Biotechnology as a useful tool in common bean (<i>Phaseolus vulgaris</i> L.) improvement

In this review paper requirement to new cultivars applying biotechnological tools in common bean ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.) breeding and existing literature and available data are discussed. Application of different methods for in vitro cultivation, transformation, gene mapping and techniques for genome analysis are described. Further works needed in some investigations are also presented. The relation between traditional bean breeding methods and plant biotechnology techniques are addressed. It is concluded that all these techniques will help creating more genetic diversity, which is the main bean-breeding goal, particularly for the most important agricultural traits. The review contains 118 references.