CLIMATIC ADAPTATION OF 25 WILD BEAN SPECIES (Phaseolus spp) IN MÉXICO

Abstract

In this research we determined the climatic types of distribution of 25 wild species of the genus Phaseolus, a key aspect to describe their geographical distribution in México. In order to fulfill the aim of the research, a database of field accessions made within the country during the last two decades, was conformed. This database was made in a matrix format and included site, geography and topography descriptors. From the geographical coordinates of the collection sites, climatology of each site was characterized. Thus, information on maximum, minimum and mean temperatures, accumulated mean precipitation and climatic type was incorporated into the database. The minimum, maximum and average values of each climatic variable were then determined for each species in study. The minimum and maximum values were considered as the species climatic adaptation range. Results showed that the genus Phaseolus is adapted to an ample range of climatic types, since practically it is found in all the climatic variants within the country, excluding cold humid temperate and extremely hot arid tropic climates. The species P. leptostachyus and P. coccineus are distributed in the largest number of climatic types. The range of the climatic variables obtained for each species and their possible implications on adaptation and tolerance to certain particular ecological conditions, are discussed.