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RESEARCH PRODUCT

Grass Pea

subject

description

Grass pea (Lathyrus. sativus L.) is an annual legume crop with high protein content and remarkable resistance to extreme environmental conditions, including fl ooding, drought, salinity and low soil fertility, and a signifi cant degree of resistance to biotic stress agents. It is rightly considered one of the most promising sources of calories and protein for the vast and expanding populations of drought-prone and marginal areas of Asia and Africa and as an interesting alternative for cropping systems diversifi cation in marginal lands in Europe, Australia and America. It is a dual purpose crop with great agronomic potential as a grain and forage legume. Nevertheless, as a result of the little breeding effort invested in it compared to other legumes, grass pea cultivation has shown a regressive pattern in many areas in recent decades. The presence of a neurotoxin proposed to be responsible for lathyrism in humans and animals has also contributed to its abandonment. Recently, there has been renewed interest in the improvement of this high-potential legume species, with the integration of new breeding technology that anticipates great achievements in the development of new varieties.