Beach Bean- a Coastal Survivor with a Future in Sustainable Agriculture

Abstract

Vigna marina, commonly known as beach bean, is an underutilized wild legume naturally adapted to saline and nutrient poor coastal environments. Its remarkable ability to withstand seawater exposure and other environmental stresses makes it a valuable biological resource for sustainable agriculture. This article highlights the ecological significance, salinity tolerance, physiological and biochemical adaptations, genomic resources, symbiotic nitrogen fixation and potential utilization of Vigna marina. Its creeping growth habit contributes to sand stabilization and coastal protection, while its association with rhizobia supports survival in nutrient limited habitats. Physiological and biochemical responses further enable the species to maintain growth under severe salinity. Available genomic information and its relationship with cultivated Vigna species also indicate considerable potential for exploiting this wild genetic resource in crop improvement. Greater attention to the conservation, characterization and utilization of Vigna marina could therefore contribute to developing climate resilient legumes and improving the productive use of saline and marginal environments.