| Summary: | During the event, several training sessions were conducted to strengthen the technical capacities of national teams involved in common bean breeding, with an emphasis on data management, experimental analysis, and strategic decision-making.
The training on data management using BMS and FieldBook focused on standardizing data collection and handling within breeding programs. The importance of using trait and metadata ontologies, data protocols, and standardized nomenclature was highlighted to ensure data traceability and to facilitate data analysis and exchange among countries. FieldBook was presented as a key tool for field data collection, including the recording of observations and photographs. In addition, hands-on exercises were conducted using BMS for germplasm queries, experiment creation, and data management. Participants expressed strong interest in continuing to use these platforms, and technical support and a follow-up virtual meeting were agreed upon.
The training on statistics and experimental design focused on the analysis of phenotypic data of common bean under different environmental conditions. Basic principles of experimental design, different types of designs, and criteria for their appropriate selection were reviewed, emphasizing the importance of proper planning to avoid bias. The use of selection indices to integrate multiple criteria, such as yield and iron content, was also addressed through practical exercises and digital tools to support objective decision-making.
The discussion on thrips allowed participants to share progress on the evaluation of the insect Megalurothrips usitatus among partner countries and to strengthen regional collaboration with Zamorano for the implementation of a common resistance evaluation protocol. The importance of identifying resistance sources that can be incorporated into breeding programs was emphasized, and commitments were made for feedback and joint evaluation.
Finally, advances in breeding for tolerance to abiotic stress and biofortification were presented, along with a practical training on market segmentation and product profiles, which enabled the identification of regional priorities, production constraints, and key varietal traits, aligning breeding efforts with farmers’ needs and strengthening the regional impact of the project.
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