Lablab ( Lablab purpureus ) [ Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet] is termed a lost, underutilized and neglected crop in Africa. Despite the multipurpose use, production, consumption and research are still limited. Wide genetic diversity of lablab germplasm exists in Africa. Diversity studies provide significant information for subsequent research programs and improvement. The advent of genotyping and sequencing technologies has enabled the identification of unique and agronomically important traits. Application of next-generation sequencing on lablab as a pioneer orphan crop is currently underway. This has enabled description of the whole genome, generation of reference genome and resequencing that provide information on variation within the entire genome. Information from these technological advances helps in identifying potential traits for biotic and abiotic stress for further breeding programs. Storage pests specifically bruchids ( Callosobruchus spp.), are considered a major obstacle in lablab production. Screening of available genotypes for bruchid resistance and studies on the physical and biochemical factors that confer resistance in lablab is required. Applying advanced technologies provides precise and reliable identification of the novel markers responsible for bruchid resistance allowing for introgression of important genes to breeding programs. This review provides a detailed analysis on the characterization of lablab and the information on bruchid resistance vital for breeding farmer-preferred varieties that possess agronomically beneficial traits. Concerted efforts and research on this neglected crop will enhance its production, utilization and consumption.

Under-exploited crops such as Lablab purpureus are regarded a pathway towards alleviating the food and nutritional security in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study aimed at evaluating the morpho-agronomic diversity present in 277 lablab accessions based on 38 morpho-agronomic traits. The experiment was laid out in an Augmented design across two main cropping seasons in Tanzania. Qualitative data was analysed using pivot tables. The Generalized Linear Model (PROC GLM), Agglomerative Hierarchical Clustering (AHC) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) were used to analyse variation of 14 quantitative traits. The findings revealed the presence of wide variability of the qualitative traits in the studied accessions. Significant differences were observed among accessions, between seasons, the interaction of blocks and season, and the season and accession effects in most of the traits. Most of the traits had high significant differences in relation to contrast among accessions, among checks and between accessions and checks. The first five principal components cumulatively accounted for 61.89% of the total variability among the accessions studied. Furthermore, cluster analysis grouped the accessions into four major clusters. This results suggest the 14 morpho-agronomic traits can successfully discriminate and show presence of wide diversity vital for selection and hybridization program of lablab species.

Farmer-participatory breeding approach is an important component in the crop improvement of lablab (Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet). The study was carried out to obtain the knowledge, practices and preferences of lablab through 31 lablab growing-farmers from Arusha, Kondoa, Karatu, Same and Babati districts of Tanzania toward initiating a lablab breeding program. Semi-structured questionnaires were administered and focused group discussions were held to collect data on the socio-demographic factors, production practices, constraints and farmer’s preferred traits of lablab. Selection of preferred traits and accessions was also done by the farmers in the field. Results showed that the chief constraints of lablab production are pests and diseases, poor marketability, low seed quality, inadequate rainfall, expensive agrochemicals, low yield, and poor storage facilities. The major pests are pod borer (field) and bruchids (storage). Preferred traits for lablab improvement include the development of insect pests and disease-resistant varieties, early maturing, high yield, black colored seed for market, short cooking time, and dense foliage. Genotypes EK2, D360, HA4, and D96 with preferred traits were identified by farmers, which forms critical decisions in crop improvement. This study describes the current view of lablab production and generates the understanding of farmers’ perceptions and preferences vital for breeding priorities and programs to increase its production, utilization and consumption.