The 11th International Conference on Legume Genetics and Genomics (ICLGG 2024) was held in Australia from 30 September to 3 October, bringing together over 300 global legume researchers to address critical issues of food security and environmental sustainability.
Established in 2002 and organised every two years, the ICLGG series aims to advance legume research and promote strategies that prioritise environmental sustainability.
“The aim of the conference is to share the latest breakthroughs in legume genetics and genomics that are revealing the molecular basis of important biological processes and plant traits for sustainable agriculture.”
The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) based in Delhi, India, having hosted previous editions of the conference, continues to be a key player in this initiative.
This year, ICRISAT scientists presented groundbreaking research on machine-harvestable, disease-resistant chickpeas, the world’s first pigeonpea hybrids, and high oleic acid peanuts.
“For over five decades, ICRISAT has been at the forefront of innovative legume science,” said Dr Stanford Blade, Deputy Director General-Research at ICRISAT.
“As we face the dual challenge of climate change and feeding a growing global population, our research will play a crucial role in enhancing food security and promoting sustainable management of natural resources.”
Legumes, such as chickpea, pigeonpea, and groundnut, are vital to sustainable agriculture, providing high-protein food while reducing greenhouse gas emissions through their ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen. ICRISAT’s research aims to enhance these qualities, making legumes more resilient in the face of climate change.
At the conference, ICRISAT researchers shared key insights on advances in structural and functional genomics, legume evolution, beneficial plant symbioses, and plant defences against stress. These developments are expected to shape future research efforts toward legume genetic improvement.
ICRISAT’s ongoing efforts align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2, 13, and 17, addressing issues such as hunger, climate action, and fostering global partnerships.
For over 50 years, ICRISAT has been a leader in dryland agriculture, pioneering cost-effective solutions for farmers facing climate-related challenges. From developing the world’s first pigeonpea hybrid to Africa’s first biofortified pearl millet, ICRISAT continues to make significant strides in improving food security for millions of people living in some of the world’s most challenging agricultural regions.
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