Breeding potential of lablab [Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet]: a review on characterization and bruchid studies towards improved production and utilization in Africa

Abstract

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.

Farmers’ Participatory Plant Selection of Lablab (Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet) in Tanzania

“…Lablab is an orphan, underutilized and neglected crop that is native to Eastern Africa ( Maass et al, 2010 ; Letting et al, 2021 ). Despite its nutritional value, food ( Minde et al, 2020 ), and economic importance, the production, and utilization of this crop are not documented.…”

Combating ozone stress through N fertilization: A case study of Indian bean (Dolichos lablab L.)

“…Dolichos lablab L. is a versatile crop, several plant components may be consumed as food, animal feed, and green manure (Davari et al, 2018;Rana et al, 2021). It is a low-cost source of protein and micronutrients when compared to other legumes, highlighting the importance of its study in view of food security and nutrition in near future (Letting et al, 2021). These micronutrients, which play a significant role in the diets of resource-limited households in rural areas, include phosphorus, fiber, niacin, and thiamine (Letting et al, 2021).…”

“…It is a low-cost source of protein and micronutrients when compared to other legumes, highlighting the importance of its study in view of food security and nutrition in near future (Letting et al, 2021). These micronutrients, which play a significant role in the diets of resource-limited households in rural areas, include phosphorus, fiber, niacin, and thiamine (Letting et al, 2021). The most recent study shows how efficient lablab bean extracts are at preventing the spread of viral illnesses like influenza and SARS-CoV-2, which has been called a global pandemic (Liu et al, 2020).…”

Debulking different Corona (SARS-CoV-2 delta, omicron, OC43) and Influenza (H1N1, H3N2) virus strains by plant viral trap proteins in chewing gums to decrease infection and transmission

“…Investigational New Drug application on CTB-ACE2 chewing gum has been approved by the FDA (IND 154897) and Phase I/II placebo-controlled, double-blinded clinical trial is underway to assess viral load in saliva before and after chewing of CTB-ACE2/placebo gum. Because Lablab bean is consumed globally, used as dry powder in protein enriched diet [ 96 , 97 ], this would be Generally Regarded As Safe by FDA, thereby decreasing hurdles in the regulatory approval process. Recruitment and informed consent, those meeting enrollment criteria will be randomized 1:1 (CTB-ACE2 chewing gum/placebo gum).…”