Conservation of grain legumes genetic diversity for multipurpose uses in agri food chain

The study was developed in the current context of Green Deal objectives, to make Europe greener and more sustainable. Food legumes are crucial species for key agriculture-related societal challenges, such as agrobiodiversity conservation, sustainable agriculture, food security and human health. Alternative plant proteins for food are demanded and the EU has developed a new protein plan. Currently, only 3% of EU arable land is devoted to protein crops, but the trend is to stimulate the increasing of allocated surfaces. Romania has a favourable, diverse agro-ecology and a high diversity of grain legumes species. The market request for legumes has been showing an increasing trend which is mainly attributed to high demand for nutrition and benefits for environment, imprinted by legume consumption, cultivation, respectively. The aim of the study was to highlight the importance and the status of conservation of grain legumes species as Phaseolus vulgaris, Phaseolus coccineus, Vigna radiata, Lathyrus sativus and to promote the use of Phaseolus vulgaris in sustainable crop rotation. To asses this aim the results of inventorying the status of grain legumes collections were presented. Despite the multiple benefits of grain legumes, the use is below their potential, mainly due to low limited availability of seed, market problems and poor extension services. The study presents also the performance of selected materials suitable to organic cultivation in rotation schemes recommended in organic system (snap bean, tomatoes, broccoli).