Legume Genomics and Genetics 2024, Vol.15, No.3, 93-104 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/lgg 99 allowing targeted modifications to improve specific traits (Varshney et al., 2018; Singh et al., 2022). These advancements have not only increased the efficiency of breeding programs but also expanded the genetic diversity available for crop improvement (Muñoz et al., 2017). 6.3 Integration of traditional knowledge with modern science for legume breeding The integration of traditional knowledge with modern scientific approaches has proven to be a valuable strategy in legume breeding. Traditional knowledge, which encompasses the understanding of local crop varieties and their adaptation to specific environments, provides a rich source of information that can complement modern breeding techniques. For instance, pre-breeding activities that utilize promising landraces and wild relatives have been initiated to develop new gene pools with a high frequency of useful genes and broader adaptability (Sharma et al., 2013). Combining this traditional knowledge with advanced molecular markers and genomics tools has enhanced the efficiency of introgression and reduced linkage drags, thereby improving the overall genetic enhancement of grain legumes (Sharma et al., 2013; Smýkal et al., 2015). This holistic approach ensures that the benefits of both traditional and modern practices are harnessed to develop resilient and high-yielding legume varieties. 7 Conservation of Wild Relatives 7.1 Importance of preserving wild legume species for genetic diversity Preserving wild legume species is crucial for maintaining genetic diversity, which is essential for the resilience and adaptability of cultivated crops. Wild relatives of legumes harbor a wealth of genetic variation that has been lost in domesticated varieties due to genetic bottlenecks and selective breeding (Smýkal et al., 2015; Bohra et al., 2022; Rajpal et al., 2023). This genetic diversity includes alleles that confer resistance to diseases, tolerance to abiotic stresses, and other beneficial traits that can be utilized to improve crop performance and sustainability (Muñoz et al., 2017; Zhang et al., 2019). For instance, wild soybean (Glycine soja) retains higher genomic diversity compared to its domesticated counterpart, making it a valuable resource for soybean improvement (Nawaz et al., 2020). 7.2 Strategies for conserving wild legume germplasm Several strategies are employed to conserve wild legume germplasm, including ex situ and in situ conservation methods. Ex situ conservation involves the collection and storage of seeds or other plant materials in gene banks, which allows for the preservation of genetic resources outside their natural habitats (Smýkal et al., 2015; Nawaz et al., 2020). For example, the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) has initiated pre-breeding programs to develop new gene pools in chickpea, pigeonpea, and groundnut using wild relatives (Sharma et al., 2013). In situ conservation, on the other hand, focuses on protecting wild species in their natural habitats, ensuring the maintenance of their ecological interactions and evolutionary processes (Muehlbauer et al., 2004; Muñoz et al., 2017). Both approaches are complementary and essential for the long-term conservation of genetic diversity in legumes. 7.3 Utilization of wild relatives in breeding programs to enhance crop resilience The utilization of wild relatives in breeding programs is a promising strategy to enhance crop resilience and address the challenges posed by climate change, pests, and diseases. Wild legumes possess traits that can be introgressed into cultivated varieties to improve their performance under adverse conditions (Choi et al., 2004; Rendón-Anaya et al., 2017; Rajpal et al., 2023). Advances in genetic and genomic technologies, such as whole-genome sequencing, quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping, and marker-assisted selection (MAS), have facilitated the identification and transfer of beneficial alleles from wild relatives to domesticated crops (Sharma et al., 2013; Muñoz et al., 2017; Rajpal et al., 2023). For instance, the integration of omics technologies has expanded the capacity to monitor genetic changes and identify stress-responsive genes in wild legumes, which can be harnessed to develop stress-tolerant and high-yielding cultivars (Figure 3) (Zhang et al., 2019; Bohra et al., 2022). Additionally, pre-breeding efforts have successfully introgressed desirable traits from wild germplasm into breeding lines, overcoming barriers such as cross-incompatibility and linkage drag (Muehlbauer et al., 2004; Sharma et al., 2013). By preserving and utilizing the genetic diversity of wild legume species, breeding programs can develop more resilient and sustainable crop varieties, ensuring food security and agricultural productivity in the face of global challenges.
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