Legume Genomics and Genetics 2024, Vol.15, No.4, 176-186 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/lgg 176 Feature Review Open Access The Role of Genomics in Advancing Pulse Crop Productivity Tianxia Guo Institute of Life Sciences, Jiyang College, Zhejiang A&F University, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China Corresponding email: tianxia.guo@cuixi.org Legume Genomics and Genetics, 2024 Vol.15, No.4 doi: 10.5376/lgg.2024.15.0018 Received: 06 Jul., 2024 Accepted: 07 Aug., 2024 Published: 18 Aug., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Guo, 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: Guo T.X., 2024, The role of genomics in advancing pulse crop productivity, Legume Genomics and Genetics, 15(4): 176-186 (doi: 10.5376/lgg.2024.15.0018) Abstract Pulse crops, vital for global food security and sustainable agriculture, face numerous productivity challenges. This study explores the transformative potential of genomics in advancing pulse crop productivity. This study explores key genomic tools and technologies, including Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS), and Genomic Selection (GS), highlighting their applications and successes in pulse crop research. Advancements in genetic mapping, transcriptomics, and functional genomics are discussed, with a focus on CRISPR-Cas9 and other gene-editing technologies. A case study on enhancing drought tolerance in soybeans illustrates the practical benefits of genomic approaches. Integrative genomic strategies, combining high-throughput phenotyping, systems biology, and translational genomics, are presented as comprehensive methods for crop improvement. The economic and environmental impacts of these advancements are evaluated, emphasizing reduced input requirements and enhanced soil health. Future directions prioritize emerging technologies, collaborative research, and addressing societal and ethical considerations. This study underscores the significant potential of genomics to revolutionize pulse crop breeding and sustainability. Keywords Pulse crops; Genomics; Drought tolerance; Genetic mapping; Sustainable agriculture 1 Introduction Pulse crops, including peas, chickpeas, lentils, and beans, are essential components of global agriculture. They are highly valued for their nutritional benefits, providing a rich source of dietary protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals (Roy et al., 2010; Asif et al., 2013; Kumar and Pandey, 2020). These crops play a crucial role in food security, particularly in developing countries, where they help alleviate protein and micronutrient malnutrition (Bohra et al., 2014; Bessada et al., 2019). Additionally, pulses contribute to sustainable agriculture by improving soil health through nitrogen fixation, making them an environmentally friendly crop choice (Asif et al., 2013; Bessada et al., 2019). Despite their importance, pulse crops face significant productivity challenges. These include susceptibility to biotic and abiotic stresses, such as diseases, pests, and adverse environmental conditions (Varshney, 2016; Thudi et al., 2020). Traditional breeding methods have had limited success in overcoming these challenges, resulting in low genetic gains and insufficient yield improvements to meet the growing global demand for food (Bohra et al., 2014; Varshney, 2016). Furthermore, the presence of antinutritional factors in pulses can affect their nutritional quality and digestibility, posing additional hurdles for their widespread adoption (Roy et al., 2010; Bessada et al., 2019). Recent advancements in genomics offer promising solutions to enhance pulse crop productivity. Genomics-assisted breeding (GAB) has emerged as a powerful tool to accelerate genetic improvements by leveraging genome-wide genetic markers, high-throughput genotyping, and sequencing technologies (Bohra et al., 2014; Varshney, 2016; Thudi et al., 2020). The availability of whole-genome sequences and high-density genetic linkage maps enables precise trait mapping and genomic selection, facilitating the development of superior cultivars with enhanced yield, stress tolerance, and nutritional quality. These innovations have already led to notable successes, such as the development of drought-tolerant chickpea varieties and disease-resistant groundnut lines (Varshney, 2016).
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