The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) has recommended four varieties of spring bean for use in 2025.

Their specific use is directly linked to the terms of the Protein Aid Scheme.

The 2025 recommended list details the spring bean varieties that are considered most suitable for growing under Irish conditions.

The varieties included on the Recommended List have completed a minimum of three years in DAFM trials.

This work was undertaken in Cork, Kilkenny, Kildare, Meath and Wexford with good farming practice guidelines followed at all times.

The data presented in the 2025 Recommended List is based on a three-year average of trials harvested from 2022 to 2024.

The mean yield and mean crude protein content of the control varieties over the aforementioned period are 6.9t/ha and 23.6% respectively.

Caprice has a relative yield of 97% and a relative crude protein figure of 102%. Its average height is 134cm.

According to DAFM, the variety is relatively yielding, and early maturing; average protein levels are good. Caprice has good brackling resistance and very good lodging resistance.

It has moderate resistance to chocolate spot and rust and good resistance to downy mildew.  

Lynx has a relative yield of 100% and a relative crude protein figure of 100%. Its average height is 134cm.

Based on trial results, the variety is high yielding, and relatively early maturing; average protein levels are good.

It has good brackling resistance and very good lodging resistance. Lynx has moderate resistance to chocolate spot and good resistance to downy mildew. It is moderately susceptible to rust.

Protina has a relative yield of 102% and a relative crude protein figure of 102%. Its average height is 135cm.

According to DAFM, the variety is relatively yielding, and early maturing; average protein levels are good.

Protina has good brackling resistance and very good lodging resistance. It has moderate resistance to chocolate spot and rust and is very resistant to downy mildew.

Victus has a relative yield of 100% and a relative crude protein figure of 100%. Its average height is 126cm.

DAFM trials confirm the high yielding, early maturing traits associated with the variety; protein levels are good.

Victus is moderately susceptible to brackling and has good resistance to lodging. It has good chocolate spot and downy mildew resistance while moderately susceptible to rust.

Significantly, the breeder claims this variety is low in the anti-nutritional compounds vicine and convicine.