeal, but which also has high productivity and a well-balanced distribution of pods throughout the plant canopy,” says Embrapa researcher Rui Alberto Gomes. 

In field tests, the average productivity of BRS Lauré was 11,6 tons of fresh pods per hectare, while the average of the materials currently used in the field was 7,6 t/ha, the commercial cultivar; and 8,6 t/ha, a Creole variety widely cultivated in the region.

BRS Raíra, which has olive-green pods, lighter than traditional pods, produced more than 10 tons of fresh pods per hectare, while traditional materials produced between 7 (commercial cultivar) and 8,6 tons/hectare (Creole variety). “This cultivar has long pods, in line with the consumer market standard, and are good for consumption due to their low fiber content,” the researcher highlights. 

In both dry and rainy periods, the productive performance of the two cultivars was superior to that of the varieties currently in use. BRS Raíra and BRS Lauré showed good tolerance to water stress (lack of rain) and high temperatures. 

The researcher explains that the long-legged bean is grown all year round in the state of Pará, under different humidity conditions. However, adjustments to the production system are needed, including growing it in the highest parts of the property. “It is important to plant in rows or ridges to avoid waterlogging during the rainiest period of the year, and to irrigate the crop during the driest period,” adds Gomes.

Encouragement of production and consumption

Retired researcher Francisco Freire, who led Embrapa's cowpea genetic improvement program, explains that the new cultivars were selected from hundreds of materials collected inside and outside Brazil. The successive cultivation and selection cycles, carried out between 2016 and 2018 in two municipalities in Pará – Belém and Terra Alta – considered productivity, commercial quality of the pods and health. 

Freire points out that the two new cultivars are aimed primarily at family farming in the state of Pará. “The cowpea is grown as a vegetable and its production is very characteristic of small and medium-sized producers. In addition to encouraging and strengthening the cultivation and production of cowpea among this public, the program also aims to promote the consumption of this vegetable,” adds Freire.

Gomes emphasizes that these cultivars offer advantages to both producers and consumers. “For producers, it is an option to supplement their income, since it is possible to harvest practically all year round. For consumers, this product expands their menu with a nutritious food and helps combat what we call food monotony, which is characterized by a low diversification of foods in everyday life,” he states. 

According to the researcher, the fresh pods of both cultivars have a high content of molybdenum, a micronutrient that protects the body's cells, and are a source of selenium. In addition, they contain fiber, lipids, proteins, carbohydrates and nutrients. 

Meet the meter bean

The pea-de-metro is a type of cowpea [Unguiculata vine (L.) Walp. ssp. unguiculata Green. cv-gr. Sesquipedalius], whose pods are eaten whole, raw or cooked in salads or other dishes. A legume native to Asia, the yardlong bean, also known as green bean, was introduced to Pará in the early 20th century by Japanese immigrants. It is currently grown in the green belts of several cities in Pará and harvested all year round. It is estimated that the volume produced in the last five years, from 2019 to 2023, was around 700 to 800 tons in a planted area estimated at 20 hectares.

According to data from the Pará Supply Center (Ceasa-PA), the main producers of long beans in Pará are the municipalities of Santo Antônio do Tauá with 197.788,00 kg (40,21%), Curuçá 79.753,80 kg (16,21%), Maracanã 52.039 kg (10,58%), Santa Izabel do Pará 35.407 kg (7,20%) Castanhal 28.599 kg (5,81%) and Marapanim 28.377 kg (6,75%). 

Innovation in the way of cultivation

Espaliering (tying to support the plant's branches) in a V shape is an innovation recommended for growing long beans. Cultivation in espaliers is an ancient agricultural practice that prevents the plant from coming into contact with the soil. “Traditionally in Pará, tying in this structure is done vertically or as an inverted V. With the new format, we have observed very positive changes in productivity, health, ease of harvesting and production quality,” says Gomes.

V-shaped trellis system improves air circulation, allowing greater penetration of solar radiation into the plant canopy, thus preventing the formation of an environment conducive to the occurrence of diseases and pests. In addition, the arrangement of the pods in the more open structure between the rows makes harvesting easier. 

Where to find

The new cultivars BRS Lauré and BRS Raíra are available to seed growers through a simplified public offering notice. Seed growers and nurseries from all over the country who are registered in the National Seed and Seedling Registry (Renasem) are eligible to purchase the seeds free of charge.