Legume Genomics and Genetics 2024, Vol.15, No.5, 244-256 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/lgg 244 Research Insight Open Access Translational Genomics in Legumes: Enhancing Crop Resilience and Yield Xiaomei Wang, Chunmei Zong, Yuxin Qi, Guohong Sun, Changyuan Liu, Yanping Wang Mudanjiang Branch, Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Mudanjiang, 157000, Heilongjiang, China Corresponding email: wyping1981@126.com Legume Genomics and Genetics, 2024 Vol.15, No.5 doi: 10.5376/lgg.2024.15.0024 Received: 08 Sep., 2024 Accepted: 09 Oct., 2024 Published: 20 Oct., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Wang et al., 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: Wang X.M., Zong C.M., Qi Y.X., Sun G.H., Liu C.Y., and Wang Y.P., 2024, Translational genomics in legumes: enhancing crop resilience and yield, Legume Genomics and Genetics, 15(5): 244-256 (doi: 10.5376/lgg.2024.15.0024) Abstract Legume crops play a crucial role in global food security, yet their cultivation faces significant challenges from biotic and abiotic stresses. This study explores the potential of translational genomics as a vital tool for enhancing legume crop resilience and yield. We provide an overview of recent advances in legume genomics, highlighting the impact of sequencing technologies and key genome projects. By examining model legumes like Medicago truncatula and Lotus japonicus, we illustrate how discoveries can be translated into crop legumes to address critical issues such as drought tolerance and nitrogen fixation. We discuss genomic approaches to improve stress resistance, yield-related traits, and the integration of emerging technologies like CRISPR/Cas9. Our findings underscore the importance of an integrative approach, combining omics technologies and participatory breeding, to develop climate-resilient legume varieties. This study emphasizes the need for collaborative efforts in policy and funding to further advance translational genomics in legume improvement, ensuring sustainable agricultural practices for the future. Keywords Legume crops; Translational genomics; Stress resilience; Nitrogen fixation; Crop improvement 1 Introduction Legume crops, belonging to the Fabaceae family, are a cornerstone of global agriculture and nutrition. They are cultivated extensively for their seeds, which are rich in proteins, dietary fibers, vitamins, and minerals, making them a vital component of human and livestock diets (Broughton et al., 2004; Roy et al., 2010; Bulut et al., 2023). Legumes such as common beans, chickpeas, lentils, and lupins are particularly significant due to their ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen, thereby enhancing soil fertility and reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers (Smýkal et al., 2015). This unique trait not only supports sustainable agricultural practices but also contributes to the nutritional security of millions of people worldwide, especially in developing regions (Thudi et al., 2020). Despite their importance, legume crops face numerous challenges that hinder their productivity and quality. Biotic stresses, including diseases caused by fungi, bacteria, and viruses, as well as pest infestations, significantly impact legume yields (Varshney, 2016; Koul et al., 2022). Abiotic stresses such as drought, salinity, and extreme temperatures further exacerbate these challenges, particularly in marginal environments where many legumes are grown (Varshney et al., 2018). Climate change has intensified these stresses, making it imperative to develop legume varieties that are resilient to both biotic and abiotic factors (Thudi et al., 2020). Traditional breeding methods have had limited success in overcoming these challenges, necessitating the integration of advanced genomic tools and techniques. Translational genomics refers to the application of genomic information and technologies to develop improved crop varieties with enhanced traits such as yield, nutritional quality, and stress resistance. This approach involves the use of high-throughput sequencing, genome-wide association studies (GWAS), and marker-assisted selection to identify and incorporate beneficial genetic traits into breeding programs. In legumes, translational genomics has led to significant advancements, including the development of drought-tolerant chickpeas, disease-resistant groundnuts, and high-yielding common beans. By bridging the gap between genomic research and practical breeding, translational genomics holds the promise of accelerating genetic gains and ensuring food security in the face of growing environmental challenges (Varshney, 2016; Thudi et al., 2020).
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