Quantitative and Qualitative Improving of Legumes Production Using Nuclear Techniques and Package of Technology with Mutation Induction

Abstract

Although Iraq is the centre of origin for several crops, its cultivation is still exposure for several constraints. The lack of breeding programs, cultivation of old cultivars, environmental stresses and poor field practices and management caused to decline the crop productivity. On the other hand, no or less attention for legumes crops, especially for breeding programs, cultivars development and germplasm availability. Winter legumes (Vicia faba L. and Vigna unguiculata) and summer legumes (Arachis hypogae L. and Vigna radiata L.) are the most important, short duration pulse legume crops. The four legumes crops present the main source of protein in staple food and diets due to its role in compensation the lack of expensive animal protein in Iraq. More than 30% of population severe of poverty, and sufficient protein is not available because of low income and an expensive price of animal protein. Important short duration pulse crop in Iraq presents the major source of diets as well as being used as an intercrop due to its drought tolerance and nitrogen-fixing soil fertilization. Unfortunately, the legumes crops sever of low yield potential and the urgent need is to broaden the genetic background of local breeding varieties. The local cultivars characterised with low yield potential and limited genetic base in addition to the established constraints, such as drought, salinity and susceptibility to various diseases.