Legume Genomics and Genetics 2024, Vol.15, No.3, 93-104 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/lgg 100 Figure 3 Understanding domestication of grain legumes for future improvement (Adopted from Bohra et al., 2022) Image caption: Grain legumes have been domesticated in different centers of origins worldwide and then spread to diverse eco-geographies for crop production. Morpho-physiological traits during domestication and diversification/improvement show distinct phenotypes among wild and current breeding pools. In recent years, incorporation of omics-level data and pangenome has strengthened crop genetic research. Once the key domestication loci are precisely mapped, the CWRs can be readily converted into domesticated forms by transferring these loci into CWRs through gene editing, introgression and mutagenesis approaches. Rapid domestication of CWRs using advanced biotechnologies will be key to sustainable crop improvement (Adopted from Bohra et al., 2022) 8 Future Directions and Challenges 8.1 Emerging trends in legume research and breeding Recent advancements in legume research and breeding have focused on integrating modern genomic tools with traditional breeding methods to enhance genetic diversity and improve crop resilience. The use of wild relatives and gene pools has been emphasized to broaden the genetic base of legumes, which is crucial for overcoming the yield plateau and achieving higher genetic gains (Muñoz et al., 2017; Singh et al., 2022). Techniques such as pre-breeding, alien gene introgression, and speed breeding are being increasingly adopted to accelerate the development of improved legume varieties. Additionally, the application of genetic engineering and genome editing tools, such as CRISPR/Cas9, is expected to revolutionize legume breeding by enabling precise modifications of desirable traits (Singh et al., 2022). 8.2 Addressing challenges in legume cultivation and sustainability Legume cultivation faces several challenges, including fluctuating climates, soil deterioration, and the need for sustainable agricultural practices. To address these issues, researchers are exploring the potential of crop wild relatives (CWRs) and exotic germplasm to introduce novel genetic variations that can enhance stress tolerance and adaptability to diverse environmental conditions (Muñoz et al., 2017; Pratap et al., 2021). Introgression breeding has shown promise in developing improved cultivars with enhanced agronomic traits, such as disease resistance and drought tolerance (Pratap et al., 2021). Moreover, integrating advanced genomic approaches with traditional breeding methods can help mitigate the genetic bottlenecks that have limited the genetic diversity of domesticated legumes (Muñoz et al., 2017).
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