Genomics and breeding innovations for legume improvement

Rajeev K Varshney.

1**Research Program Director- Genetic Gains & Director, Center of Excellence in Genomics & Systems Biology,        ICRISAT, Patancheru, India.

2**Adjunct Professor, Centre for Crop and Food Innovation, Food Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Australia.

r.k.varshney@cgiar.org

rajeev.varshney@murdoch.edu.au

Abstract

Crop improvement offers sustainable solutions for food production and food security in the form of high-yielding, nutritious crops that can withstand various biotic and abiotic stresses. Innovative genomics and crop breeding techniques (e.g., marker-assisted selection, genomic selection, gene editing and speed breeding) have shown promise in enhancing crop performance. In this direction, ICRISAT and its partner institutes have decoded genome sequences and integrated advanced genome discoveries in crop improvement programs in several crops. Several high-yielding varieties with enhanced tolerance to biotic/abiotic stresses and higher nutrition have been developed in chickpea, pigeonpea and groundnut. Translating crop productivity gains from genomics-assisted breeding in farmers' fields, however, require improved access to innovative technologies and their adoption by farming community. A robust seed system—delivering improved cultivars steadily to replace old cultivars— is plausible for adapting agriculture to climate change. This presentation will deal with advances in genomics science, and opportunities and challenges of genomics-assisted breeding in legume crops for improving agriculture in developing countries. 

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Keywords: Genomics, Molecular breeding, Marker-assisted selection, Genomic selection, Gene editing & Speed breeding