Bibliometric analysis of French and global scientific publications on protein crops during the period 2000–2009: a comparison with soya and model species

We present an assessment of the research resources devoted to protein-rich pulses of importance to Europe (peas, field beans, lupins, chickpeas) through an analysis of scientific publications at both global and French levels over the period 2000–2009, in comparison with investment in soya and model legume species. The global corpus identifies 23,640, 18,946 and 1,335 references respectively for soya, protein legumes and model legume species over this period. The size of the global corpus comprising ‘protein crops + pulses + Arabidopsis thaliana’ increased by 33 per cent between the periods 1990–1999 and 2000–2009, with an increase in contributions on Arabidopsis thaliana and a stable distribution across legume species, which correlates with production volumes. Over the period 2000–2009, France accounted for 28 per cent of global publications on model legume species (Medicago truncatula, Lotus japonicus). Around 11% of publications on protein crops in France involve a model legume species, compared with 1% globally. Publications on model legume species are predominantly from the fields of genetics and plant physiology. The pea is the most widely studied legume species in France (genetics, physiology, plant protection, agronomy and ecophysiology are the predominant disciplines), whilst research on soya is dominant at global level (the same disciplines are involved as for protein crops). An initial analysis by discipline and theme reveals both strong and weak trends in French publications. We will shortly be expanding our thematic assessment to a global level, combining it with a study of the relevant global geographical regions and an analysis of the network of international collaborations established by French research, including a description of the journals involved.