A review of biotechnological approaches towards crop improvement in African yam bean (Sphenostylis stenocarpa Hochst. Ex A. Rich.)

Abstract

Globally, climate change is a major factor that contributes significantly to food and nutrition insecurity, limiting crop yield and availability. Although efforts are being made to curb food insecurity, millions of people still suffer from malnutrition. For the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goal of Food Security to be achieved, diverse cropping systems must be developed instead of relying mainly on a few staple crops. Many orphan legumes have untapped potential that can be of significance for developing improved cultivars with enhanced tolerance to changing climatic conditions. One typical example of such an orphan crop is Sphenostylis stenocarpa Hochst. Ex A. Rich. Harms, popularly known as African yam bean (AYB). The crop is an underutilised tropical legume that is climate-resilient and has excellent potential for smallholder agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Studies on AYB have featured morphological characterisation, assessment of genetic diversity using various molecular markers, and the development of tissue culture protocols for rapidly multiplying propagules. However, these have not translated into varietal development, and low yields remain a challenge. The application of suitable biotechnologies to improve AYB is imperative for increased yield, sustainable utilisation and conservation. This review discusses biotechnological strategies with prospective applications for AYB improvement. The potential risks of these strategies are also highlighted.

Bioinformática Aplicada Às Ciências Ômicas: Uma Breve Revisão Bibliográfica

“…No entanto, deve ser aplicada de forma adequada e criteriosa, trazendo assim melhorias voltadas à qualidade de vida em escala global. Assim, leguminosas podem alcançar um sistema agrícola robusto através de aplicações biotecnológicas (ADEOGUN, 2018;HARFOUCHE et al, 2021;OLUWOLE et al, 2021). Entre as empresas biotecnológicas voltadas para o setor do agronegócio, como aquelas que utilizam da biotecnologia focada na produção de cultivos para a geração de energia, principalmente cana-de-açúcar, os avanços foram significativos.…”

Effect of Shoot Pruning Interval and Dosage of Potassium Fertilizer on Growth and Yield of Yam Bean (Pachyrhizus Erosus L.)

“…Yam bean (Pachyrrhizus erosus L.) is a perennial plant belonging to the Leguminose family that originates in Central America Oluwole et al (2021). Under the soil's surface, the plant produces root swellings or round fleshy tubers with a similar crisp texture and apple-like flavor.…”

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria for orphan legume production: Focus on yield and disease resistance in Bambara groundnut

“…In addition to climate change impacts, food security is threatened by a lack of research and investment in orphan legumes. The proteinand nutrient-rich seeds of orphan legume crops can be used to make flour and animal feed (Tadele, 2009;Adebowale et al, 2011;Adebola et al, 2017;Ruckle et al, 2017;Adeleke et al, 2018;Afolabi et al, 2018;Lambein et al, 2019;Oluwole et al, 2021). They include Bambara groundnut, African yam bean, winged bean, marama bean, grass pea, chick pea, and cowpea, among others.…”