Conservation status of eleven wild bean (Phaseolus spp. Fabaceae) species in northeastern Mexico

Abstract

Rare and endemic plants, such as the wild species of Phaseolus (Fabaceae) in northeastern Mexico, deserve high priority in conservation efforts because of their uniqueness and usefulness as plant genetic resource. This is particularly important because during the last decades, some of these species have become endangered because of anthropogenic and natural factors. The study aimed to determine the current conservation status of 11 reported wild bean species in northeastern Mexico, using wild bean data from 77 expeditions to the states of Nuevo León and Tamaulipas during the period 1869-2013.The conservation status of the different species was determined according to the Official Mexican Standard NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2010. The categories of risk were based on four indicators: amplitude of distribution, habitat status, biological vulnerability and impact of human activity. The following eight wild Phaseolus species are not at risk of extinction: P. albiflorus, P. glabellus, P. leptostachyus, P. maculatifolius, P. neglectus, P. pedicellatus, P. vulgaris and P. zimapanensis. On the other hand, P. altimontanus Freytag & Debouck is categorized as threatened; P. novoleonensis Debouck, in danger of extinction; and P. plagiocylix Harms, possibly extinct. Current in situ and ex situ conservation programs need to be strengthened and expanded for the medium- and long-term protection of wild bean species in northeastern Mexico.