Abstract
Pulses are a powerhouse of protein and hold an immense potential for food security and sustainable agriculture. However, exploiting their full potential centers on harnessing genetic, genomic, and bioinformatics resources still needs a great fillip. Efforts have been made globally to collect, preserve, and characterize their germplasm, facilitating the identification of desirable traits for breeding programs. Such collections can serve as a rich reservoir for genetic studies, enabling the development of improved varieties with enhanced yield, nutritional content, and resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. Pulse genome sequencing has accelerated during the last 10 years, and most pulse crops now have high-quality reference genomes, transcriptomes, and genetic maps accessible. Moreover, genomic tools enable the detection of key genes responsible for important agronomic traits, disease resistance, and stress tolerance, paving the way for precision breeding approaches. Dedicated databases to curate genetic and phenotypic information and tools utilized for genome assembly, annotation, and variation analysis are constantly evolving. Pulses could see a revolutionary leap in genetic improvement through the synergy of cutting-edge genomic and phenomic tools with accelerating techniques such as genomic selection and speed breeding. The fusion of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies with genomic science heralds a new era in crop breeding and genetic harvest in pulses. These tools offer exciting possibilities for boosting productivity, enhancing nutritional quality, and ensuring resilience to environmental stresses. As these tools become increasingly accessible and their applications more widespread, the potential for transformative impacts on global pulse scenarios continues to grow.
