Recent Advances in Breeding, Marker Assisted Selection and Genomics of Black Gram (Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper)

Black gram (Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper) is an important leguminous pulse crop, which is grown for its protein-rich edible seeds. Due to a short life cycle and N-fixing ability, this crop is also grown as an intercrop and catch crop. Generally, exotic lines and cultivated germplasm have been used for genetic improvement of V. mungo. However, lack of suitable ideotypes for variable cropping systems, low harvest index, abiotic/biotic stresses and unavailability of quality seeds of improved varieties remain major constraints to achieve the true yield potential of this crop. This chapter presents a comprehensive worldwide overview of available biodiversity in V. mungo. Moreover, a detailed record is also presented for mutation breeding and recent advances in molecular marker-assisted breeding and genomic research for black gram with emphasis on genetic linkage maps, genes/QTLs mapping, genetic engineering and hybridization for improvement of agronomically-important traits. Availability of genomic resources which can be used to accelerate molecular breeding in V. mungo is also discussed.