Cluster Bean Genetic Resources
摘要
Cluster bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L. Taub.) domesticated in the Indo-Pakistan subcontinent is a drought-tolerant legume valued for its agronomic and industrial applications. India dominates global production with a 75–82% share, led by Rajasthan, followed by Haryana and Gujarat. Its green pods are used as vegetables, seeds for pulses, and plants as fodder or green manure. The seed endosperm produces guar gum, a galactomannan-rich product with extensive applications in food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and textiles. With an average productivity of 428 kg/ha, the crop is a cost-effective source of essential nutrients and holds significant economic value, making it a versatile agricultural commodity worldwide. Its genetic diversity is preserved in primary gene pools, including wild relatives like C. senegalensis and C. serrata, which offer traits such as disease resistance, tolerance to abiotic stresses, and early maturity. Interspecific hybridization between the domesticated and wild species is widely utilized for crop improvement. While gene banks conserve genetic resources, a large portion of natural diversity remains untapped. Expanding genetic exploration and utilization is essential for enhancing the crop’s resilience, productivity, and adaptability to changing environmental conditions.