Identification of SNP markers associated with yield traits using BSA-DDRADseq in advanced backcross population in lentil

Abstract

Wild relatives in lentil have been shown as a wonderful repository of an array of useful genes, hitherto not found in the cultivated species. However, these precious genetic resources have not been used widely due to their poor yield and the close association of undesirable traits with desirable traits (linkage drag). Advanced backcross-QTL analysis has been identified as a potential solution for the discovery and transfer of valuable QTLs from unadapted wild relatives into elite breeding lines in a single process. Therefore a BC2 F2 mapping population comprising >1500 individuals were developed from a cross made between cultivated species (IPL 220; L culinaris) and a wild species (ILWL 118, L orientalis) and data recorded for agronomic traits on 487 individuals of this population. Bulk sergeant analysis with next-generation sequencing was used to identify the SNP markers associated with yieldrelated traits. Double digestion restriction site associated DNA (ddRAD) sequencing was used to identify SNPs in the bulks and corresponding parents. It resulted in the identification of SNP markers associated with plant height, pods/plant, flowering time, 100-seed weight, primary branches, pods/ cluster, and internode length. In addition to this, several SNP markers were showed their association with more than one trait. Moreover, use of 100 SNPs led to establishment of genetic relationship among six lentil genotypes and found exotic line was observed distantly related with indigenous genotypes while an accession of wild species showed close similarity with indigenous genotypes. SNPs identified in present study can be validated and used in QTL mapping and markers assisted selection in lentil breeding program.