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Legume biofortification is an underexploited strategy for combatting hidden hunger.

Authors :
Rehman, Hafiz Mamoon
Cooper, James William
Lam, Hon‐Ming
Yang, Seung Hwan
Source :
Plant, Cell & Environment; Jan2019, Vol. 42 Issue 1, p52-70, 19p, 1 Diagram, 3 Charts, 2 Graphs
Publication Year :
2019

Abstract

Legumes are the world's primary source of dietary protein and are particularly important for those in developing economies. However, the biofortification potential of legumes remains underexploited. Legumes offer a diversity of micronutrients and amino acids, exceeding or complementing the profiles of cereals. As such, the enhancement of legume nutritional composition presents an appealing target for addressing the "hidden hunger" of global micronutrient malnutrition. Affecting ~2 billion people, micronutrient malnutrition causes severe health effects ranging from stunted growth to reduced lifespan. An increased availability of micronutrient‐enriched legumes, particularly to those in socio‐economically deprived areas, would serve the dual functions of ameliorating hidden hunger and increasing the positive health effects associated with legumes. Here, we give an updated overview of breeding approaches for the nutritional improvement of legumes, and crucially, we highlight the importance of considering nutritional improvement in a wider ecological context. Specifically, we review the potential of the legume microbiome for agronomic trait improvement and highlight the need for increased genetic, biochemical, and environmental data resources. Finally, we state that such resources should be complemented by an international and multidisciplinary initiative that will drive crop improvement and, most importantly, ensure that research outcomes benefit those who need them most. Legumes are prime targets for biofortification, thus bear the potential to reduce micronutrient malnutrition. However, they are currently underexploited in global agriculture. Here, we provide an updated overview of the nutritional improvement of legumes and consider them in the context of their growth environment. In particular, we highlight the importance of microbiomes and suggest a community‐based approach towards crop improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
01407791
Volume :
42
Issue :
1
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
Plant, Cell & Environment
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
133687506
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1111/pce.13368