UK: Eleven new pea and bean varieties in 2024 descriptive list

Eleven new pea and bean varieties have been added to the Processors and Growers Research Organisation's (PGRO) 2024 Descriptive List for pulses. A total of six combining peas, two winter beans and three spring beans have completed the requisite number of years in trials and demonstrated the necessary qualities for inclusion. Funded by the PGRO Pulse Levy, the Descriptive List trials are conducted annually at sites located in the major production areas. Summary data is based on a five-year rolling average to take account of seasonal variations. The data gives growers the opportunity to compare different varieties and evaluate which will suit their situation. Promising new material from plant breeders is regularly submitted and those which suit the market and have traits of interest are likely to be supported and available for purchase in the future. PGRO senior technical officer, Dr Chris Judge explained that despite going through heatwaves, cold snaps and a wide variety of ...