The Beans and the Peas: From Orphan to Mainstream Crops presents a comprehensive literature resource on the most important food legume crops previously known as "orphans," but which are increasingly becoming mainstream as their production opportunities have been improved through genetic improvement and biotechnology, and their role as an important nutrient source gains urgency. This book focuses on 12 important food legumes and discusses all relevant aspects on their economic importance, crop statistics, botany, and their general description. It also provides exhaustive information on plant genetic resources and their use, genetic improvement, resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses, improved varieties, agronomy, seed system, and use of information and communication tools in each individual food legume.Development of innovative biotechnological tools, genetic transformation, and the genome sequencing information has also been covered in each chapter providing the readers with state-of-the-art information on pulses. All chapters have been supported by relevant figures, illustrations, and tables, which make the contents accessible and easy to understand.Each of the chapters has been authored by globally known scientists/researchers presenting up-to-date information on various aspects of food legumes. This book provides a current and comprehensive treatise to the readers and will be tremendously helpful in furthering their academic and research pursuits.

Preface1. Mung BeanAditya Pratap2. Urd beanSanjeev Gupta3. Rice BeanNeelam Bhardwaj4. Moth BeanRamavtar Sharma5. ADZUKI BEANMuthaiyan Pandiyan6. Faba BeanFouad Maalouf7. Lima bean CarineNONO TEMEGNE8. Yard long beanLatha Madhavan and Joseph john K9. ChickpeaVijaya Singh10. PigeonpeaRafat Sultana11. CowpeaManivannan N12. GrasspeaShiv Kumar