In the context of the rainfed production systems of the Semi-Arid Tropics (SAT), crop drought
resistance is defined in terms of yield stability in a specific target environment. Chickpea and
pigeon pea are known for their adaptation to SAT regions and their relative ability to produce
grain and biomass under water-lImited conditions. However, the current challenge is to reduce
the yield gaps under rainfed conditions, and sustain food security for the benefit of resource
'poor farmers across the SAT. Efforts are currently being made at ICRISAT to implement a
holistic approach for drought resistance improvement, with the objectIve to enhance crop
performance under water-limited condItions. The component traIts currently considered for
marker assisted selection of drought resistance in legumes include drought-avoidance root
traits in chickpea. The identification and mapping of quantitative trait logic (QTLs)路 for specific
drought-resistance component traits can also be used to dissect the genetic and physiological
mechanisms involved in drought performance. If validated with accurate phenotyping and
properly integrated into marker-assisted breeding programmes, tillS approach will allow
pyramiding of drought resistance mechanisms and accelerate the development locally adapted pulse genotypes
