Most of the traditional pulse breeding programs take 10–15 years to release an improved cultivar; therefore, cycle time is the most powerful parameter for increasing genetic gain. In this context, speed breeding emerges as a technology that allows increased efficiency of the programs, reducing costs and the work required. We present and review different advances in pulse breeding programs and propose a speed breeding system for pea.

Next-generation sequencing-based multiplex assay is a valuable tool for high throughput, rapid screening functional markers in wheat breeding programs. Iranian cultivars and landraces supply a rich genetic resource of resistance to diseases, high grain protein content, and gluten strength traits. Our findings provide significant insight into the genetic structure of wheat old and modern germplasm in Iran.

Industrial quality of bread wheat is relevant for global food security; therefore, baking quality and gluten composition were studied in a wide range of genotypes differing in apparent sulfur recovery, cycle length and protein pattern. Our results showed that the study of variants for protein subunits coded by particular genes should be intensified, in order to optimise genetic improvement. Responses to fertilisation of contrasting genotypes in environments with low nutrient availability becomes relevant to efforts aimed at optimising the sustainability of wheat production.

Chia grain is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 acids, which are important for human nutrition and prevention of cardiovascular disease. This study determined the critical period for grain yield, which is relevant information for establishing management and breeding strategies. The results suggest that chia has a broad critical period spanning the time from 4–6 pairs of unfolded leaves to 10 days after flowering; the main yield component affected is grain number, and grain weight does not compensate grain number loss.

Soil acidification and drought are the main limiting factors for crop growth in the tropics. In poorly fertilised soils in sub-Saharan Africa, acidification, which is mainly due to the output of crops and fodders from the field, is not counterbalanced by manure inputs, whose quality and quantity are limited. There is an urgent need to improve management of biomass scarcity in order to increase soil health and sustainability of smallholder agricultural production systems.