Glad to see you are out of hibernation zeedman.

I'd like to have a convo re the different species of beans vs the geographic races of phaseolus Vulgaris. For example, Phaseolus Coccineus (Painted Lady), Phaseolus Lunatus (lima beans), and off in the genetic distance Glycine Max (soybeans) represent various legume species that have major agricultural interest.

I am not really well versed re the geographic species of Phaseolus Vulgaris, but recently read several articles about genetic problems that occur when a South American bean such as the kidney bean is crossed with southwestern U.S. and Mexico beans such as the pinto.

I am growing out a 100 ft long row of nuna beans this year. These beans are an advanced selection that is not commercially released. They pop like popcorn making a delicious nutty snack food with loads of nutritional value.

DarJones

You have an avid student here wanting enthusiasticall to learn "Bean Science"

My first question is how to make a distinction between "Beans" and "Peas".
I had the impresssion that all "Peas" are cool wether lovers until I came accross with "Cow Peas" that is grown down South duringg hot summer months. Then I also learned that what is called "Chinese Asparaguss Yardlong bean (DOW GAUK) is actually a pea not a bean.
Am I confused ? You bet.

Cyrus

Yardlong "beans" are just a subspecies of cowpeas (Vigna unguiculata). Yardlongs (Dow Gauk) are usually climbers, and are grown for their long, immature pods. Cowpeas are generally shorter (although there are a few climbers), have shorter pods, and are grown primarily for their seeds. All cowpeas are warm-weather crops. Cowpeas are just called "peas" in the South... but since they are in the genus Vigna, they are considered to be beans.

Confused? You're not alone. The bean family (Fabaceae) has been under constant reorganization by botanists. It's hard to know what they mean when they say "bean". ;-)

True peas, or "English peas" (Pisum sativum), include snow peas, snap peas, green peas, and soup peas. These are cool-weather crops.

Thanks ZEEDMAN,
I feel a little better that I was not alone.
COW BEANS is proper.

fusion power

"but recently read several articles about genetic problems that occur when a South American bean such as the kidney bean is crossed with southwestern U.S. and Mexico beans such as the pinto. "

I am not that well-read, could you please quote some article sources? What are the problems in a nutshell? TIA