THE INTRODUCTION OF THE COMMON BEAN (PHASEOLUS-VULGARIS L) INTO WESTERN-EUROPE AND THE PHENOTYPIC VARIATION OF DRY BEANS COLLECTED IN THE NETHERLANDS IN 1946

The first introduction of common bean from Central/South America into Western Europe most likely took place around 1500. The attractive bean seeds and their easy transportation warranted numerous additional int roductions, not only from the Americas, but also from other areas wher e the common bean had been introduced. Bean seeds also must have been transported all over Europe both locally and internationally. Natural and human selection took place in and among introductions as well as i n hybrid populations. Strong human selection may have led to pure gard en forms which often occur in The Netherlands. In the period 1945-1948 a dry-bean collection of some 1500 accessions was made in The Netherl ands. These have been classified into various criteria: 1. landraces, 'primitive' garden forms and cultivars, 2. (semi)climbing or bush type s, 3. various seed colour types, including whitish, brownish, yellowis h, black and variegated.