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Abstract
Mungbean (Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek) is cultivated on more than 6 million hectares in the warmer regions of the world and is one of the most important pulse crops in South and Southeast Asia. The productivity of mungbean is relatively low (average about 400 kg/ha) and similar to other pulse crops. Broadening the genetic base by selecting parents from diverse and interspecific backgrounds is of paramount importance to achieve productivity gains. Development of an open source online mungbean pedigree database system will aid breeders in the choice of parents and avoid duplication in breeding efforts. Development of varieties with resistance to major diseases such as mungbean yellow mosaic disease and pests such as bruchids continues to be a breeding priority. Tolerance to waterlogging and salinity would help to expand this crop further in South Asia. Replacement of longer duration varieties with shorter duration types would contribute to an expansion of the crop in sub-Saharan Africa. Adoption of quality seed and improved agronomic practices are also important to enhance productivity.