Variability in sensory attributes in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.): a first survey in the Iberian secondary diversity center

Few studies have explored sensory variability in beans. We used geographic, agronomic, morphological, and genetic criteria to select numerous groups of landraces from among the many collected in Catalonia (northeast Spain). Beans cultivated in a single location to avoid environmental effects were submitted to a trained panel for sensory analysis. We used multiple linear regression to explore whether the flavor and texture of the seed (evaluable only by tasting after cooking) can be estimated from easily measurable traits like the appearance of the beans. The degree of variability found for all sensory traits (coefficients of variation: 20–70 %) was similar to that of agronomic traits; however, entries were grouped differently for sensory and agronomic traits, suggesting independent evolution. Negative genotypic correlations between some sensory traits will probably hinder attempts to achieve ideotypes combining low seed-coat perceptibility, low mealiness, and high flavor. Regressions between easily measurable traits (agronomic and culinary traits and appearance of the seeds) and flavor and texture yielded R2 values ranging from 0.47 to 0.64. We consider these values good enough for rough screening of sensory attributes in genetic resources studies or breeding.