Research status of seed improvement in underutilized crops: prospects for enhancing food security

Abstract

AbstractPlanning future directions and adapting approaches for seed improvement in underutilized crops requires the assessment of research activities. We have examined the trends and research activities conducted on seed improvement of underutilized crops. We identified research hotspots based on keywords and prolific research titles mapped across three decades (1990 to 2021). Data were compiled using Google Scholar, Web of Science and Scopus databases, loaded into the bibliometric R-package and viewed via VOSviewers software. In research on seed improvement among underutilized crops (SUC), we have observed 7.2% annual growth in publication and increase in the studies and citations. There were strong research publications with strong research links from studies conducted in USA, Canada, India, Nigeria and China, while South Africa and Egypt were among the African countries with high research studies in SUC. Among underutilized crops with improvement among their seed traits are sorghum, quinoa, Bambara groundnut, amaranth, barley, tef, cowpea and millet. Some of the trending research areas are genetic diversity, seed performance, seed domestication, yield, crop management, water use efficiency, nutritional properties, molecular strategies and genetic analysis tools for seed improvement. There is gradual increase for international collaborations and funding in SUC studies. The current research emphases are on qualitative studies, appropriate methodological procedures and advanced breeding resources to help understand and promote seed improvement among underutilized crops.