Progress of Genomics-Driven Approaches for Sustaining Underutilized Legume Crops in the Post-Genomic Era

Abstract

Legume crops, belonging to the Fabaceae family, are of immense importance for sustaining global food security. Many legumes are profitable crops for smallholder farmers due to their unique ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen and their intrinsic ability to thrive on marginal land with minimum inputs and low cultivation costs. Recent progress in genomics shows promise for future genetic gains in major grain legumes. Still it remains limited in minor legumes/underutilized legumes, including adzuki bean, cluster bean, horse gram, lathyrus, red clover, urd bean, and winged bean. In the last decade, unprecedented progress in completing genome assemblies of various legume crops and resequencing efforts of large germplasm collections has helped to identify the underlying gene(s) for various traits of breeding importance for enhancing genetic gain and contributing to developing climate-resilient cultivars. This review discusses the progress of genomic resource development, including genome-wide molecular markers, key breakthroughs in genome sequencing, genetic linkage maps, and trait mapping for facilitating yield improvement in underutilized legumes. We focus on 1) the progress in genomic-assisted breeding, 2) the role of whole-genome resequencing, pangenomes for underpinning the novel genomic variants underlying trait gene(s), 3) how adaptive traits of wild underutilized legumes could be harnessed to develop climate-resilient cultivars, 4) the progress and status of functional genomics resources, deciphering the underlying trait candidate genes with putative function in underutilized legumes 5) and prospects of novel breeding technologies, such as speed breeding, genomic selection, and genome editing. We conclude the review by discussing the scope for genomic resources developed in underutilized legumes to enhance their production and play a critical role in achieving the “zero hunger” sustainable development goal by 2030 set by the United Nations.

Genetics, genomics, and breeding of black gram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper]

“…This technology in association with base editors and prime editing could be used for de novo domestication of crop wild relatives (CWRs) of underutilized legumes and “reengineering of metabolism” to increase resilience and enhance nutritive value ( Gasparini et al., 2021 ; Nasti and Voytas, 2021 ). The genome-editing technologies could significantly contribute to legume improvement including black gram to enhance productivity through improving biotic and abiotic stress tolerances ( Jha et al., 2022 ; Mahto et al., 2022 ; Singh et al., 2023 ).…”

“…The developments in the genome sequence could enable researchers to develop low-, mid-, and high-density SNP assays that can be used for new genomic discoveries and deployment of genomic predictions for selection decisions based on breeding values. These genomic-based predictions and speed breeding approaches could enhance genetic gain in legumes ( Jha et al., 2022 ). The novel insights into genomic variations for target traits, their evolution, domestication events, and diversification could be generated through genomic sequencing of CWRs, landraces, and improved breeding lines.…”

Causes and Conditions for Reduced Cultivation and Consumption of Underutilized Crops: Is There a Solution?

“…The main convenience of grass pea lies in its tolerance to abiotic stresses, i.e., flood, waterlogged, salinity, and drought [2]. Despite enormous achievements and rapid advances in genome sequencing technologies, particularly, next generation sequencing, genomic information related to grass pea is still missing [44]. So far, very limited research has been carried out towards identifying possible ways for reducing the presence of b-ODAP and improving the nutritional content of this legume plant [45].…”

Plant breeding is needed to meet agroecological requirements: Legume crops as a case study

“…Variability is also available for these traits and QTLs associated with higher levels of protein, amino acids, oil, minerals or anti-nutritional compounds have been identified (Bohra et al, 2015; Shunmugam et al, 2015; Vaz Patto et al, 2015; Ma et al, 2017; Mendes et al, 2021; Rosso et al, 2021; Dhull et al, 2022; Tacke et al, 2022; Mecha et al, 2023; Zhou et al, 2023) that will allow selection processes to be accelerated. Breeding offers avenues to improve also sulfur amino acid composition and mineral biofortification (Krishnan et al, 2018; Jha et al, 2022; Joshi-Saha et al, 2022).…”