Book / Monograph

Broadening the genetic base of grain legumes through pre-breeding using wild species

Abstract

Grain legumes such as pigeonpea ((Cajanus cajan (L.) Mill sp.)) and chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) are the primary sources of dietary protein especially for vegetarian human population worldwide. Genetic enhancement in these crops is not adequate due to their narrow genetic base. Further, the production and productivity of these crops is adversely affected by different biotic and abiotic stresses and high levels of resistance/tolerance for these stresses is not available in the cultivated genepool. This necessitates the utilization of new and diverse source of variations to broaden the genetic base of crop cultivars and to improve the genetic gain of these crops