Uswa Nazir1, Muhammad Abdullah1, Ali Husnain Chishti1, Ali Haider Abbas1, Muhammad Rizwan Shafiq1* and Sidra Iqbal1
1Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
*Corresponding author: rizwan.shafiq@uaf.edu.pk
Pea (Pisum sativum) is a globally significant legume crop cultivated for both human consumption and animal feed. Its adaptability to diverse environments, nutritional value, and genetic diversity make it a vital resource for food and nutritional security, particularly under the challenges posed by climate change. Pea crop growth is affected by climatic surroundings such as temperature, soil type, and moisture, with optimal germination occurring at 18–22 °C and best growth in slightly acidic soils. The crop faces threats from abiotic stresses like drought and heat, as well as biotic stresses such as pests and diseases. Breeding efforts focus on developing early maturing, high-yielding, and stress-resistant varieties, leveraging both morphological and molecular markers to enhance genetic diversity and accelerate selection. Advances in functional genomics and next-generation sequencing have facilitated the development of gene-based markers, enabling marker-assisted selection and high-resolution genetic maps. F1 hybrid seeds, produced by crossing pure lines, offer superior traits but require continuous maintenance and manual production, making them costly. The integration of genomic data and marker-assisted breeding holds promise for future improvements in pea productivity and resilience.