Kabuli chickpea seed quality diversity and preliminary genome‐wide association study identifies markers and potential candidate genes

Malnutrition due to macro‐ and micro‐nutrient deficiencies is one of the major global health concerns, especially in developing countries. Using genomics‐assisted breeding to enhance the nutritional value of important crops such as chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) can help to address the problem. In this study, we conducted genome‐wide association studies to identify genes associated with protein, starch, oil, and fiber in chickpea to create resources to speed the breeding process. The USDA kabuli chickpea mini‐core of 88 accessions was genotyped using genotyped‐by‐sequencing, and 36,645 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified across the eight chromosomes of the chickpea genome. A genome‐wide marker‐trait analysis using the FarmCPU model was conducted to identify SNP markers that can enable marker‐assisted breeding for seed protein, fiber, oil, and starch concentrations. The most significantly associated markers for seed protein concentration (p = 8.82E‐12), starch (p = 2.79E‐12), fiber (p = 7.65E‐12), and oil (p = 1.37E‐08) were found on chromosomes 1, 2, 6, and 7, controlling 11%, 12%, 20%, and 16% of the phenotypic variation, respectively. Validation of the SNP markers in a broader set of plant genetic resources and environments will be needed to determine their usefulness in breeding for end‐use characteristics. Core Ideas Variation in seed protein, oil, fiber, and starch concentration exists in kabuli chickpea. Genome‐wide association study uncovered single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and gene candidates for seed quality traits. These SNPs may be useful for the marker‐assisted selection of improved seed quality in chickpea.