Scientists from the University of California at Riverside deciphered the black-eyed pea genome, hoping to feed the growing population of the Earth, especially when the climate changes.

Understanding the genes responsible for drought and the heat resistance of peas can ultimately help make other crops more resistant.

Black-eyed peas (vigna) are small beans with dark middles. For centuries, they have been one of the staple foods in the world due to their environmental sustainability and nutritional qualities such as high protein and low fat content. In sub-Saharan Africa, they remain the No. 1 protein source in the human diet.

The genome is a complete collection of genetic codes that define characteristics such as color, growth, and susceptibility to disease. Wigna research began at the University of California at Riverside over 40 years ago.

Black-eyed Pea Vigna

“Vigna has been supporting people since the early colonial times,” said one of the project managers, Timothy Close, professor of botany and plant sciences at UCR.

This is the first high-quality reference protein genome. Work on it began 3 years ago, which was made possible thanks to a grant of $ 1.6 million from the National Science Foundation or NSF. An additional grant of $ 500 thousand also supported the efforts of scientists.

One of the features of the cowpea that scientists are now trying to understand is its remarkable ability to recover from stress from drought.

“We're trying to figure out why the wigns are so resistant to harsh conditions,” Close said. “As we move into a world with less water available for agriculture, it will be important to use this ability and expand it. We will take the initiative in the form of Vigna to direct improvements in other cultures vulnerable to climate change. ”