Utilization of Plant Genetic Resources of Bambara Groundnut Conserved Ex Situ and Genetic Diversification of Its Primary Genepool for Semi-Arid Production

Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc) is a nutritious and drought-tolerant crop that native to Africa. Currently, it possesses cosmopolitan distribution across the semi-arid agro-ecologies of Africa its cultivation has extended other regions, particularly in drier parts Asia Indonesia. Due historic neglect, research on policy prioritization national breeding programs lagging; hence, varietal development infancy. Farmers rely traditional landraces, which are characterized by low productivity yield. Breeding for moisture stress adaptation high yield crucial improve adequate genetic diversity desired strengthen resiliency climate nutritional food security. Nevertheless, thousands plant resources (PGRs) conserved several genebanks still not being fully utilized reintroduce lost into farmers’ fields pre-breeding activities. The exploitation ex situ PGRs been minimal due lack extensive characterization. Thus, harness utilization improvement programs, holistic strategies including genomic participatory-led trait discoveries needed bridge gap between conservation germplasm. This review focuses bambara, methods widen diversity, resources, high-throughput phenotyping enhance approaches identify useful adaptive features drought.