Advances in molecular biology and genome research in the form of molecular breeding and genetic
engineering put forward innovative prospects for improving productivity of many pulses crops.
Pathways have been discovered which include regulatory elements that modulate stress responses
(e.g. transcription factors and protein kinases) and functional genes which guard the cells
(e.g. enzymes for generating protective metabolites and proteins). In addition numerous
quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with elevated stress tolerance have been cloned
resulting in the detection of critical genes for stress tolerance. Together these networks can
be used to enhance stress tolerance in pulses. This book summarizes recent advances in pulse
research for increasing productivity improving biotic and abiotic stress tolerance and
enhancing nutritional quality.
