Legume Genomics and Genetics 2024, Vol.15, No.3, 93-104 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/lgg 93 Review Article Open Access Legume Evolution: From Wild Ancestors to Modern Crops Jingyi Zhang Tropical Legume Research Center, Hainan Institute of Tropical Agricultural Resources, Sanya, 572025, Hainan, China Corresponding email: jingyi.zhang@hitar.org Legume Genomics and Genetics, 2024 Vol.15, No.3 doi: 10.5376/lgg.2024.15.0011 Received: 03 May, 2024 Accepted: 05 Jun., 2024 Published: 16 Jun., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Zhang, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Zhang J.Y., 2024, Legume evolution: from wild ancestors to modern crops, Legume Genomics and Genetics, 15(3): 93-104 (doi: 10.5376/lgg.2024.15.0011) Abstract Legumes hold a pivotal role in agriculture and human nutrition due to their ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen, enhancing soil fertility and providing protein-rich food. Understanding the evolutionary history of legumes is crucial for improving crop resilience and productivity. This study aims to trace the origins and early evolution of the legume family (Fabaceae), examining phylogenetic classifications, fossil records, and geographic diversification. The domestication process is analyzed, highlighting key traits selected for cultivation and identifying major centers of legume domestication globally. Advances in legume genomics are discussed, emphasizing their contributions to evolutionary studies and the role of genetic mutations in domestication. The evolution of agronomic traits, including yield, pest resistance, and nitrogen-fixing symbiosis, is explored through case studies of significant legume crops. Modern breeding techniques and biotechnology's impact on legume improvement are evaluated, alongside the integration of traditional knowledge. The importance of conserving wild relatives for genetic diversity and their utilization in breeding programs is underscored. Future directions in legume research, addressing challenges in cultivation and sustainability, and potential breakthroughs in legume science are outlined. This study concludes with a summary of key insights, implications for stakeholders, and a call to action for continued research and conservation efforts. Keywords Legume evolution; Domestication; Genomics; Agronomic traits; Conservation 1 Introduction Legumes have been integral to human and animal diets for millennia, serving as a cornerstone of traditional agriculture. They are highly valued for their nutritional content, providing essential proteins, complex carbohydrates, dietary fiber, and a range of vitamins and minerals. Despite their historical significance, the popularity of legumes has waned in recent decades, particularly in Europe, due to various socio-economic factors and the rise in meat consumption. However, legumes remain a sustainable and inexpensive alternative to meat, offering numerous health benefits, including antioxidant properties that help prevent chronic diseases (Maphosa and Jideani, 2017; Ferreira et al., 2021). Understanding the evolutionary history of legumes is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it provides insights into their adaptation mechanisms, which can inform breeding programs aimed at improving legume varieties for better yield, disease resistance, and nutritional quality. Secondly, knowledge of their evolutionary history can help in the development of sustainable agricultural practices, such as crop rotation and intercropping, which leverage the natural benefits of legumes for soil health and productivity. Lastly, this understanding can aid in overcoming cultural and societal barriers to legume consumption by highlighting their historical significance and nutritional superiority (Maphosa and Jideani, 2017; Ferreira et al., 2021). The objective of this study is to underscore the pivotal role of legumes in transitioning towards more sustainable agri-food systems and diets, particularly in Europe. By compiling and analyzing various initiatives and strategies aimed at revitalizing legume production and consumption, this study seeks to highlight the multifaceted benefits of legumes and the obstacles that need to be addressed to achieve sustainable development goals. The significance of this study lies in its potential to influence policy-making, encourage public and private investments in legume research and technology, and ultimately, promote a shift towards healthier and more sustainable dietary patterns.
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