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Research and development on legume cultivars adapted to Mediterranean agroecological conditions is extraordinarily under developed. A collaborative farm-network is therefore proposed to promote grain legume cultivation in Mediterranean rain fed farming systems. The aim is to evaluate currently and previously grown grain legume cultivars and landraces for characteristics of importance to sustainable agriculture, such as increased yields, and to apply novel tools to integrate genetic stress resistance with other control practises in a concerted manner. Despite the importance of food legumes in this area, their cultivation is decreasing due to low and irregular yields and socio-economic and political context that discourage farmers to grow these crops which lead to increasing importations. It is important to provide income to Mediterranean farmers through new cultivars and optimized crop production and protection practices. Creation of an effective Mediterranean network that can fully exploit this group of crops will contribute to improve food and feed security for Mediterranean pedoclimatic region.

More information:

• Video on Case Study 23