International collaborations underpinning the race to plot the first legume genome, Medicago truncatula (also known as Barrel medic), were reinforced during a recent workshop at Rottnest Island.

The Medicago truncatula sequence will provide a framework for legume genetics to help researchers carve years off breeding programs and deliver superior varieties to drive, for example, Australia’s $600 million pulse industry.

It also paves the way to a knowledge-based approach to produce better legumes.

Officially opening the workshop to an audience of 75 delegates, including key researchers from the United States and European Union, Chairman of Western Australia's State Agricultural Biotechnology Centre (SABC) management committee and former Western Australia Minister for Commerce and Trade, Hendy Cowan, welcomed the co-operative effort.

"Globally, research is in progress to sequence all the genetic information in Medicago truncatula and to compare it with other legumes to understand how they work on a genetic level. By applying that knowledge, improvements in crop grain and forage legumes will occur more rapidly than if working in isolation on individual crops."

The Medicago truncatula sequence, which should be complete by 2004, could help inform research into any of the 16,000 known legume species.

Initial goals for legume improvement include pest and disease resistance, greater nitrogen fixation, enhanced animal and human nutrition and better plant stature to facilitate efficient harvesting using conventional cereal harvesters.

Other exciting prospects involve the development of varieties able to produce human neutraceuticals while withstanding drought, heat, frost and salinity.

SABC Director, Mike Jones of Murdoch University, noted that quickly overcoming cropping constraints through more efficient breeding would help local farmers tap blossoming high value human consumption pulse markets in Asia.

"Pulses have up to three times the protein content of cereals, which makes them an attractive, low-cost food protein alternative for developing countries and an increasingly popular health food option in developed nations.

"Legumes are also estimated to add $600 million per annum in value to Australia’s cereal industry through their rotational benefits."

The SABC and Murdoch University, major sponsors of the workshop, in association with the Grains Research & Development Corporation, is home to Western Australia’s key molecular biology and genomics technology and has played a critical role in attracting world class infrastructure and expertise to the state.

"Through the SABC, Western Australia now has the infrastructure and know-how to compete nationally for research and development funding to support agricultural biotechnology. Organising the ‘First Australian Medicago truncatula Workshop’ is evidence of that growing reputation," Professor Jones observed.