Gene technology for grain legumes: can it contribute to the food challenge in developing countries?

Grain legumes play a crucial role in the sustainability of agricultural systems and in food protein supply in developing countries. Several constraints that limit crop production or quality have been addressed by conventional breeding and enhanced management, but there are situations where the existing germplasm lacks the required traits. Genetic transformation could help provide solutions to certain constraints, thus improving food security in developing countries. The potential benefits of this form of genetic improvement have not yet been realised, mainly because efficient and reproducible gene transfer systems are not available. We review the state of the art of gene technology for genetic improvement of those grain legumes of major importance to developing countries. Protocols are evaluated for their reproducibility, efficiency and robustness. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.