Advancing the future of mungbean breeding:

Insights from the IMIN workshop 2024

The International Mungbean Improvement Network (IMIN) hosted its 2024 Workshop at World Vegetable Center – South and Central Asia in Hyderabad, India. With essential backing from the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) and the Crawford Fund, this workshop held from 4-7 November represented a significant move forward in mungbean breeding.

Participants (31) of the workshop included the IMIN network partners from different countries: the Indian Council of Agricultural Research – Indian Institute of Pulses Research (ICAR-IIPR), Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Myanmar Department of Agricultural Research (DAR), Indonesian Legumes Instrument Standard Testing Institute (ILESTI), Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO), Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF), The University of Queensland, and the World Vegetable Center (WorldVeg). This rich tapestry of expertise highlights the importance of global collaboration in addressing the challenges faced by mungbean breeders and sets the stage for intensified research efforts.

Dr. Ramakrishnan M. Nair, Global Plant Breeder – Legumes at the World Vegetable Center and Dr. Millicent Smith, a Senior Lecturer in Crop Physiology at The University of Queensland, set the tone for the workshop by outlining its objectives and aligning them with IMIN’s vision.

Key trainers included Dr. Lee Hickey, from the ARC Training Centre in Predictive Breeding for Agricultural Futures, and Dr. Eric Dinglasan from University of Queensland, who shared insights on optimizing breeding program design. Ms. Shanice Van Haeften also contributed by guiding participants on how to design effective field trials. Meanwhile, Dr. Ya-Ping Lin, Dr. Sai Pratap, and Mr. Bharath Gadde from WorldVeg conducted sessions on using the KDDart database, teaching attendees how to set up and test it effectively.

Ms. Putri Pratanti from Indonesia reflected on her experience, saying, “The insights and tools we gained here are invaluable and can be implemented immediately. It’s inspiring to know that these innovations will help us meet the future demands of our agricultural landscape.”

Following these sessions, participants learned about data capture in the field using KDSmart. They were also taught how to analyze single-site and multi-environment field trial data. Furthermore, the application of molecular markers for resistance breeding was explored in depth, with contributions from Drs. Lee Hickey, Eric Dinglasan, and Ya-Ping Lin.

Additionally, a special focus was placed on case studies using gene editing to introduce novel genetic variation, presented by Dr. Karen Massel and Mr. Nick Lester.​ These case studies illustrated practical applications of gene editing technologies in mungbean breeding and highlighted their potential to create variations that can enhance crop resilience and productivity.

The discussions covered a broad range of advanced topics, including genome-wide association studies, high-throughput phenotyping methods, and predictive breeding techniques. Participants also toured cutting-edge facilities such as the LeasyScan and Speed Breeding Facilities, which illustrated practical applications and innovations in mungbean breeding.

Dr. Biswajit Mondal, Scientist at ICAR-IIPR, shared his enthusiasm: “The interactive sessions and facility tours provided us with a unique opportunity to learn about advanced methods and to see firsthand how they could be integrated into our own breeding programs.”

The IMIN workshop 2024 was a resounding success in reinforcing global connections within the mungbean research community. It fostered collaboration that promises to lead to breakthroughs in breeding practices. The network eagerly anticipates leveraging these new skills and insights to develop improved mungbean varieties that will make a real difference in food security and agricultural resilience worldwide.

Dr. Pratibha Singh, Regional Manager for South Asia at ACIAR, remarked on the workshop’s impact, stating, “The International Mungbean Improvement Network (IMIN) project has strong relevance to ACIAR’s strategic priorities on sustainable intensification for food security and livelihood, addressing climate change, improving soil health, opportunities for diversification, improving nutrition, empowering women, involving public- private partnerships.” Dr. Nair reiterated the importance of the event, highlighting the need for researchers to be equipped with future-ready skills. He noted, “The training and shared insights from this workshop will empower breeders to adopt transformative approaches to mungbean improvement, ensuring that the next generation of varieties can effectively meet global challenges.”

Dr. Nair thanked ACIAR and particularly Dr. Eric Huttner, Research Program Manager, Crops, ACIAR for his ardent support in establishing the IMIN. As the workshop wrapped up, participants left energized and equipped with cutting-edge knowledge, ready to tackle the future of mungbean breeding. The network remains dedicated to paving the way for a bright and impactful future in mungbean breeding.

Stay tuned for more updates on developments in mungbean research as the community continues its journey of innovation and collaboration toward a sustainable agricultural future!