From models to crops:: Integrated medicago genomics for alfalfa improvement

The whole-system or global nature of genomics lends great potential to the identification of novel genes or gene classes that underlie the biology that is unique to specific plant families. Legumes are important crops for human nutrition world-wide and also serve as an important source of nutrition for animal and dairy production. Seed legumes suchs as soybean, peanut, chickpeas and lentils contain from 20 to 50 percent protein - two to three times that of cereal grains or meat. In addition, the often complex interaction of legumes with microorganisms have resulted in the evolution of a wide variety of plant natural products involved in symbiosis and defense interactions. Many of these compounds have anti-microbial activities and, additionally, positive effects on human and animal health. Exploitation of the diverse gene makeup of the legumes for the benefit of humankind requires in-depth knowledge of legume genomes.