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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Pullman, Washington » Plant Germplasm Introduction and Testing Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #356395
Research Project: Management of Priority Legume, Oilseed, Vegetable, Forage Grass, Sugar, Ornamental, and Medicinal Plant Genetic Resources and Associated Information

Location: Plant Germplasm Introduction and Testing Research

Title: Examination of extractable phenolics and non-extractable proanthocyanidins from a selection of “Red” and “Black” market class accessions of beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) from the National Plant Germplasm System

Author
item Kisha, Theodore
item GANJYAL, GIRISH - Washington State University
item FRIESZELL, CRISTEN - Washington State University

Submitted to: American Society of Horticulture Science Meeting
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/12/2018
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) are one of the most economically and nutritionally important crops world-wide. They are the most important legume for direct human consumption with a value of over $20 billion harvested (FAO statistics, 2014); more than twice that of the next most important legume, chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). Beans have numerous nutritional qualities, such as high protein, high amounts of starch, dietary fiber, minerals, and an array of healthy phytochemicals associated with health benefits such as reduced cardiovascular disease, the prevention of diabetes, and even the prevention of cancer. One important class of phytochemicals includes polyphenolic compounds which impart color, flavor, and anti-oxidant activity. Growing consumer awareness regarding the health benefit of beans in general will likely increase demand, perhaps especially among those who frequent farmers markets and health food stores. Market classes of “Red” and “Black” beans are thought to be among the highest in phenolic content and antioxidant activity. Preliminary analysis however, showed 2-3 fold differences within each market class. We analyzed extractable phenolics and non-extractable proanthocyanidins from a large selection of red and black beans to provide information to breeders to enhance these nutritional components within each market class.

Technical Abstract: Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) are one of the most economically and nutritionally important crops world-wide. They are the most important legume for direct human consumption with a value of over $20 billion harvested (FAO statistics, 2014); more than twice that of the next most important legume, chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). Beans have numerous nutritional qualities, such as high protein, high amounts of starch, dietary fiber, minerals, and an array of healthy phytochemicals associated with health benefits such as reduced cardiovascular disease, the prevention of diabetes, and even the prevention of cancer. One important class of phytochemicals includes polyphenolic compounds which impart color, flavor, and anti-oxidant activity. Growing consumer awareness regarding the health benefit of beans in general will likely increase demand, perhaps especially among those who frequent farmers markets and health food stores. Market classes of “Red” and “Black” beans are thought to be among the highest in phenolic content and antioxidant activity. Preliminary analysis however, showed 2-3 fold differences within each market class. We analyzed extractable phenolics and non-extractable proanthocyanidins from a large selection of red and black beans to provide information to breeders to enhance these nutritional components within each market class.