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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Pullman, Washington » Plant Germplasm Introduction and Testing Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #411841
Research Project: Genetic Resource and Information Management for Pulse, Temperate Forage Legume, Oilseed, Vegetable, Grasses, Sugar, Ornamental, and Other Crops

Location: Plant Germplasm Introduction and Testing Research

Title: Genome-wide association study in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) for yield and nutritional composition

Author
item SARI, HATICE - Washington State University
item UHDRE, RENAN - Washington State University
item WALLACE, LYLE - Tennessee State University
item Coyne, Clarice - Clare
item Bourland, Britton
item ZHANG, ZHIWU - Washington State University
item Russo, Megan
item Kiszonas, Alecia
item Warburton, Marilyn

Submitted to: Euphytica
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/7/2024
Publication Date: 5/9/2024
Citation: Sari, H., Uhdre, R., Wallace, L., Coyne, C.J., Bourland, B.M., Zhang, Z., Russo, M.S., Kiszonas, A., Warburton, M.L. 2024. Genome-wide association study in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) for yield and nutritional composition. Euphytica. 220:84. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10681-024-03338-x.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10681-024-03338-x

Interpretive Summary: Pulse crop product innovations include the use of protein extracts and flours for new product development and expanding marketing opportunities for pulse farmers. To help meet this new growing demand for plant-based proteins, we studied chickpea seed protein and fat concentrations to identify lines chickpea breeders can then use for improving protein and fat in new cultivars. Fat is important for hummus products and protein is important for chickpea flour markets.

Technical Abstract: The increase in the global human population and the accompanying challenges in meeting nutritional needs amidst climate change have become a worldwide concern. Widespread protein and micronutrient deficiencies contribute to a significant number of individuals experiencing malnutrition, leading to severe health repercussions. Addressing this issue can be facilitated through genomics-assisted breeding, particularly in enhancing the nutritional profile of vital crops like chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). Chickpea, beyond being a rich source of protein, provides a diverse nutritional spectrum encompassing carbohydrates, fats, and minerals. To explore and improve the genetic basis of nutritional traits in chickpea, a study was conducted using 93 kabuli-type single plant derived lines and five cultivars in the years 2018, 2022, and 2023. Genotyping by sequencing revealed a total of 165K single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the kabuli chickpea mini-core collection. After filtering for a minor allele frequency greater than 5%, 113,645 SNPs were utilized, distributed across eight chromosomes of the chickpea genome. The marker-trait associations were analyzed using the BLINK model, leading to the identification of 27 significantly associated SNPs (P = 1.16E-08) linked to three seed nutritional concentrations and 100-seed weight across all eight chromosomes. In an effort to unravel the molecular mechanisms governing seed protein, fiber, fat concentrations, and 100-seed weight, 31 candidate genes were determined within a 30 kb window size. This comprehensive approach holds promise for advancing crop breeding strategies to combat malnutrition and improve global food security.