Biotic Stresses in Mung Bean: Achievements and Prospects for Genomics-Enabled Breeding Strategies

In the quest to enhance biotic stress resistance in mung bean, this chapter delves into the pivotal role of genomics in shaping breeding strategies. Beginning with an overview, it explores the richness of germplasm resources harboring tolerance traits and spotlights on promising candidates. Understanding the genetic underpinnings of resistance, both against diseases and insect pests, take center stage, with a focus on molecular mechanisms and genetic markers as well as underscores the power of multiomics assays, including transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, in unraveling complex resistance mechanisms. Varietal improvement strategies and successful case studies showcase the practical applications of these insights in developing resilient mung bean cultivars. Genomics-assisted breeding emerges as a transformative force, with real-world examples illuminating its impact. The employable cutting-edge technologies are transgenic approaches, R-gene cloning, focused germplasm selection, genomic selection, haplotype-based breeding, genome editing, and speed breeding techniques, demonstrating their potential in accelerating breeding and enhancing biotic stress resistance in mung bean. As the chapter concludes, it synthesizes key findings and outlines future prospects, highlighting the profound implications of these strategies on global food security through the resilient cultivation of mung bean varieties.