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Title: FIRST INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON LEGUME GENOMICS AND GENETICS: TRANSLATION TO CROP IMPROVEMENT

Author
item Vance, Carroll
item YOUNG, NEVIN - UNIV OF MINNESOTA
item Samac, Deborah - Debby
item VANDENBOSCH, KATE - UNIV OF MINNESOTA
item GANTT, STEVE - UNIV OF MINNESOTA
item RETZEL, ERNIE - UNIV OF MINNESOTA

Submitted to: International Conference on Legume Genomics and Genetics
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/3/2002
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The First International Conference on Legume Genomics and Genetics: Translation to Crop Improvement was held June 2-6, 2002. The rationale for this meeting centered around the importance of legumes to world agriculture. The legume family encompasses a wide range of diverse species, many of which have been fundamental to development of modern agriculture. Legumes are essential for human and animal dietary needs. Worldwide, legumes are grown on about 15% of the arable land, and they provide 33% of humankind's nutritional nitrogen needs. An equally important added value is that legumes in symbiosis with soil bacteria fix some 60-80 million metric tons of N2 gas worth about $32 billion. Thus, improvement of legume crop quality, protein, nutrient use efficiency, and stress tolerance are imperative to feed the 8 billion people expected to inhabit Earth in 2025. Expansion and strengthening of legume genomics and genetics programs will play a crucial role in ensuring food for future generations. The meeting was held to: 1) apprize the international scientific community of the current status of legume genomics, genetics, and bioinformatics initiatives in legume crops and model species; 2) articulate in theory and practice how genomic, genetic, and bioinformatic information can be translated into legume crop improvement in both the developed and developing worlds; 3) identify comparative approaches that can be utilized to enhance our fundamental understanding of all legumes; 4) facilitate collaboration among groups and individuals; and 5) lay a foundation and framework for subsequent legume genomics and genetics meetings. Dr. Vance was primary organizer for the Conference.