Legume Genomics and Genetics 2024, Vol.15, No.6, 315-322 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/lgg 315 Feature Review Open Access The Genetic Basis of Carob Domestication and Its Industrial Applications 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.6 doi: 10.5376/lgg.2024.15.0030 Received: 10 Nov., 2024 Accepted: 12 Dec., 2024 Published: 25 Dec., 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 genetic basis of carob domestication and its industrial applications, Legume Genomics and Genetics, 15(6): 315-322 (doi: 10.5376/lgg.2024.15.0030) Abstract This study explores the genetic basis of domesticated adzuki beans, with a focus on key traits selected to improve their sweetness, seed size, and resistance to environmental stress. Through comparative genomics with wild relatives, information is provided for breeding programs that enhance the agronomic traits of adzuki beans. The industrial relevance of adzuki beans is examined, with a particular emphasis on their applications in food, medicine, and cosmetics, as well as their potential roles in bioeconomy and sustainable agriculture. The case study of the Mediterranean demonstrates the successful integration of legumes in regional economies, emphasizing the importance of genetic diversity and innovation in promoting these practices globally. This study aims to emphasize the potential of legumes as a sustainable agricultural model crop, addressing food security and industrial needs while promoting biodiversity. Keywords Carob (Ceratonia siliqua); Domestication genetics; Molecular markers; Comparative genomics; Industrial applications; Bioeconomy 1 Introduction Carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) has a rich history of domestication, primarily within the Mediterranean basin, where it has been cultivated for thousands of years. The domestication process of carob is complex, involving multiple origins and a significant interplay between wild and cultivated populations (Viruel et al., 2019). Recent studies have revealed that carob was domesticated from locally selected wild genotypes, with evidence of long-distance dispersals facilitated by historical human migrations, such as those by the Romans, Greeks, and Arabs (Baumel et al., 2021). The genetic diversity of carob is shaped by its evolutionary history, with distinct genetic pools identified across different regions, highlighting the importance of conserving both wild and cultivated genetic resources. Carob has transitioned from its traditional role as livestock feed to a valuable resource in various industries. Its seeds are particularly prized for Locust Bean Gum (LBG), a stabilizer and thickening agent widely used in the food industry (Di Guardo et al., 2019). The carob pod, rich in sugars, fibers, and phenolic compounds, is now utilized in producing a range of food products, including flour, powder, and syrup, which are gaining popularity for their nutritional benefits (Gioxari et al., 2022). Additionally, carob's resilience to drought and salinity makes it a promising crop for sustainable agriculture, capable of thriving in arid conditions and contributing to soil restoration and carbon sequestration (Martins-Loução et al., 2024). This study provides an overview of the genetic research, industrial applications, and environmental benefits of the cultivation of the multidimensional species Croaker. By studying the genetic diversity and evolutionary patterns of Croaker, the domestication process that shapes its current genetic landscape is introduced, and the industrial potential of Croaker is explored. The role of Croaker in sustainable agriculture and its various applications in the food industry are emphasized. This study aims to review the genetic basis of legume domestication and its impact on industrial applications.
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