Potential for wild species in cool season food legume breeding

Abstract

Wild species which are crossable to cultivated pea, lentil, and chickpea have been collected and are maintained in major germplasm collections throughout the world. Wild species of Vicia crossable to the cultivated faba bean have not been found. The primary, secondary, and tertiary gene pools of the cool season food legumes represent potential genetic diversity that may eventually be exploited in cultivated types to overcome biotic and abiotic stresses. Technical difficulties in obtaining hybrids beyond those within the primary gene pool is a major obstacle. Reproductive isolation, embryo breakdown, hybrid sterility, and limited genetic recombination are major barriers to greater use of wild germplasm. Conventional crossing has been successful in producing interspecific hybrids in Lens, Cicer and Pisum and those hybrids are being evaluated for desired recombinants. In vitro culture of hybrid embryos has been successful in overcoming barriers to wider crosses in Lens. The successful transfer of genes from wide sources to cultivated types can be assisted by repeated backcrossing and selection designed to leave behind undesired traits while transferring genes of interest. Molecular marker assisted selection may become a valuable tool in the future use of wild species. In general, too little is known about the possible genetic variation available in wild species that could be valuable in developing resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. Current efforts on the use of wide hybridization in the cool season food legumes are reviewed and discussed.