Advancing Resilient Legume Crops for Sustainable Agriculture and Feeding Africa: Genetics and Genomics Studies on Cowpea and Common Bean

Abstract

Cowpea and common bean play indispensable roles in the continent's agricultural food and nutrition security. This review delves into recent advances in genetic and genomic research aimed at fortifying the resilience of cowpea and common bean crops, essential for sustainable agriculture and environment. In the context of cowpea, research efforts have concentrated on unraveling the genetic determinants of traits crucial for adapting to different agroecological conditions. Traits such as drought and heat tolerance, resistance to pests and diseases prevalent in farming systems, and improved biological nitrogen fixation capacity have been primary targets. Leveraging advancements in genomic tools currently including reference genomes and high-throughput sequencing, some researchers have identified candidate genes and molecular markers pivotal for biotic and abiotic stress resilience. Genetic and genomic studies on cowpea and common bean have underscored the importance of enhancing resilience to abiotic stresses and combatting prevalent diseases such as anthracnose, angular leaf spot and ashy leaf spot in bean production systems. Through the identification of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and candidate genes associated with stress tolerance and nutritional quality, genomic-assisted breeding approaches hold promise for developing bean varieties tailored to African agroecosystems. Overall, integration of genetics and genomics in cowpea and common bean research offers a transformative pathway toward developing resilient legume crops tailored to different needs and agroecologies. These advancements are poised to bolster agricultural sustainability, enhance food security, and contribute to improved livelihoods across the globe.