Abstract
Kersting's groundnut [Macrotyloma geocarpum(Harms.) Maréchal and Baudet], Fabaceae, is an important source of protein and essential amino acids. As a grain legume species, it also contributes to improving soil fertility through symbiotic nitrogen fixation. However, the crop is characterized by a relatively low yield (≤500 kg/ha), and limited progress has been made so far, toward the development of high-yielding cultivars that can enhance and sustain its productivity. Recently, there was an increased interest in alleviating the burdens related to Kersting's groundnut (KG) cultivation through the development of improved varieties. Preliminary investigations assembled germplasms from various producing countries. In-depth ethnobotanical studies and insightful investigation on the reproductive biology of the species were undertaken alongside morphological, biochemical, and molecular characterizations. Those studies revealed a narrow genetic base for KG. In addition, the self-pollinating nature of its flowers prevents cross-hybridization and represents a major barrier limiting the broadening of the genetic basis. Therefore, the development of a research pipeline to address the bottlenecks specific to KG is a prerequisite for the successful expansion of the crop. In this paper, we offer an overview of the current state of research on KG and pinpoint the knowledge gaps; we defined and discussed the main steps of breeding for KG' cultivars development; this included (i) developing an integrated genebank, inclusive germplasm, and seed system management; (ii) assessing end-users preferences and possibility for industrial exploitation of the crop; (iii) identifying biotic and abiotic stressors and the genetic control of responsive traits to those factors; (iv) overcoming the cross-pollination challenges in KG to propel the development of hybrids; (v) developing new approaches to create variability and setting adequate cultivars and breeding approaches; (vi) karyotyping and draft genome analysis to accelerate cultivars development and increase genetic gains; and (vii) evaluating the adaptability and stability of cultivars across various ecological regions.
Highlights
Agriculture is a major economic, social, and cultural activity that is highly weather and climate-dependent (Yohannes, 2015)
Future agriculture systems should necessarily focus on species that can ensure both agriculture sustainability and food’ nutritional quality (Mabhaudhi et al, 2019)
This review provides an overview of the background and the recent research progress into the West-African grain legume, Kersting’s groundnut (KG); it highlights the existing gaps that need to be addressed and gives a pathway for future breeding and promotion
Summary
Agriculture is a major economic, social, and cultural activity that is highly weather and climate-dependent (Yohannes, 2015). The economic importance of the crop for local populations was reported in Benin where its price can rise from 2 to USD 7–10 per kg in a scarcity period (Assogba et al, 2015) In other countries such as Burkina Faso, Ghana, and Nigeria, the changes in cropping patterns and the introduction of new cash crops such as groundnut, cowpea, cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.), have negatively impacted the market value of KG’s seeds (Tamini, 1995; Amujoyegbe et al, 2007). Efforts were made in the collection of KG germplasm and assessment of its on-farm diversity in West Africa (Adu-Gyamfi et al, 2011; Akohoué et al, 2018; Coulibaly et al, 2020) These collections have been further utilized in KG research programs, are sources of useful genes for the development of improved varieties. *: Landraces are based on seed coat color; UAC: University of Abomey-Calavi
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