A University of Delaware Cooperative Extension researcher is conducting studies on how to improve lima bean. Emmalea Ernest is seeking to develop new varieties of lima beans that are flavorful, produce consistently high yields and are resistant to disease, especially downy mildew. Ernest is working on baby lima varieties that are resistant to the disease. Another goal of the study is to create high-quality, heat-tolerant Fordhook limas that will flourish despite Delaware's hot and humid summers. Fordhook limas are commonly grown in coastal California because temperatures are never excessively high.

Plant breeding is a tedious process. A  number of variables must be tracked, such as each plant's size and habit, the number of pods, and the plant's resistance to disease and insects. Only a handful of plants--out of thousands--will be selected to save for cross-breeding in the greenhouse. After four years of research, Ernest is finally ready to test 12 of her inbred lines of limas against proven industry varieties.

Read the complete news article at http://www.udel.edu/PR/UDaily/2009/jul/lima070308.html.