Hyacinth bean (Lablab purpureus L.) – An underutilised crop with future potential

Abstract In view of occurring extreme weather conditions, food security for humans is highly concerned with climate change worldwide. The only solution to this dire problem is to explore and increase the food production to the highest possible extent. Hyacinth bean (Lablab purpureus L.), being a legume, is a rich source of protein and, hence, provides more resilient and efficient alternative for food-protein security. It is a multifunctional legume with a wide spectrum of therapeutic features. Though hyacinth bean is considered as most resistant to several biotic and abiotic factors among legumes, environmental constraints still limit its full potential to be manifested. Out of the environmental challenges, salinity stress is the major bottleneck, affecting the agricultural performance of hyacinth bean. The present article encompasses the response of this protein-rich crop to major abiotic stresses (salt, drought, temperature, heavy metals, ultraviolet radiation, etc.). Alternative agronomical strategies to improve productivity of hyacinth bean under stress are also reviewed. The review article also aims to popularize amongst plant scientists and agronomists regarding its use as nutritious human-food. Implementation of the proposed agricultural tools will not only increase the food and forage potential of this crop but may also help in utilization of non-agricultural, infertile and unproductive lands lying useless.