Review on Biotechnological advances in Vigna radiata and their future prospects

Abstract

Mungbean (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek) is an unique source of protein supplement with full of benefits as medicinal and climate friendly crop. Hence from past few decades, an increase has been observed in efforts of the improvement and expansion of cultivation of this pulse crop. Biotechnology in conjunction with conventional breeding techniques has a significant role in mungbean improvement programs. There is a necessity of major exploration in genetic resources, cytological, genetic, genomic, and tissue culture research to expand the vertical and horizontal base of this important crop to the level of other major legumes. Limited reports for development of transgenic Mungbean in comparison to other legume crops proves lack of an efficient plant genetic transformation protocol compatible with in vitro regeneration system. There is an utmost need to imply new technologies such as transgenic production, genome editing and conventional breeding along with embryo rescue techniques. Biotechnological approaches will speed up rather than replacement of conventional methods in mungbean breeding. The paper reviews in-depth studies on in vitro advancements of mungbean to understand the existing gaps for improvement in literature.