Bases for genetic improvement of grain legumes

• Published in: Field crops research Vol. 53; no. 1; pp. 69 - 82
• Main Authors: Ranalli, P., Cubero, J.I.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.07.1997
• Subjects: Autogamous and partially allogamous legumes; BREEDING METHODS; CRITERE DE SELECTION; CRITERIOS DE SELECCION; CROP YIELD; FIJACION DEL NITROGENO; FIXATION DE L'AZOTE; GRAIN LEGUMES; GRAINE; HABITOS DE CRECIMIENTO; Improvement aims; LEGUMINEUSE A GRAINS; LEGUMINOSAS DE GRANO; METHODE D'AMELIORATION GENETIQUE; METODOS DE MEJORAMIENTO GENETICO; NITROGEN FIXATION; PLANT HABIT; PORT DE LA PLANTE; RENDEMENT DES CULTURES; RENDIMIENTO DE CULTIVOS; RESISTANCE AUX FACTEURS NUISIBLES; RESISTANCE TO INJURIOUS FACTORS; RESISTENCIA A AGENTES DANINOS; SEEDS; SELECTION CRITERIA; SEMILLA; Improvement aims; Breeding methods; Autogamous and partially allogamous legumes; Selection criteria
• ISSN: 0378-4290; 1872-6852
• DOI: 10.1016/S0378-4290(97)00023-3

This review focuses on selection criteria and breeding methods used with grain legumes. The production of these crops has remained stagnant over time and research strategies which lead to the development of improved cultivars is urgently needed. The variables to be considered in the choice of breeding methods have been considered and selection targets pointed out. These include the improvement of plant architecture, nitrogen fixation (selection of plant host, inoculant strains and rhizobia by cultivar interaction), seed yield (quantitative, qualitative and stability) and resistance to biotic and abiotic stress. The merit of different selection methods in meeting these selection targets is discussed and their practical application is elucidated. Finally, recurrent selection and index of selection methods are considered for increasing genetic recombination and how biotechnology can offer tools to help in the improvement of important traits of grain legumes.