The third International Conference on Legume Genomics and Genetics (ICLGG3) was held in Brisbane, Australia on 9–13 April, 2006. A strong display of oral presentations (55) and posters (147) meant that the 230 delegates from 27 different countries received a valuable update and integration of new developments in the field.

 

Where does one start to summarise such a meeting? Clearly, legume genomics and genetics are an active field of research, demonstrated by the enthusiasm of researchers, the strong representation by young scientists, and the quality of the research. ICLGG3 presentations foreshadowed several key discoveries and supporting publications in high impact journals. The maturity of legume genomics was demonstrated by the multitude of interactions, amalgamating various research expertise, approaches and knowledge.

 

Significant for crop production, the genomic and genetic basis of organ development in legumes was described in detail. Substantial advances were described for the genetic control of flowering, nodulation, lateral branching, pollen and seed development and embryogenesis. Over the last 10,000 years selection of plant morphology has been a major contributor to increases in plant productivity.

 

The meeting highlighted a lot of genomic analysis of legume nodulation, leading to nitrogen fixation. In a world of increased fuel costs and increased demands for protein, this symbiotic process has both practical as well as scientific importance.

 

Flower morphology and leaf shape mutants (namely Lotus japonicus and pea) were isolated, and by application of high-throughput genomics, comparative genomics and sequencing, several candidate genes in crop legumes may now become available. Again we look forward to the publication of these findings.

 

A large amount of both genomic and EST DNA sequence is now public, aiding the analysis of crop genomes. Genomic information derived by comparative genomics has repeatedly directed gene discovery and plant breeding in other legumes.

 

Using a combination of high quality and fast-scan sequencing, it appears that most of the gene space of the model legumes Lotus japonicus and Medicago truncatula and soon soyabean will be sequenced. The Lotus gene space is nearly sequenced; this is exciting news and we look forward to publications in printed and electronic databases. In addition the Medicago genome is approaching completion. These are exciting times as it allows us to compare legume genomes, to cross reference molecular markers for targeted analysis in other crops.

 

Reverse genetics of legumes is becoming more common place. TILLING (targeting induced local lesions in genomes) in soyabean, Lotus, pea and Medicago is possible now, as is the application of RNA interference to determine the physiological role of critical genes. We are seeing more application of the hairy root transformation system, creating composite plants in which candidate genes are tested in transgenic roots.

 

The GLIP programme in Europe was strongly represented with over 10 major speakers and an AEP sponsored session. The mission of the genomic research that is the eventual application of gene technology for crop improvement remained a constant theme and was featured by some plenary sessions on the health, nutritional and environmental benefits of legume crops.

 

Legumes continue to be a plant family of great significance. Both protein- and fuel-security issues affect us. New infectious diseases such as the avian flu and BSE have heightened the interest in legume crops. An ever-increasing crude oil price, associated with increasing nitrogen fertiliser costs and the progressive acceptance of diesel engines, have made biodiesel a common household term. How will we be able to grow the legumes that supply both the protein and oil for these requirements?

 

Legume genomics and genetics, both as a conference and as a field of research are ‘healthy’ and growing. Potential for expansion and increased benefit to real world outcomes affecting agriculture as well as food and industrial products from legumes is now supported by the availability of sophisticated genomic tools. These include large bioinformatics capabilities, forward and reverse genetics, recognition of developmental interactions during vegetative and reproductive phases, and increased understanding of regulatory circuits involving novel bioactive molecules such as flavones, and peptides and micro-RNAs.

 

We can look forward to another powerful as well as enjoyable meeting to be held in Mexico in 2008 (organised by Gina Hernandez and Jaime Mora).

 

Source: Peter M. Gresshoff, ARC Centre for Integrative Legume Research, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia. (p.gresshoff@botany.uq.edu.au)