Translational Genomics for Developing Superior and Climate-Change Ready Varieties in Semi-Arid Legume Crops

Legume crops such as chickpea, pigeonpea and groundnut contribute to livelihood as well as human nutrition as a rich source of protein and are mostly grown in semi-arid and tropical regions of many Asian and African countries. Exposure of these crops to different biotic and abiotic stresses results in low crop productivity and the situation is going to be worsened in context of climate change. During the last decade (2005–2015), ICRISAT led demand-driven innovations in genome science resulted in unraveling many complex traits at genetic as well as molecular level. Substantial development of genomic resources for these crops includes- draft genome sequence assemblies, comprehensive genetic and physical maps, large number of SSR markers, millions of SNPs, several high-throughput as well as low cost marker genotyping platforms etc. Furthermore, several complex as well as simple traits related to breeding have been mapped. Subsequently, translational genomics approach was deployed by introgressing resistance/ tolerance to several biotic and abiotic stresses resulting in several success stories in these legume crops. These include development of superior lines in chickpea with enhanced drought tolerance, enhanced and pyramided resistance to Fusarium wilt and Ascochyta blight in chickpea, enhanced resistance to leaf rust in groundnut, improved oil quality in groundnut and utilization of markers for assessing purity of hybrids/parental lines in pigeonpea. All these translational genomics approaches have contributed for accelerating genetic gains in these legume breeding programs and development of improved legume varieties for enhancing food and nutritional security in developing countries.