HORTICULTURE

Detailed explanation-1: -The oldest domesticated lima beans come from the Peruvian desert coast and date to between 7000 and 5000 bp; however, as this plant was domesticated in the highlands, it must have become a cultigen well before 7000 bp.

Detailed explanation-2: -Several other plants were domesticated in South American environments, such as quinoa and canahua, both small grains used as cereals, and tuberoses such as ullucu and oca. Squashes and pumpkins are pre-Columbian crops that have spread throughout the world, as is the tomato, indigenous to South America’s west coast.

Detailed explanation-3: -Lima beans were domesticated at least twice, according to a new genetic diversity study. Big seeded varieties known as “Big Lima” were domesticated in the Andean Mountains, while small seeded “Sieva” and “Potato” varieties originated in central-western Mexico.

Detailed explanation-4: -Phaseolus vulgaris (Common Bean) was domesticated around 4500 years ago in central America and the Andes from wild plants of the lowland dry tropics. It was quickly adapted by Old World cultures as it was easier to grow, more productive, and easier to cook than Broad Beans.