Weiliang Shen , Yupin Huang , Ruchuan Chen , Hangming Lin

Tropical Legume Research Center, Hainan Institute of Tropical Agricultural Resources, Sanya, 572025, Hainan, China
Author    Correspondence author
Legume Genomics and Genetics, 2024, Vol. 15, No. 1   doi: 10.5376/lgg.2024.15.0005
Received: 12 Jan., 2024    Accepted: 13 Feb., 2024    Published: 24 Feb., 2024

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.

Shen W.L., Huang Y.P., Chen R.C., and Lin H.M., 2024, Impact of whole genome duplication events on the diversification of legumes, Legume Genomics and Genetics, 15(1): 37-45 (doi: 10.5376/lgg.2024.15.0005)

This study aims to explore the role of whole genome duplication (WGD) events in the evolutionary history and diversification of legumes. It seeks to summarize the mechanisms, historical occurrences, and impacts of WGD on genetic diversity, ecological adaptation, and agricultural significance in legumes. The study identifies key WGD events in the evolutionary timeline of legumes and discusses their mechanisms, including autopolyploidy and allopolyploidy. It highlights the significant genetic and evolutionary consequences of WGD, such as enhanced genetic variation, novel trait development, and increased adaptability to diverse environments. Additionally, it examines the impact of WGD on legume diversification at both the ecological and functional levels, noting specific examples within major legume subfamilies. Whole genome duplication events have played a crucial role in shaping the evolutionary trajectory and diversification of legumes. These events have contributed to genetic innovation, ecological niche expansion, and the development of economically important traits. The study emphasizes the importance of further research to fully understand the functional implications of WGD and its potential applications in legume breeding and conservation.

Whole genome duplication (WGD); Legume diversification; Genetic diversity; Evolutionary adaptation; Agricultural significance