Jingyi Zhang

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. 3   doi: 10.5376/lgg.2024.15.0011
Received: 03 May, 2024    Accepted: 05 Jun., 2024    Published: 16 Jun., 2023

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.

Zhang J.Y., 2024, Legume evolution: from wild ancestors to modern crops, Legume Genomics and Genetics, 15(3): 93-104 (doi: 10.5376/lgg.2024.15.0011)

Legumes hold a pivotal role in agriculture and human nutrition due to their ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen, enhancing soil fertility and providing protein-rich food. Understanding the evolutionary history of legumes is crucial for improving crop resilience and productivity. This study aims to trace the origins and early evolution of the legume family (Fabaceae), examining phylogenetic classifications, fossil records, and geographic diversification. The domestication process is analyzed, highlighting key traits selected for cultivation and identifying major centers of legume domestication globally. Advances in legume genomics are discussed, emphasizing their contributions to evolutionary studies and the role of genetic mutations in domestication. The evolution of agronomic traits, including yield, pest resistance, and nitrogen-fixing symbiosis, is explored through case studies of significant legume crops. Modern breeding techniques and biotechnology's impact on legume improvement are evaluated, alongside the integration of traditional knowledge. The importance of conserving wild relatives for genetic diversity and their utilization in breeding programs is underscored. Future directions in legume research, addressing challenges in cultivation and sustainability, and potential breakthroughs in legume science are outlined. This study concludes with a summary of key insights, implications for stakeholders, and a call to action for continued research and conservation efforts.

Legume evolution; Domestication; Genomics; Agronomic traits; Conservation