BIOTIC STRESS ON LEGUMINOUS CROPS IN BULGARIA UNDER CLIMATE CHANGE 1Keranka

Abstract

In Bulgaria, the most widespread leguminous crop is common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Its cultivation is concentrated in Northern and Northeastern Bulgaria, which determines the regional focus of the breeding programmes. The modern approach to genetic improvement of common bean is based on the development and purposeful testing of new genetic plasma under the specific soil and climatic conditions of the respective regions. This strategy ensures high adaptability, stability and effective use of new varieties in practice. Climate change necessitates the adaptation of agronomy practices – sowing dates, mineral fertilization, use of herbicides and biostimulants, as well as evaluation of different growing systems. Dobrudzha Agricultural Institute (DAI) is Bulgaria’s national centre for common bean breeding. Since the 1950s, 24 varieties have been developed, four of them released after 2015. The main breeding directions are developing varieties with habit type suitable for mechanised harvesting, improved morphological and quality traits, resistance to economically important diseases and tolerance to abiotic stress factors. In the context of global warming and changing climatic conditions, new challenges are posed to breeding, agronomy and sustainable bean production in Bulgaria. This review presents the current status of scientific research and breeding achievements in Bulgaria related to the resistance of the leguminous crops to biotic stress under conditions of climate changes.