Mineral profiling of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) germplasm

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is the most important edible food legume in the world. It represents 50% of grain legumes consumed worldwide. It is a rich source of protein, complex carbohydrates, poly unsaturated fatty acids (linoleic acid and lenolenic acid), fibre, vitamins and minerals. So far as, minerals are concerned, they are not only important for plant growth and development but for animal growth and development spatially humans as well. In present study, we have evaluated 84 genotypes of common bean for various mineral elements and we have observed wide variation in mineral contents and have also identified the genotypes with high mineral contents. The presence of variability in mineral content among the genotypes could be used as an asset by plant molecular breeders for biofortification of common bean which in turn can be used to address the problem of malnutrion in developing and under developed countries, where common bean is a major source of protein.