Tolerance of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) lines to root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne javanica (Treub) Chitwood

The root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne javanica (Treub) Chitwood is an important parasite of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). Four chickpea genotypes were evaluated for tolerance to M. javanica in naturally infested fields at three locations. Each genotype was evaluated for number of galls, gall size, root area covered with galls and number of egg masses produced. All the cultivars were susceptible or highly susceptible. Seed yield, weight of 100 undamaged seeds, total dry matter and plant height were compared with checks. Chickpea cultivar Annigeri and a local check were used as nematode susceptible checks in all locations. The four promising nematode tolerant genotypes produced significantly greater yield and total dry matter than the checks in fields naturally infested with M. javanica at three locations. These M. javanica tolerant lines represent new germplasm and they are available in the chickpea genebank at the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) bearing the identification numbers ICC 8932, ICC 11152, ICCV 90043 and ICCC 4

Development of an integrated intraspecific map of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) using two recombinant inbred line populations

A composite intraspecific linkage map of chickpea was developed by integrating individual maps developed from two F8:9 RIL populations with one common parent. Different molecular markers viz. RAPD, ISSR, RGA, SSR and ASAP were analysed along with three yield related traits: double podding, seeds per pod and seed weight. A total of 273 markers and 186 RILs were used to generate the map with eight linkage groups at a LOD score of ≥3.0 and maximum recombination fraction of 0.4. The map spanned 739.6 cM with 230 markers at an average distance of 3.2 cM between markers. The predominantly used SSR markers facilitated identification of homologous linkage groups from the previously published interspecific linkage map of chickpea and confirmed conservation of the SSR markers across the two maps as well as the variation in terms of marker distance and order. The double podding gene was tagged by the markers NCPGR33 and UBC249z at 2.0 and 1.1 cM, respectively. Whereas, seeds per pod, was tagged by the markers TA2x and UBC465 at 0.1 and 1.8 cM, respectively. Eight QTLs were identified that influence seed weight. The joint map approach allowed mapping a large number of markers with a moderate coverage of the chickpea genome and few linkage gap

Achievements and prospects of genomics-assisted breeding in three legume crops of the semi-arid tropics

Advances in next-generation sequencing and genotyping technologies have enabled generation of large-scale genomic resources such as molecular markers, transcript reads and BAC-end sequences (BESs) in chickpea, pigeonpea and groundnut, three major legume crops of the semi-arid tropics. Comprehensive transcriptome assemblies and genome sequences have either been developed or underway in these crops. Based on these resources, dense genetic maps, QTL maps as well as physical maps for these legume species have also been developed. As a result, these crops have graduated from ‘orphan’ or ‘less-studied’ crops to ‘genomic resources rich’ crops. This article summarizes above mentioned advances in genomics and genomics-assisted breeding applications in the form of marker-assisted selection (MAS) for hybrid purity assessment in pigeonpea; marker-assisted backcrossing (MABC) for introgressing QTL region for drought-tolerance related traits, Fusarium wilt (FW) resistance and Ascochyta blight (AB) resistance in chickpea; late leaf spot (LLS), leaf rust and nematode resistance in groundnut. We critically present the case of use of other modern breeding approaches like marker-assisted recurrent selection (MARS) and genomic selection (GS) to utilize the full potential of genomics-assisted breeding for developing superior cultivars with enhanced tolerance to various environmental stresses. In addition, this article recommends the use of advanced- backcross (AB-backcross) breeding and development of specialized populations such as multi-parents advanced generation intercross (MAGIC) for creating new variations that will help developing superior lines with broadened genetic base. In summary, we propose the use of integrated genomics and breeding approach in these legume crops to enhance crop productivity in marginal environments ensuring food security in developing countries

Achievements and prospects of genomics-assisted breeding in three legume crops of the semi-arid tropics

Advances in next-generation sequencing and genotyping technologies have enabled generation of large-scale genomic resources such as molecular markers, transcript reads and BAC-end sequences (BESs) in chickpea, pigeonpea and groundnut, three major legume crops of the semi-arid tropics. Comprehensive transcriptome assemblies and genome sequences have either been developed or underway in these crops. Based on these resources, dense genetic maps, QTL maps as well as physical maps for these legume species have also been developed. As a result, these crops have graduated from ‘orphan’ or ‘less-studied’ crops to ‘genomic resources rich’ crops. This article summarizes the above-mentioned advances in genomics and genomics-assisted breeding applications in the form of marker-assisted selection (MAS) for hybrid purity assessment in pigeonpea; marker-assisted backcrossing (MABC) for introgressing QTL region for drought-tolerance related traits, Fusarium wilt (FW) resistance and Ascochyta blight (AB) resistance in chickpea; late leaf spot (LLS), leaf rust and nematode resistance in groundnut. We critically present the case of use of other modern breeding approaches like marker-assisted recurrent selection (MARS) and genomic selection (GS) to utilize the full potential of genomics-assisted breeding for developing superior cultivars with enhanced tolerance to various environmental stresses. In addition, this article recommends the use of advanced-backcross (AB-backcross) breeding and development of specialized populations such as multi-parents advanced generation intercross (MAGIC) for creating new variations that will help in developing superior lines with broadened genetic base. In summary, we propose the use of integrated genomics and breeding approach in these legume crops to enhance crop productivity in marginal environments ensuring food security in developing countries