Bolu Çivril Bean, belonging to the species Phaseolus vulgaris L., is a medium-maturing and climbing bean variety. It was registered as a “designation of origin” under the Turkish Industrial Property Law No. 6769 and received geographical indication protection on 19 August 2020. The registration application was submitted by the Bolu Bağışçılar Vakfı, and the production area is limited to the Çivril, Ağaçcılar, Yazıören, Saraycık, Tatlar, Yakabayat, Çampınar, and Köprücüler villages of Bolu central district.
Distinctive Features
Bolu Çivril Bean is recognized for its small, white, oval, and shiny seeds. Its thin skin allows for easy cooking. This bean can be consumed fresh or dried and demonstrates high yield and quality characteristics due to the transitional climate of the region. Particularly in autumn, moderate daytime temperatures and cool winds play a decisive role in achieving plump and shiny seeds.
Its plant characteristics include pole-type growth, pyramidal development, and early yellowing. Anthocyanin formation is absent in the hypocotyl. Flowers are white, and pods have a green base, are smooth, and slightly curved inward. Pod tips range from pointed to blunt. Seeds are sugar-shaped, white, and have few veins.
Physically, plant height ranges from 214-470 cm, the first pod height is 6-50 cm, with 15-32 pods per plant, 51-138 seeds per plant, and seed yield of 40-88 g. The 100-seed weight is 45.0-72.8 g; fresh weight 95.1-146.0 g; and dry weight 45.9-75.4 g.
Cultivation Method
Production begins in autumn by applying 2-3 tons/da of animal manure to the field. The soil is deeply plowed, processed with a rake in March - April, and prepared for sowing. Sowing occurs from late April to late May, placing 3-4 seeds per hill at 2-3 cm depth, 45-50 cm between seeds in the row, and 70 cm between rows.
Due to its climbing nature, poles are erected in mid-June using local poplar branches and forest products. Irrigation is carried out 14-16 times per season using sprinkler, surface, or drip methods. Weed control is performed manually, while chemical treatments are applied only if necessary for pests and diseases.
Harvesting begins in late July to early August and continues manually until autumn frosts. Beans are used fresh or dried, then cleaned and prepared for market. Some are reserved as seeds.
Inspection
Inspections are coordinated by the Bolu Bağışçılar Vakfı and conducted by a five-member committee including representatives from the Bolu Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry, Bolu Chamber of Agriculture, Bolu Agricultural Credit Cooperative, and the foundation. Inspections occur at least once a year and additionally when complaints arise. The committee monitors the physical characteristics of the product, compliance with the cultivation method, and correct use of the designation of origin emblem.
