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The clamor for agricultural resources is being pushed up by global climatic change and population growth. Such consequences are huge challenges to food security, wreaking havoc on the agroecosystem and causing biotic and abiotic stresses in plants, which in turn cause metabolic and physiological problems. Food legume crops contribute to food security in underdeveloped countries by playing an essential role in conservation farming methods. Drought has, nevertheless, exhibited a negative impact on productivity in many parts of the world. While water shortage is a significant abiotic barrier to legume crop output, drought impacts differ depending on drought timing, agro-climatic area, soil texture, and legume species. To resolve these concerns, we gathered data from the recent publications that revealed drought-induced changes in the production of monoculture legumes in field circumstances and examined it using meta-analysis approaches. Research findings revealed that the water cut's quantity was strongly associated with a decrease in yield. However, the magnitude of the effect differed depending on the phenological stage of the drought and legume species. The legumes such as groundnut and lentil exhibited the lowest yield reductions (31.2% and 19.6% for groundnut and lentil, accordingly), however, the biggest yield drop (39.8%) facing the maximum water reduction was for faba bean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The general objective is to enhance the management and use of Genetic Resources on food legumes, which are crucial for sustainability, food security and human health. The project will expand the utilisation of food legumes genetic resources targeting users' needs in terms of accessibility, quality and quantity of information available. INCREASE, working with four important food legumes (chickpea, common bean, lentil, lupin) with significant value for the innovation of EU agriculture and food industry, will be based on four pillars: (i) innovative data management solutions to develop gold standards for data sharing and integration into the central infrastructure; (ii) developing novel tools and principles for germplasm management, based on the development of "Intelligent Collections"; (iii) adoption of cutting-edge technologies for genotyping and phenotyping combined with the potential of Artificial Intelligence; (iv) integration of available data and available genetic resources for European users. INCREASE will strengthen Europe in the field of legumes genetic resources and simultaneously it will represent an important model and tool for all crop genetic resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: Pea is a self-pollinated, diploid (2 n = 14), annual crop produced worldwide for human consumption and animal feed. The exploitation of maximum genetic potential from available pea resources implies the knowledge of genetic parameters of yield components. Hence, the present study was conducted in a cross between two pea varieties, namely DDR14 and Explorer, its F2 progeny and F3 families to find out transgressive segregants and to determine the magnitude of narrow sense heritability and heterosis. The high narrow sense heritability values obtained indicated that rapid gain could be achieved through selection for the different traits; however, the presence of genotype x environment interaction could limit the correspondence of these estimated values with the observed ones. The selection of lines through their phenotypic values is influenced by environmental and error effects. Best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) was used for the prediction of genotypic values using morphological data from different years, allowing the correction for environmental effects. These estimates were used for genetic analysis of the traits. Heterosis was observed for number of pods (27.1%) and number of seeds (23.3%), characters that have a direct effect on yield. The cross also showed high frequency of transgressive segregation for these characters in F3 generation (15.5% and 13.6%, respectively). There were 12.73% families transgressive for two or more characters, with genotypic values of 49.82–64.41 for number of pods and 153.75–189.59 for seed number. The crossing between Explorer and DDR14 provided a base for the selection of superior progeny. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Grain legumes are important for human nutrition and contain slow-release carbohydrates. The major carbohydrate in legumes is starch, accounting for 40–50% of their total weight. The digestion rate for starch in legumes is lower than that in cereals. Inclusion of legumes in normal diets provides several health benefits for various metabolic syndromes. Legumes are normally consumed after processing which not only can improve the bioavailability of nutrients, but also can amend in vitro starch digestibility. This review provides current information on the following: (1) in vitro digestion characteristics of legumes including seed, flour and isolated starch; (2) impact of processing techniques of legumes on in vitro starch hydrolysis; (3) effect of storage of cooked legume products on in vitro starch hydrolysis; and (4) influence of chemical and physical modifications of legume starches on in vitro starch hydrolysis. Graphical abstract Image 10387 Highlights • The current knowledge on in vitro digestion characteristics of legume starches was reviewed. • Effects of processing methods on digestion of legumes were reviewed. • The influence of storage of legume product on starch digestion were provided. • Effects of modification methods on digestion of legumes were reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patterns of protein food intake are undergoing a transition in Western countries, but little is known about how dietary changes to protein intake affect nutrient adequacy of the diet.Objectives: Our objective was to identify simple modifications to protein food intake that can gradually increase overall nutrient adequacy.Methods: We identified patterns of dietary protein intake in 1678 adults from a representative French national dietary survey. For each individual, we identified the increase in portion size of 1 protein food paired with a decrease in the portion size of another protein food that would best increase nutrient adequacy (using PANDiet probabilistic scoring). Then, such an optimum simple dual change was iterated 20 times for each individual according to 2 scenarios, either by manipulating the intake of foods already consumed [scenario 1 (S1)] or by enabling the introduction of foods consumed by >10% of individuals with the same protein pattern [scenario 2 (S2)].Results: The optimum stepwise changes to protein intake primarily consisted of reducing portions of deli meats (both scenarios), sandwiches, and cheese (S2), while increasing portions of fatty fish and lean poultry (both scenarios) and legumes (S2). However, these changes differed depending on the initial dietary protein pattern of the individual. For example, in S2, legume intake increased among "poultry" and "fish" eaters only and low-fat meat among "take-away eaters" and "milk drinkers" only. The improvements in overall nutrient adequacy were similar among the different initial dietary patterns, but this was the result of changes to the adequacy of different specific nutrients.Conclusion: Beyond generic changes to protein intake in the entire French adult population, the initial dietary protein pattern is key to identifying the food groups most likely to improve overall nutrient adequacy and the profile of nutrients whose adequacy can easily be increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted in order to evaluate the symbiotic effectiveness of Rhizobium strains isolated from food legumes (Bean) collected from different sites in Fez city and regions (Morocco). For this purpose, 15 isolates were obtained. Seeds were inoculated with these isolates and grown in bags containing sterile soil in greenhouse under controlled plant growth conditions. 30 days after planting several measurements were carried out to assess nodulation, plant growth and N2 fixation. Nodule number and dry weight were determined as an indication of inoculation response; shoot and Root dry weights as an indication of growth response, and N-uptake as an indication of nitrogen fixation effectiveness. The results of the experiment were statistically analyzed showed a statistically significant difference between the tested strains (P < 0.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Lentil, a cool‐season food legume, is highly sensitive to high temperatures, which drastically reduce biomass and seed yield. The effects of heat stress on qualitative and quantitative aspects of seeds are not yet known. RESULTS: In this study, we assessed the effects of high temperatures on quantitative and qualitative aspects of seeds in a heat‐tolerant (HT; FLIP2009) and heat‐sensitive (HS; IG4242) genotypes in a controlled environment. Initially, the plants were raised in a natural, outdoor environment (22/10 °C mean day/night temperature, 1350 µmol m−2 s−1 light intensity, 60–65% relative humidity) from November to mid‐February until 50% flowering (114–115 days after sowing). After that, one set of plants was maintained in a controlled environment (28/23 °C, as mean day and night temperature, 500 µmol m−2 s−1 light intensity, 60–65% relative humidity;control) and one set was exposed to heat stress (33/28 °C, as mean day and night temperature, 500 µmol m−2 s−1 light intensity, 60–65% relative humidity), where they remained until maturity. Compared to control, heat stress reduced the seed growth rate by 30–44% and the seed‐filling duration by 5.5–8.1 days, which ultimately reduced the seed yield by 38–58% and individual seed weights by 20–39%. Heat stress significantly damaged cell membranes and reduced chlorophyll concentration and fluorescence, and the photosynthetic rate, which was associated with a significant reduction in relative leaf water content. The proximate analysis of seed reserves showed that heat stress reduced starch (25–43%), protein (26–41%) and fat (39–57%) content, and increased total sugars (36–68%), relative to the controls. Heat stress also inhibited the accumulation of storage proteins including albumins, globulins, prolamins and glutelins (22–42%). Most of the amino acids decreased significantly under heat stress in comparison to control, whereas some, such as proline, followed by glycine, alanine, isoleucine, leucine and lysine, increased. Heat stress reduced Ca (13–28%), Fe (17–52%), P (10–54%), K (12.4–28.3%) and Zn (36–59%) content in seeds, compared to the controls. CONCLUSIONS: High temperatures during seed filling are detrimental for seed yield and quality components in lentil genotypes, with severe impacts on heat‐sensitive genotypes. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Chickpea is one of the world's largest cultivated food legumes and is an excellent source of high‐quality protein to the human diet. Plant growth and development are controlled by programmed expression of a suite of genes at the given time, stage, and tissue. Understanding how the underlying genome sequence translates into specific plant phenotypes at key developmental stages, information on gene expression patterns is crucial. Here, we present a comprehensive Cicer arietinum Gene Expression Atlas (CaGEA) across different plant developmental stages and organs covering the entire life cycle of chickpea. One of the widely used drought tolerant cultivars, ICC 4958 has been used to generate RNA‐Seq data from 27 samples at 5 major developmental stages of the plant. A total of 816 million raw reads were generated and of these, 794 million filtered reads after quality control (QC) were subjected to downstream analysis. A total of 15,947 unique number of differentially expressed genes across different pairwise tissue combinations were identified. Significant differences in gene expression patterns contributing in the process of flowering, nodulation, and seed and root development were inferred in this study. Furthermore, differentially expressed candidate genes from “QTL‐hotspot” region associated with drought stress response in chickpea were validated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although they eat seeds, pulp, petals, pollen, and nectar, parrots are rarely recorded as eating leaves, with only one species being fully folivorous. In terra firme forest in south-central Brazilian Amazonia, we recorded apparent folivory over a several sequential days by the Blue-headed Parrot (Pionus menstruus) on young leaflets of Swartzia polyphylla (Fabaceae). Closer examination, however, showed that the majority of processed leaves also contained small caterpillars, so that we consider this to be a record of highly selective insectivory, which is also uncommonly reported in parrots. We speculate that such events may be more common than realized and act as dietary supplements for a seed-based diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lathyrism is a disease caused by excessive consumption of grass pea, Lathyrus sativus especially under conditions of severe drought. Grass pea contains 3-N-oxalyl-L-2, 3-diaminopropanoic acid (β-ODAP) a putative neurotoxin which acts through excitatory mechanism causing Neurolathyrism. Due to awareness of the disease, availability of food and levels of consumption of L. sativus there is reduction in lathyrism cases where higher consumption of L. sativus is reported in India. The present study was undertaken with the objective to assess the current scenario of consumption of L. sativus, incidence of cases of lathyrism, β-ODAP, protein and amino acids content in L. sativus pulse collected from three districts (Bilaspur, Durg and Raipur) of Chattisgarh state. For this purpose, a total of 17,755 (13,129 rural and 4626 urban) individuals from 151 villages and 60 wards from urban area were covered for clinical examination. Out of total 5769 households (HHs) covered during the survey, 1602 HHs were cultivators, 1791 HHs non-cultivators and 2376 agricultural and other labourers. A one day 24-hour re-call diet survey was carried out in 5758 HHs (4549 rural and 1209 urban). A total of 360 split grass pea (SGP) samples were collected to estimate β-ODAP, protein and amino acids content. Results of the study revealed that an average consumption of SGP was 20.9 gm/CU/day in Bilaspur and no consumption was reported among urban population of Raipur. Only nine old cases of lathyrism were found during the study. The mean β-ODAP content in SGP was 0.63 ± 0.14, 0.65 ± 0.13 and 0.65 ± 0.14 gm/100 gm, whereas the protein content was 27.0 ± 2.39, 27.0 ± 1.99 and 26.7 ± 1.90 gm/100 gm in samples collected from Bilaspur, Durg and Raipur districts respectively. Arginine content was high in SGP and sulphur containing amino acids (cysteine and methionine) were less than other amino acids. In conclusion, the consumption of SGP was lower in these three districts with lower β-ODAP content than earlier reports, thus the lower prevalence of lathyrism in the districts surveyed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Maharashtra, soybean is cultivated on an area of 3.8 M ha with production of 3.07 m ton with second rank in India. However, low productivity of the crop remains a major problem of soybean cultivation, necessitating the need to ascertain the problems faced by soybean growers. Therefore, a study was conducted in the 20 villages of five districts of western Maharashtra. A survey method using personal interview of 100 farmers and focused group discussion with villagers, were used for data collection during the year 2013-14. Study found that labour problems, irrigation facilities, weed management, marketing of produce, pest and disease management were the top five constraints faced by the farmers in soybean cultivation. Shortage of labour and higher wages during peak period (95%) was major labour related constraints faced by farmers. In irrigation, farmers reported lack of irrigation facilities (81%) as major constraints in soybean cultivation. Proper farm mechanization, water conservation measures, short duration drought resistant varieties of soybean, timely supply of institutional credits and training to farmers on improved cultivation practices are important suggested measures to overcome the constraints faced by these farmers, for sustainable and profitable soybean production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: We determined knowledge of the health benefits of consuming beans, and assessed if awareness varied by acculturation status among Hispanic and non-Hispanic low-income women. Methods: We used a self-administered survey with Iowa women aged 18-65 years who were eligible to receive income-based services through 2 healthcare clinics, a WIC clinic, and Extension Outreach. Chi-square and ANOVA were used to compare bean health benefit knowledge, demographics, health-risk factors, nutrition information seeking, and self-efficacy by acculturation categories. Results: Of the 158 women who completed the survey, 58% were Hispanic, with a mean age of 36 years. In terms of acculturation, 24% were Hispanic-dominant, 30% bicultural, and 46% English dominant. Over 50% of all respondents did not know bean consumption lowered cholesterol, aided blood glucose control, or reduced some cancer risks. Responses for 5 of 7 knowledge statements differed significantly by acculturation. Hispanic-dominant and bicultural women reported significantly better health, higher bean consumption, and less cigarette smoking than English-dominant women. Bicultural and English-dominant women were more likely to use the Internet for nutrition information. Conclusions: There are knowledge gaps about the health benefits of bean consumption among low-income women. Nutrition education to improve their knowledge may lead to increased bean consumption, reducing health disparities and improving nutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Bambara groundnut is an indigenous African vegetable grown mainly for human food and animal feed due to its high protein content. Different factors like varieties and origin can influence the chemical composition of Bambara groundnut cultivars. Therefore, the aims of this study are to produce defatted flour and protein concentrate from newly developed Bambara groundnut cultivars [Accessions No: TVSU 5 – Bambara Groundnut White (BGW) and TVSU 146 – Bambara Groundnut Brown (BGB)] and compare their nutritional, physicochemical, and functional properties with market sample [Bambara groundnut commercial (BGC)]. Higher protein content was observed in BGW (20.73%) and BGB (20.14%) as compared to BGC (18.50%). Also, the fat and ash contents of BGB and BGW were higher than that of BGC. Also, the new varieties were found to contain higher levels of some essential fatty acids such as linoleic and linolenic acids. The concentration of thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic, ascorbic acids, pyrodoxine, alpha tocopherol, and vitamin K were also significantly higher in the two new varieties. The new varieties were good sources of magnesium, calcium, iron, manganese, sodium, and potassium. The oil and water absorption and swelling capacities of whole, defatted, and protein concentrate flour of the new varieties increase with increase in temperature. The defatted flour and protein concentrate of brown Bambara groundnut was found to exhibit high emulsifying activity and stability at different pH's and salt concentrations. The new varieties possess significantly higher foaming capacity and stability than the commercial variety. The results obtained from this study have shown the potential for the industrial and household use of the new Bambara groundnut cultivars into shelf stable protein products and could be a useful ingredient in food formulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soybean trypsin inhibitor (STI) is considered as one of the most important anti-nutritional factors in soybeans. The objective of this study was to investigate the impacts and underling mechanisms of dielectric-barrier discharge (DBD) plasma on STI activities. The results shown that DBD plasma treatment significantly induced the inactivation of STI in soymilk and Kunitz-type trypsin inhibitor from soybean (SKTI) in a model system. After exposure to DBD plasma at 51.4 W for 21 min, the STI activities of soymilk were reduced by 86.1%. Affter being treated by DBD plasma, the intrinsic fluorescence and surface hydrophobicity of SKTI were significantly decreased, while the sulfhydryl contents were increased. It is assumed that DBD plasma-induced conformational changes and oxidative modification might contribute to the inactivation of SKTI. In summary, DBD plasma technology is a potential alternative to heat treatment for the inactivation of anti-nutritional substances in food legumes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In current study, cowpea and mungbean were utilized in preparation of weaning foods. Roasting was carried out to enhance the nutritional profile of legumes and to reduce anti-nutritional factors. Afterwards, three cowpea or/and mungbean based weaning food treatments were prepared; W1 (20% cowpea), W2 (20% mungbean) and W3 (10% cowpea+10% mungbean) along with control; Wc (20% soybean). Results depicted significant decline of anti-nutritional factors in roasted legumes. Proximate analyses illustrated highest crude protein in W3 (17.01±0.19%) and lowest in Wc (14.09±0.27%). Moreover, highest calorific value and reconstitution index were observed in W3 as 398.69±24.02 kcal/100g and 56.56±0.83 mL, respectively. Likewise, maximum viscosity was also viewed in W3 (1985.27±21.84 cP). Additionally, loose & packed bulk densities were ranged from 0.46±0.04 & 0.52±0.04 (Wc) to 0.59±0.01 & 0.66±0.02 g/mL (W3). In the nutshell, indigenous legumes have potential to formulate weaning foods with appreciable physicochemical and nutritional characteristics. Hence, these should be utilized to formulate nutritious and cost-effective weaning foods to combat the prevailing infant malnutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Common bean ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is the most important food legume crop in Africa and Latin America where rainfall pattern is unpredictable. The objectives were to identify better yielding common bean lines with good canning quality under drought, and to identify traits that could be used as selection criteria for evaluating drought-tolerant genotypes. In all, 35 advanced lines were developed through single seed descent and evaluated with a standard check under drought and irrigated conditions at two locations over 2 years in Ethiopia. Grain yield ( GY), pod number per m2, seed number per m2 and seed weight decreased by 56%, 47%, 49% and 14%, respectively, under drought stress. Eight genotypes had better yield with good canning quality under drought compared to the check. Moderate to high proportion of genetic effects were observed under drought conditions for GY and yield components compared to genotype × environment effects. Significant positive correlations between GY and pod harvest index ( PHI) in drought suggest that PHI could be used as an indirect selection criterion for common bean improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.) is a major food legume cultivated in semi-arid tropical regions including the Indian subcontinent, Africa, and Southeast Asia. It is an important source of protein, minerals, and vitamins for nearly 20% of the world population. Due to high carbon sequestration and drought tolerance, pigeonpea is an important crop for the development of climate resilient agriculture and nutritional security. However, pigeonpea productivity has remained low for decades because of limited genetic and genomic resources, and sparse utilization of landraces and wild pigeonpea germplasm. Here, we present a dense intraspecific linkage map of pigeonpea comprising 932 markers that span a total adjusted map length of 1,411.83 cM. The consensus map is based on three different linkage maps that incorporate a large number of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers derived from next generation sequencing data, using Illumina GoldenGate bead arrays, and genotyping with restriction site associated DNA (RAD) sequencing. The genotyping-by-sequencing enhanced the marker density but was met with limited success due to lack of common markers across the genotypes of mapping population. The integrated map has 547 bead-array SNP, 319 RAD-SNP, and 65 simple sequence repeat (SSR) marker loci. We also show here correspondence between our linkage map and published genome pseudomolecules of pigeonpea. The availability of a high-density linkage map will help improve the anchoring of the pigeonpea genome to its chromosomes and the mapping of genes and quantitative trait loci associated with useful agronomic traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pulses are important crops for food and nutritional security worldwide. Traditional cropping pattern almost always included a pulse crop either as a mixed crop or in rotation, the commercialization of agriculture has encouraged the practice of solecropping. India produces a quarter of the world's pulses accounting for largest share in the world production, both in quantity and variety. The major pulses grown in India are chickpea, Pigeonpea and Mungbean during 2013-14. Thus the poor production of pulses have not only created an imbalance in the demand and supply, but also resulted in soaring import bills, unpredictable price rise and low profit compared to competing crops. Average annual growth rate of area (4.5 per cent) and production (9.6 per cent) was maximum in chickpea during 2008-09 to 2013-14. Productivity of pulses increased from 441 kg/ha during 1950-51 to 764 kg/ha during 2013-14. There was enormous interstate variation seen in area, production of total pulses. The picture of net per capita per day availability of pulses has fallen drastically from 60 g to 42 g during 1951 to 2013. This shortfall has serious nutritional implications especially to children and women in rural areas. To achieve self sufficiency in pulses, there is a need to increase production up to 26.5 million tons by the year 2050. Research efforts, easy and timely availability of critical inputs and creation of seed village will be helpful in achieving self sufficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Common beans are a warm-season, food legume cultivated in areas prone to water limitation throughout their growing season. This study assessed the magnitude and pattern of trait associations for a total of 202 common bean genotypes divided into panels of 81 Andean and 121 Mesoamerican gene pool accessions grown under contrasting treatments of well-watered, non-stress, and water-limited, terminal drought-stress conditions. Linear correlation, complex path coefficient, and genetic divergence analyses were used to dissect the relationship dynamics between traits and the relative contribution of adaptive traits to differentiation among gene pools and genotypes based on drought stress. Drought severity level for the trial was high and created the ideal condition to reveal genotypic differences, as seen by the differential response of the genotypes for the various traits measured. The value for phenotypic coefficients of variation for all traits was higher than the corresponding genotypic values. Seed yield had positive and strong genotypic and phenotypic correlation with pods per plant across gene pools and stress levels. The overall amount of genetic correlation was greater than the corresponding phenotypic correlation matrix for all the traits within the gene pool and across stress levels. Moreover, the results depicted the phenotypic correlation as equal or better than its genotypic counterpart in estimating drought tolerance in common bean plants. Clustering analysis with Mahanalobis's coefficient of generalized distance grouped genotypes with a differential level of drought adaptation into different classes within each panel. This indicates drought tolerance involves different mechanisms of plant response and is present separately in each gene pool panel. Pods per plant, seed weight, pod partitioning index, and harvest index are useful selection objectives to improve drought adaptation in common bean, but must be differentially weighted in each gene pool. The analysis of genetic variation and association between adaptive traits on the two panels provided useful insights on which traits could be used to improve common bean adaptation to low water availability during the growth season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although pulse production grew significantly by 1.3% between 1980 and 2013, its per capita availability remained stagnant at around 6.5 kg/capita/year. In 1961, its availability was 9.3 kg/capita/year. One consequence of slower growth in its production is rising pulse prices, which are twice that of cereals. The declining availability of pulses also triggered a boom in its trade, with 19% of the global pulse production traded in 2011 compared with 7% in 1980. In absolute terms, there has been a more than fourfold increase in pulse trade, compared with an only 1.5-fold increase for cereals. To meet the export demand, pulse production diversified, with developed countries emerging as the main exporters while developing countries were the main importers. The exceptions were Southeastern Asia (Myanmar) and Eastern Africa, which also emerged as important exporters. Projections using an International Model for Policy Analysis of Agricultural Commodities and Trade indicate that the demand for pulses will continue to grow in the short-to-medium term in developing counties owing to growing population, rising per capita incomes among the lower-income groups, and increasing demand for snack/processed foods due to growing urbanization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improving nutrition is a development priority, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) in Africa and South Asia, in which there is a persistent burden of undernutrition and increasing obesity. Healthy food systems can play a necessary role, aligned with other multisectoral actions, in addressing this challenge. Contributing to improved nutrition and health outcomes through food-based solutions is complex. In considering the role that pulses can play in addressing this challenge, there are useful conceptual frameworks and emerging lessons. National food systems in LMICs provide limited diet quality. Foods for a healthy diet may be produced locally, but they increasingly rely on improved markets and trade. What might be done to transform food systems for healthier diets, and what role can pulses play? Food systems innovations will require a convergence of technical innovation with smarter institutional arrangements and more effective policies and regulations. In many countries in Africa and South Asia, pulses can make important contributions to healthier diets. Options for supporting pulses to make a greater contribution to healthier diets include increasing the efficiency of pulse supply chains, creating more effective public-private institutional arrangements for innovation, and establishing policies, regulations, and investments that are nutrition sensitive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]