Developing Climate Resilient Grain and Forage Legumes

This edited book discusses the role of various subject disciplines in sustaining global grain and fodder legume production to alleviate impending global food crises. It covers all major commercial legume crops and offers strategies to ensure plant-based dietary protein security. It is targeted to graduate and postgraduate students, researchers, progressive farmers, and policymakers.

Format: Hardback
Length: 327 pages
Publication date: 28 May 2022
Publisher: Springer Verlag, Singapore

This edited book comprehensively explores the multifaceted world of grain legumes, delving into their diverse aspects, including the detrimental effects of abiotic and biotic stresses under the changing global climate. It examines the crucial role of various subject disciplines, spanning from plant breeding and genetics to plant physiology, molecular biology, and genomics, in sustaining global grain and fodder legume production to address impending global food crises. The book offers insightful strategies to ensure plant-based dietary protein security across the globe. It encompasses all major commercial legume crops, which are essential for food, feed, and fodder purposes. This book is specifically designed for graduate and postgraduate students, researchers, progressive farmers, and policymakers to raise awareness about the significance of cultivating grain and fodder legumes for future global food and nutritional security, as well as for preserving sustainable ecosystems.

Introduction:
The cultivation of grain and fodder legumes holds immense importance for ensuring global food and nutritional security. These crops not only provide essential dietary protein but also contribute to sustainable agriculture and ecosystem preservation. In this edited book, we delve into the various aspects of grain legumes, encompassing their breeding, genetics, physiology, molecular biology, genomics, and emerging technologies for sustainable production. We also discuss the role of these crops in mitigating the effects of abiotic and biotic stresses under changing global climate conditions.

Chapter 1:
In the first chapter, we provide an overview of grain legumes, including their taxonomy, classification, and distribution. We discuss the historical significance of these crops and their role in meeting the dietary needs of billions of people worldwide. We also highlight the challenges faced in grain legume production, such as low yields, pests, and diseases.

Chapter 2:
In Chapter 2, we explore the role of plant breeding in improving grain legume productivity. We discuss the various breeding techniques, such as hybridization, mutation breeding, and gene editing, used to develop new cultivars with enhanced traits. We also discuss the importance of genetic diversity in sustaining grain legume production and the challenges associated with maintaining it.

Chapter 3:
Chapter 3 focuses on the genetics of grain legumes. We discuss the inheritance patterns, genetic diversity, and genetic markers associated with important traits such as yield, disease resistance, and nutrient content. We also explore the use of genomics in identifying genetic resources and developing new breeding strategies.

Chapter 4:
Chapter 4 delves into the physiology of grain legumes. We discuss the mechanisms of photosynthesis, nutrient uptake, and water use efficiency in these crops. We also explore the role of physiological traits in adaptation to changing environmental conditions and the development of drought-tolerant and salt-tolerant cultivars.

Chapter 5:
Chapter 5 explores the molecular biology of grain legumes. We discuss the structure and function of important genes and proteins involved in growth, development, and stress response. We also explore the use of molecular techniques, such as DNA sequencing and gene expression analysis, in understanding gene function and developing new markers for breeding.

Chapter 6:
Chapter 6 discusses the genomics of grain legumes. We explore the use of next-generation sequencing technologies, such as RNA-Seq and ChIP-Seq, to generate large-scale genomic data. We discuss the application of genomics in identifying genetic variations, gene expression patterns, and regulatory networks associated with important traits. We also explore the use of genomics in developing new breeding strategies and identifying genetic resources for sustainable production.

Chapter 7:
Chapter 7 focuses on the emerging technologies for sustainable grain and fodder legume production. We discuss the use of high-throughput phenotyping, genomics-assisted selection, and precision agriculture techniques to improve crop yields and reduce environmental impact. We also discuss the challenges associated with implementing these technologies and the potential for their widespread adoption.

Chapter 8:
Chapter 8 discusses the role of grain legumes in mitigating the effects of abiotic and biotic stresses under changing global climate conditions. We explore the impact of climate change on grain legume production, including changes in temperature, precipitation, and soil quality. We also discuss the strategies used to adapt grain legumes to these changing conditions, such as crop rotation, genetic modification, and the use of cover crops.

Chapter 9:
Chapter 9 explores the economic and social benefits of grain legume production. We discuss the importance of grain legumes in sustainable agriculture, food security, and poverty alleviation. We also discuss the role of grain legumes in promoting gender equality, nutrition, and health.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this edited book provides a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of grain legumes, including their breeding, genetics, physiology, molecular biology, genomics, and emerging technologies for sustainable production. It highlights the importance of grain legumes in addressing global food and nutritional security and in maintaining sustainable ecosystems. By fostering interdisciplinary research and collaboration, we can contribute to the development of sustainable and resilient grain legume production systems that meet the needs of a growing population while preserving the environment.

Weight: 670g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789811698477
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022