Aphid Resistance in Pulse Crops: Sources, Mechanisms, Genetics and Breeding

ABSTRACT Aphids are major pests of pulse crops, causing damage through phloem sap feeding and virus transmission. In this context, resistant varieties are central components of sustainable aphid management. This review synthesizes current knowledge on resistance sources, phenotyping strategies, resistance mechanisms, genetic control and breeding approaches in pulse–aphid interactions. Reviewed studies reveal diverse resistance responses, including antibiosis, antixenosis, and tolerance, mediated by biochemical and biophysical barriers and influenced by aphid adaptation, with biotype specificity emerging as a key but underexplored factor. Genetic studies indicate a predominantly quantitative architecture, with multiple loci of small to moderate effect, while major resistance genes are uncommon. Advances in genomics, high‐throughput phenotyping and modern breeding approaches offer opportunities to better capture quantitative resistance, but durable deployment will require multienvironment validation and strategies aligned with the dynamic and polygenic nature of aphid resistance. Overall, progress toward aphid‐resistant pulse cultivars will depend on integrating robust phenotyping, genetic analysis and breeding approaches across a wider range of pulse crops and environments.