Plant breeding is needed to meet agroecological requirements: Legume crops as case study

Legume-based cropping systems are regaining interest due to the environmental services and the variety of food and feed uses they provide, this having special interest in agroecological systems. There are many legume crops that can be adopted but focused breeding is needed to better meet the specific requirements of each system, especially in the situation of changing climate and often stressful environments. Standard breeding methods remain valid, from classical selection, to genomic assisted-breeding, profiting from the modern biotechnological and genomic approaches which are rapidly developing for most legume crops. Rather than focusing on the tools, emphasis is needed on the breeding targets, which might be different from those of high input agriculture such as improved response to symbiosis, nutrient and water use efficiency and tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses becoming priorities. Breeding for these traits requires the infusion of genetic diversity from landraces or wild relatives by pre-breeding. Prospects and constraints are discussed.

Automated summary

Legume-based cropping systems are becoming popular in agroecological systems due to their environmental services and diverse uses. Breeding methods, including classical selection and genomic-assisted breeding, are being used to meet the specific requirements of each system and address the challenges of changing climate and stressful environments. Breeding targets for legume crops should focus on improved symbiosis, nutrient and water use efficiency, and tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses. Infusion of genetic diversity from landraces or wild relatives through pre-breeding is necessary for breeding these traits. Prospects and constraints are discussed.