Molecular Breeding for Disease Resistance in Vigna Species
Summary
Molecular breeding in Vigna species has emerged as a pivotal strategy to enhance resistance against a suite of biotic threats including fungal pathogens, viruses and insect pests. Legumes such as mungbean (Vigna radiata), black gram (Vigna mungo) and adzuki bean (Vigna angularis) underpin food security and livelihoods across Asia, Africa and beyond. Traditional selection based on phenotypic screening is now complemented by an array of genomics-enabled tools. High-quality reference genomes, dense single nucleotide polymorphism maps and genome-wide association studies enable identification of quantitative trait loci (QTL) linked to disease resistance. Marker-assisted selection (MAS) expedites incorporation of target loci into elite cultivars, while genomic selection accelerates breeding cycles. Advances in gene editing via CRISPR/Cas9 promise precise modification of susceptibility genes or deployment of novel alleles sourced from wild relatives. Key targets include resistance to yellow mosaic viruses (begomoviruses transmitted by whitefly), powdery mildew, Cercospora leaf spot, anthracnose and storage pests such as bruchids. Integrating diverse germplasm, including core and mini-core collections, broadens the genetic base and fosters durable resistance. Practical outcomes range from high-yielding, disease-resistant lines to reduced reliance on chemical control, supporting sustainable intensification in smallholder farming systems.
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Molecular Breeding for Disease Resistance in Vigna Species publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in molecular breeding for disease resistance in vigna species across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Marker-assisted selection (MAS): A breeding technique using DNA markers linked to trait loci to select individuals carrying desirable genes.
Quantitative trait locus (QTL): A genomic region containing one or more genes that contribute to variation in a quantitative trait such as disease resistance.
Begomovirus: A genus of single-stranded DNA viruses transmitted by whitefly that cause mosaic diseases in legume crops.
Genome-wide association study (GWAS): A method that associates genetic variants across the genome with phenotypic traits in a diverse population.
CRISPR/Cas9: A genome editing tool enabling precise introduction or correction of DNA sequences to confer or enhance resistance traits.
References
- Genetics, genomics, and breeding of black gram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper]. Frontiers in Plant Science (2024).
- Genetics for seed traits and Mungbean yellow mosaic India virus reaction in urdbean (Vigna mungo L. Hepper). Legume Science (2023).
- Yellow Mosaic Disease (YMD) of Mungbean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek): Current Status and Management Opportunities. Frontiers in Plant Science (2020).
- The AVRDC – The World Vegetable Center mungbean (Vigna radiata) core and mini core collections. BMC Genomics (2015).
- Genomic resources in mungbean for future breeding programs. Frontiers in Plant Science (2015).
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