Research progress in the genetic engineering of legume forages for biotic and abiotic stress resistance

Legume forages are an important part of forage and an important basis to support the development of animal husbandry, especially the milk industry. The research foundation of legume forage breeding is weak, and the use of hay and high-quality grass species depends on import, which is one of the shortcomings in the development of animal husbandry in China. Therefore, strengthening the breeding of legume forage, especially the breeding of biotechnology, is an important way to promote the development of the grass industry and “overtaking in curved lanes”. As high-quality land in China is mainly used for grain production, and animal husbandry is mainly distributed in regions with harsh natural climate conditions, such as northwest and north China, the grass industry in China is extremely dependent on high-quality herb varieties with strong stress resistance. Given the great potential of biotechnology breeding, in this study, tissue culture systems, genetic transformation methods, and recent achievements in research on the resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses of legume forages were reviewed, and future research directions were proposed.