Allele Mining for Genomic Designing of Grain Legume Crops

Book excerpt: This book deliberates on the concept, strategies, tools, and techniques of allele mining in grain legume crops and its application potential in genome elucidation and improvement, including studying allele evolution, discovery of superior alleles, discerning new haplotypes, assessment of intra- and interspecific similarity, and also studies of gene expression and gene prediction. Available gene pools in global germplasm collections specifically consisting of wild allied species and local landraces for almost all major crops have facilitated allele mining. Development of advanced genomic techniques, including PCR-based allele priming and EcoTILLING-based allele mining, is being widely used now for mining superior alleles. Allele's discovery has become more relevant now for employing molecular breeding to develop designed crop varieties matching consumer needs, and also with genome plasticity to adapt to climate change scenarios. All these concepts and strategies, along with precise success stories, are presented in the chapters dedicated to the major grain legume crops. 1. The first book on the novel strategy of allele mining in grain legume crops for precise breeding. 2. Presents genomic strategies for mining superior alleles underlying agronomic traits from genomic resources. 3. Depicts case studies of PCR-based allele priming and EcoTILLING-based allele mining. 4. Elaborates on gene discovery and gene prediction in major grain legume crops. This book will be useful to students and faculties in various plant science disciplines, including genetics, genomics, molecular breeding, agronomy, and bioinformatics; to scientists in seed industries; and also to policymakers and funding agencies interested in crop improvement.