The Art and Science of Harnessing Legume Diversity

Historically dubbed 'poor man's meat', legumes are often overlooked in the American diet, which predominantly emphasizes meat as the primary protein source. Nevertheless, several legumes maintain a significant presence in American culinary practices. Equally, the intraspecific diversity of legumes also harbors a wealth of genetic insights into their remarkable ability to associate with beneficial rhizobia using Genome Wide Association Studies. We present findings that uncover the basis of GOLVEN10 peptide signaling during root nodule symbiosis leveraging Medicago truncatula natural variation. Additionally, we propose a contemporary revision of the old adage positioning legumes in a new light for the 21st century.