Research progress on β-ODAP and sulfur metabolism of Lathyrus sativus

Lathyrus sativus is a very important food crop in arid, semi-arid, and poor areas. However, the excellent agronomic traits and dietary advantages of L. sativus were disregarded due to the overemphasis on its endogenous toxin, β-ODAP. With changes in global climate, this climate-resilient crop deserves more attention. Here, the current knowledge on the properties of L. sativus as a traditional toxic crop, the role of sulfur metabolism in L. sativus, and its contribution to β-ODAP biosynthesis and drought resistance are reviewed. Moreover, strategies for the improvement of sulfur nutrition in L. sativus are evaluated.