International study maps more than 66,000 structural variants linked to yield, nutrition, insect resistance and other breeding priorities.
Researchers have developed the world’s first graph-based pan-genome for mung bean, uncovering previously hidden genetic variation that could accelerate development of higher-yielding, more nutritious and resilient varieties.
The study, published in Nature Genetics, was co-led by researchers at the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences and Murdoch University’s Centre for Crop and Food Innovation.
A More Complete Genetic Map
The international team assembled chromosome-scale genomes from genetically diverse mung bean accessions and analysed variation across 580 accessions collected worldwide.
The resulting pan-genome includes more than 75,000 gene families and over 66,000 structural variants. Researchers linked many of these variants to agronomic traits through genome-wide association analysis.
Unlike a traditional reference genome, which represents only part of a crop’s diversity, a graph-based pan-genome captures variation from multiple individuals. This gives breeders a broader view of the genes and structural changes available for crop improvement.
“Traditional reference genomes capture only part of the genetic diversity within a crop species. By constructing a graph-based pan-genome, we can now identify structural variations that were previously invisible but often have profound effects on important agricultural traits.
“These discoveries provide breeders with powerful new genomic tools to accelerate the development of higher-yielding, more nutritious and climate-resilient mung bean varieties. The genomic resources generated through this work will support marker-assisted breeding, genomic selection and genome editing, enabling breeders to deliver improved varieties to farmers much faster.”
Supporting Breeding and Food Security
The research identified variation associated with yield, seed nutritional compounds and resistance to bruchids, a major storage pest.
These findings could have particular value in Asia and Africa, where mung bean supports the diets and livelihoods of millions of smallholder farmers, according to a press release.
In Australia, mung bean is a high-value summer pulse crop generating more than $100 million annually in export revenue. It can also serve as a profitable break crop, although variable rainfall continues to affect production and crop value.
Genomics Moves Closer to Practical Breeding
Murdoch University Deputy Vice Chancellor Research & Innovation Professor Peter Eastwood said the study demonstrates the value of international collaboration in crop genomics.
“This study highlights Murdoch University’s growing international influence in agricultural genomics and demonstrates the impact that can be achieved through strategic global partnerships.
“More importantly, it advances fundamental scientific knowledge whilst delivering practical and actionable insights that help support global food security, climate resilience and sustainable agriculture. We are proud that Murdoch researchers continue to deliver valuable contributions in international collaborations that are transforming crop improvement for the benefit of communities worldwide.”
New Tools for Future Varieties
Professor Peter Davies, Pro Vice Chancellor of Murdoch University’s Food Futures Institute, said the research could help connect advanced genomics with practical crop improvement.
“FFI was established to develop innovative, science-based solutions for the future of agriculture and food systems. By combining cutting-edge genomics with practical breeding solutions, this research will help accelerate the delivery of improved crop varieties that benefit farmers, consumers and food systems around the world.”
