Genetic and genomic resources of Vigna species for their utility in advanced breeding

Since the beginning of agriculture, humans have bestowed their skill on developing plant breeding capabilities and exploiting the potential of wild relatives. With the passage of time, few crops have received more attention than others, while many remain unexplored, like the genus Vigna. Vigna family members, being of short duration and adaptable to multiple cropping systems, offer some unique benefits. Possibilities of inter-specific cross further enhance the creation of novel genetic combinations and their transfer. In the present review, light has been shed on the origin, geographical distribution, inter-specific crosses studies conducted among the Vigna species, and potential donors for different abiotic stresses like salt, drought, cold, and heat. Further, the nutritional profile, pharmaceutical component and medicinal importance have also been reviewed. This review will provide the readers with an insight into the work conducted to date on several aspects of Vigna species.