Grain legumes such as pigeonpea [(Cajanus cajan (L.) Mill sp.)] and chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) are
the primary sources of dietary protein especially for vegetarian human population worldwide. Genetic
enhancement in these crops is not adequate due to their narrow genetic base. Further, the production
and productivity of these crops is adversely affected by different biotic and abiotic stresses and
high levels of resistance/tolerance for these stresses is not available in the cultivated genepool. This
necessitates the utilization of new and diverse source of variations to broaden the genetic base of crop
cultivars and to improve the genetic gain of these crops