Sorghum was once a major crop in dry regions. However, its production area has decreased drastically, especially in Asia. In order to revitalize sorghum production, we must reorient sorghum research in the contexts of present and future demands, and resolve specific production constraints, thereby improving productivity. This chapter analyses the sorghum production system in Asia, comparing it to the global situation and identifying important constraints. It then reviews potential measures to improve sorghum cultivation in Asia, including genetic improvement, improved processing technologies, marketing strategies and policy measures.

Mango is well adapted to hot, tropical climates. However, it can also be grown in the mild subtropics, where cooler winter temperatures improve flower induction and cause early bearing and lower annual growth rates, which help to control size and favour high-density plantings. There are also disadvantages to growing mango in the subtropics: cold spells and low temperatures can damage vulnerable young trees or areas of young growth, or can induce flowering of very young trees at the nursery, causing premature ageing of inadequately managed plants. This chapter reviews the differences between mango cultivation in tropical and subtropical climates and explores the factors necessary for successful subtropical cultivation.

Mangoes are grown throughout South East Asia and in around one hundred countries all over the tropical and subtropical belt. In Japan, as well as in Spain and Portugal, they are cultivated in greenhouses and specific techniques are used to maximise the production and quality and to ensure efficient harvesting. This chapter describes greenhouse practices of mango cultivation, including control of flowering, care of fruit and pest control.

There are many advantages in establishing mango hedgerows in such a way that their height for optimal light utilization does not exceed 2m and their width 1m. The terminal shoots, inflorescences and fruits on such trees are within easy reach of farm workers. The fruits, as opposed to branches and new shoots, can specifically be targeted for fungicide or pesticide application. This chapter describes the stages of a 3 x 1m Tommy Atkins mango orchard, from the time of its establishment to the time the trees had filled their space in the orchard row and were fully bearing. It gives an account of management actions required for sustained maximal production, describing the benefits of the reduced time from planting until the trees attain optimal canopy cover and maximum fruit production. The chapter assesses the extent of small-tree growing systems to date.

Mangoes can be considered a major source of bioactive compounds, notably vitamin C, phenolics (mainly gallic acid) and carotenoids, among which many are provitamin A. This chapter describes the claimed health benefits associated with the antioxidant properties of these compounds, which potentially encompass protection against cardiovascular diseases, metabolic diseases and cancers. The chapter examines specific cell, animal and clinical studies that suggest mango pulp, juice and extract are effective against metabolic diseases and certain forms of cancer. The chapter considers levers that can be used to increase bioactive compounds in mangoes either before or after harvest, and includes a case study on the use of pulsed light to increase concentrations of vitamin C, carotenoids and phenolics.

Micronutrient malnutrition (MNM) is one of the world’s major health threats. Fe and Zn deficiencies affect more than a third of the world’s population, most severely women and children. Biofortified legume crops are being developed with higher levels of bioavailable Fe and Zn to alleviate MNM and improve the nutritional status of affected populations. In this chapter, we review the genetic variability of Fe and Zn content in many legume crops, and show how this is being used to guide breeding efforts through both transgenic approaches and agronomic management. We also consider the importance of factors that influence the bioavailability of microminerals. We review current breeding activities and releases, and so demonstrate an active research field, with progress in all stages of development.

Legume plants are peculiarly susceptible to diseases due to their association with Rhizobium bacteria, their large seeds and stress intolerance. Specific and generalist disease species are well documented, but pathogen virulence evolves rapidly making management a continual challenge. This challenge can no longer rely on pesticide applications as many chemicals become unavailable through regulatory changes. Instead, integrated disease management (IDM) is now promoted as a more suitable and sustainable approach. Integration of disease control has many elements, a number of which are traditional and well developed such as field and crop management. In addition, advanced monitoring methods, modelling and molecular methods of detection are becoming essential features to assist precision in prediction and control. Rapid responses to new disease varieties require development of ever more sophisticated techniques which can, ideally, be applied on site. Local management is likely to incorporate all these elements and be increasingly integrated to global coordination.

Marker-assisted selection (MAS) for soybean improvement is based on over two thousand mapped loci. In genetics databases there are thousands of mapped loci that underlie quantitative traits, oligogenic traits and simple traits. This chapter describes examples of methods for developing and using DNA markers derived from genomic sequences for monogeneic, oligogeneic and polygeneic traits, together with examples of successful mapping, fine mapping and gene isolation. The chapter examines ways in which marker-assisted selection can be used to isolate and select desirable traits in soybeans.

Genetic and management options are available to realize an optimal pod yield and quality of groundnut production that meets the needs of the processors and consumers, as well as ensuring food safety standards. This chapter discusses various options for groundnut cultivation, from the choice of the variety to methods of storage available or are in use to achieve improved pod yield and quality. It discusses advanced groundnut farming practices such as conservation tillage in the USA, polythene mulch technology in China, and precision farming in developed countries. The chapter addresses the limitations of current agronomic recommendations for groundnut, assesses the available varieties and cultivars, and examines methods of field preparation and soil resources management. The chapter explores groundnut seed preparation, planting and weed and water management, as well as plant protection practices and harvesting, drying, curing, and storage methods. Finally, the chapter focuses on precision cultivation and groundnut seed systems.

Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] is a legume crop of vital importance to the livelihoods of millions of people in West and Central Africa, providing a nutritious grain and an inexpensive source of protein for both rural poor and urban consumers. This chapter examines what constitutes an optimal cowpea plant population and explains plant configuration in intercropping systems in West Africa. The chapter explores how planting dates can be manipulated to improve cowpea productivity, and how nutrient management can be used to increase cowpea yields. Finally, the chapter examines the application of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in cowpea production and looks ahead to future trends in this area.