BELIS is creating and coordinating a network of legume breeders and users, gathering members of the project teams and external actors interested in legume breeding. BELIS Network brings together the legume breeding community around themes of shared interest, and identifies areas of technical collaboration on species, target traits, breeding methodologies, protocols for phenotyping and genotyping, registration procedures, technical training and knowledge exchange. The Network also facilitates business collaborations for carrying out benchmarking activities aimed at policy-makers (such as regulatory institutions and national and EU managers) to promote and request support for legume breeding activities. 

The BELIS network, gathering private and public breeders, actors of scientific research, extension services, registration offices as well as seed, food and feed industries is the first gateway to disseminate and exploit the BELIS activities and results. If you are a professional involved in the legume breeding value chain, and you are interested in receiving more information about BELIS activities and results and joining our Network, subscribe to BELIS Newsletter to stay tuned to the project.

This study deciphers the genetic architecture of flowering time in chickpea using four RIL populations. While RIP1, RIP8, and RIP10 exhibit polygenic control, RIP12 features a major-effect locus. Phenotype-genotype associations identified crucial candidate genes, notably MOS14 and apyrase 2 (explaining >86% variance in RIP12), and HisIE (>70% in RIP8). Six allele-specific KASP markers were developed, demonstrating 81–90% efficiency in distinguishing early- and late-flowering phenotypes. These genomic resources provide valuable tools for marker-assisted selection to breed early-flowering cultivars adapted to changing environments.[Read more]

This study developed high-density linkage maps for two faba bean RIL populations (comprising 2,043 and 3,903 SNPs) to identify stable QTLs for morphology, yield, and biotic stress resistance. Across multiple environments, 59 QTLs were identified. Projecting these onto the reference genome revealed 16 overlapping genomic regions associated with traits across diverse backgrounds. These regions were enriched in prioritized candidate genes regulating development, productivity, and defense (such as transcription factors, signaling proteins, and growth enzymes). These findings provide a robust genomic framework and candidate genes for marker-assisted breeding in faba bean. [Read more]

This study investigated genetic resistance to Aphanomyces root rot (A. euteiches) in 211 Vicia sativa (common vetch) accessions. Foliar and root disease symptom assessments showed a high correlation, establishing foliar evaluation as a reliable, non-destructive screening tool. Testing a subset of contrasting accessions against multiple isolates (Aph-1, AE11, AE12, and RB84) revealed significant phenotypic variation. Notably, three accessions exhibited near-complete resistance across all isolates, supported by root system architecture analyses. These findings demonstrate valuable genetic variability, offering promising resistant resources for common vetch breeding programmes. [Read more]

This study addresses the challenges of breeding for Ascochyta blight resistance in field pea (Pisum sativum L.), which is historically limited by complex inheritance and environmental influences. Researchers developed novel resistant breeding lines using targeted intra- and interspecific crosses combined with rigorous selection under high disease pressure at both seedling and adult stages. Field trials validating thirteen selected lines confirmed a successful combination of competitive yield, good standing ability, and improved resistance levels that exceeded the standard resistant check. These advanced lines provide valuable germplasm resources for future research and pea breeding programmes. [Read more]

This study evaluated nine advanced pea breeding lines against five commercial cultivars across Mediterranean environments to assess yield, stability, and stress response. Orobanche crenata (Oc) parasitism, favoured by warm, rainy springs, was the most damaging biotic stress. The breeding lines (specifically Cartujano, Chicana, and Pepapea) demonstrated superior Oc resistance, yielding significantly higher than commercial cultivars in both Oc-infested and Oc-free environments. Under drought and heat, several lines maintained higher yields. Multi-trait selection successfully identified stable, high-yielding lines combining disease resistance without agronomic trade-offs, providing an integrative framework for breeding resilient legumes. [Read more]

This review synthesises the genetic, physiological, and molecular knowledge of the pea–Ascochyta blight pathosystem. Resistance to this multi-species fungal complex is incomplete, polygenic, and highly influenced by plant organ, developmental stage, and environment. Under field conditions, disease expression is shaped by interactions among physiological resistance, plant architecture, phenology, and canopy microenvironment, which biases phenotyping and limits molecular marker transferability. The study evaluates the utility of these markers in marker-assisted and genomic selection, concluding that future breeding success requires integrating molecular data with precise ideotype definitions, accurate phenotyping, and multi-environment validation. [Read more]

This first in planta metabolomics study of the Pisum sativum–A. pinodes pathosystem identified the phytotoxin pinolidoxin in infected tissues, peaking at 48 hours and suggesting an effector-like role. Comparing cultivar responses, the susceptible 'Messire' activated phenylpropanoid metabolism (flavonoids and hydroxycinnamic acids), whereas the resistant 'Radley' upregulated amino acids and derivatives, pointing to a defense strategy driven by primary metabolism adjustments. These findings highlight the complexity of host-pathogen interactions and support multi-omics approaches for breeding disease-resistant legumes. [Read more]

Legumes are essential for sustainable agriculture, but their production is globally threatened by Aphanomyces root rot (Aphanomyces euteiches). The pathogen's diverse populations, resting structures, and multi-host infection capacity make management highly challenging, particularly in peas and lentils. Because chemical control is limited to seedlings and only partial host resistance exists, cultural practices like crop rotation and pre-sowing soil testing remain the only reliable control strategies. This review summarises current knowledge of the A. euteiches–legume pathosystem, highlighting existing control strategies and their limitations. [Read more]

Dieser Bericht untersucht die Verfügbarkeit und Qualität digitaler Marktdaten für Körnerleguminosen in Deutschland. Experteninterviews und Datenanalysen zeigen eine deutliche Unzufriedenheit der Marktakteure mit der aktuellen Datenlage. Insbesondere fehlende Preisnotierungen, mangelnde Aktualität und unzureichende Differenzierung (z. B. nach konventionellem/ökologischem Anbau) erschweren strategische Entscheidungen entlang der Wertschöpfungskette und beeinträchtigen Züchtungsprogramme. Wichtigste Datenquellen bleiben Bundesstatistiken und Saatguterhebungen. Zur Verbesserung der Markttransparenz bündelt das neue Tool „LeguDash“ bestehende Daten und Prognosemodelle. Experten sehen darin großes Potenzial, betonen jedoch die anhaltende Abhängigkeit von lückenhaften Primärquellen. [Read more]

This study evaluates demand-led breeding in European legume cultivation through a Delphi study with 21 experts. Given the limited economic viability of current programmes, this approach integrates downstream stakeholder needs to develop targeted varieties. Consensus indicates that orienting breeding goals toward end-use increases value creation, though it raises programme complexity with time-lagged returns. Experts project medium-term establishment in Europe. The study concludes that demand-led breeding can be implemented through vertical strategic alliances and recommends establishing a sector-wide information infrastructure to strengthen links between breeders and the processing industry. [Read more]

This study utilised a genome-wide association study (GWAS) with 26,045 DArT markers on 324 pea accessions to investigate resistance to Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. pisi (Fop) races 1 and 2. Phenotyping under controlled conditions revealed quantitative resistance, highlighting wild accessions and landraces as valuable reservoirs. GWAS identified 15 marker-trait associations (MTAs) for race 1 and 27 for race 2 across six chromosomes, refining four previously known loci. Additionally, 28 candidate genes were identified—including defense-related proteins, kinases, and transcription factors—providing a molecular foundation for marker-assisted selection and sustainable Fop management. [Read more]