Genetic transformation of legumes: an update

Key message: This review summarizes the recent advances in legume genetic transformation and provides an insight into the critical factors that play a major role in the process. It also sheds light on some of the potential areas which may ameliorate the transformation of legumes. Abstract: Legumes are an important group of dicotyledonous plants, highly enriched in proteins and minerals. Majority of the legume plants are cultivated in the arid and semi-arid parts of the world, and hence said to be climate resilient. They have the capability of atmospheric nitrogen fixation and thus play a vital role in the ecological sphere. However, the worldwide production of legumes is somehow not up to the mark and the yields are greatly affected by various biotic and abiotic stress factors. Genetic engineering strategies have emerged as a core of plant biology and remarkably facilitate the crop improvement programmes. A significant progress has been made towards the optimization of efficient transformation system for legume plants over the years but this group is still underutilized in comparison to other crops. Among the variety of available DNA delivery systems, Agrobacterium-mediated and particle bombardment have been primarily deployed for optimization and trait improvement. However, recalcitrance and genotype-dependence are some of the major bottlenecks for successful transformation. In this context, the present review summarizes the advances taken place in the area of legume transformation and provides an insight into the present scenario. The challenges and future possibilities for yield improvement have also been discussed.