On the cover

Genetic resources of azuki bean (Vigna angularis) conserved in the NARO Genebank. The scale on the ruler is in millimeters (mm). Azuki bean is widely cultivated in Asia and has been introduced to other continents as a cash crop in recent decades. To develop a better understanding of azuki bean and its potential genetic resources, we have compiled information by adding recent publications on their morphology, historical taxonomic treatments, species origin, gene pool concept, geographical and ecological habitats, and stress tolerances. These genetic resources are expected to be used as breeding material against biotic and abiotic stresses (This issue, p. 295–310).

(Y. Takahashi: Research Center of Genetic Resources, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO))