Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis

Yardlong bean (Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis) is a warm-season legume crop that is widely cultivated in many parts of Asia, especially in China, Thailand, and Vietnam. It is a highly adaptable crop that can grow in a range of soil types, but performs best in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter.

Yardlong bean is highly valued for its long, slender pods that can grow up to one meter in length, making it a popular vegetable crop for human consumption. The crop is also used for animal feed, and in traditional medicine to treat a range of ailments.

The crop is generally sown in the spring and harvested after 2-3 months, depending on the location and climate. Yardlong bean has several advantages over other crops, including its ability to tolerate drought and poor soil conditions, making it a sustainable option for cultivation in marginal areas.

However, yardlong bean cultivation faces several challenges, including low yields, pests and diseases, and environmental stresses such as high temperatures and humidity. Therefore, efforts are underway to improve the crop through breeding and selection of improved varieties and better crop management practices, to enhance its productivity, nutritional value, and resilience to biotic and abiotic stresses.

A comprehensive strategy for the global conservation of Vigna has been developed through a survey of all genebanks around the world, taking into account yardlong bean.