Legume Genomics and Genetics 2024, Vol.15, No.4, 176-186 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/lgg 182 (Bohra et al., 2014; Abberton et al., 2015). This has led to a higher adoption rate of these improved varieties, as farmers recognize the economic advantages of higher yields and reduced input costs. Moreover, the success of genomics-assisted breeding in other crops, such as the introgression of submergence tolerance in rice, highlights the potential for similar adoption rates in pulse crops (Varshney et al., 2012). The increased market demand for high-quality, stress-tolerant pulse varieties further drives the adoption of genomic technologies, benefiting both farmers and stakeholders. 6.2 Environmental sustainability Genomic advances in pulse crops contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing the need for chemical inputs such as fertilizers and pesticides. The development of stress-tolerant pulse varieties through genomics-assisted breeding reduces the dependency on chemical inputs, as these crops are better equipped to withstand environmental stresses (Kole et al., 2015). For example, the identification of genetic markers associated with stress tolerance allows for the selection of genotypes that require fewer inputs, thereby minimizing the environmental impact of pulse cultivation (Bevan et al., 2017). Additionally, the reduction in chemical pesticide use, as observed in GM crops, can be extrapolated to pulse crops, leading to a more sustainable agricultural practice (Klümper and Qaim, 2014). The application of genomics in pulse crops also plays a crucial role in enhancing soil health and biodiversity. Pulses are known for their ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen, which improves soil fertility and reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers (Bohra et al., 2014). Genomic tools can further enhance this trait by identifying and selecting genotypes with superior nitrogen-fixing capabilities. Moreover, the diversification of pulse crops through genomics-assisted breeding promotes biodiversity, as it encourages the cultivation of a wider range of pulse species (Abberton et al., 2015). This not only improves the resilience of agricultural systems but also supports ecosystem health by maintaining a diverse plant population. The integration of genomics in pulse crop breeding thus contributes to both soil health and biodiversity, fostering a more sustainable agricultural landscape. 7 Future Directions and Research Priorities 7.1 Emerging genomic technologies Single-cell genomics is poised to revolutionize our understanding of plant development and tissue-specific responses to environmental stimuli. This technology allows for the sequencing of DNA and RNA from individual cells, revealing the extent of genomic and transcriptomic heterogeneity within a plant. Recent advances in whole-genome and whole-transcriptome amplification have made it possible to conduct larger and more cost-effective experiments, which can significantly enhance our understanding of cell types and their developmental trajectories (Macaulay and Voet, 2014; Cuperus, 2021). However, there are still technological hurdles to overcome, such as the need for more efficient methods to measure multiple types of molecules simultaneously (Cuperus, 2021). Epigenomics, which involves the study of chromatin states and modifications, offers a promising avenue for crop improvement. By leveraging chromatin information, researchers can better annotate and decode plant genomes, leading to more precise genome engineering. This approach, known as "epigenome-guided" improvement, can enhance our understanding of complex crop genomes and facilitate the identification of heritable epialleles that control important crop traits. Integrating epigenomic information into crop improvement strategies, particularly through CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, holds significant potential for advancing pulse crop productivity (Kumar et al., 2020; Zhang et al., 2022). 7.2 Collaborative and multidisciplinary research The complexity and scale of genomic research necessitate collaborative efforts across multiple disciplines and countries. International consortia and partnerships can pool resources, expertise, and data to accelerate the pace of genomic discoveries and their application in crop improvement. Such collaborations can also facilitate the sharing of genomic data and tools, making them accessible to researchers worldwide (Purugganan and Jackson, 2021). These partnerships are particularly crucial for addressing the challenges faced by developing countries, where pulse crops are a vital source of nutrition and livelihood (Bohra et al., 2014a; Bohra et al., 2014b).
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