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To identify genomic segments associated with days to flowering (DF) and leaf shape in pigeonpea, QTL-seq approach has been used in the present study. Genome-wide SNP profiling of extreme phenotypic bulks was conducted for both the traits from the segregating population (F2) derived from the cross combination- ICP 5529 × ICP 11605. A total of 126.63 million paired-end (PE) whole-genome resequencing data were generated for five samples, including one parent ICP 5529 (obcordate leaf and late-flowering plant), early and late flowering pools (EF and LF) and obcordate and lanceolate leaf shape pools (OLF and LLS). The QTL-seq identified two significant genomic regions, one on CcLG03 (1.58 Mb region spanned from 19.22 to 20.80 Mb interval) for days to flowering (LF and EF pools) and another on CcLG08 (2.19 Mb region spanned from 6.69 to 8.88 Mb interval) for OLF and LLF pools, respectively. Analysis of genomic regions associated SNPs with days to flowering and leaf shape revealed 5 genic SNPs present in the unique regions. The identified genomic regions for days to flowering were also validated with the genotyping-by-sequencing based classical QTL mapping method. A comparative analysis of the identified seven genes associated with days to flowering on 12 Fabaceae genomes, showed synteny with 9 genomes. A total of 153 genes were identified through the synteny analysis ranging from 13 to 36. This study demonstrates the usefulness of QTL-seq approach in precise identification of candidate gene(s) for days to flowering and leaf shape which can be deployed for pigeonpea improvement.

Seed weight in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) has direct impact on yield as well as market price because of preference for bold seeds by consumers and industry, thereby making seed-size improvement as one of the most important objectives of groundnut breeding programs globally. Marker-based early generation selection can accelerate the process of breeding for developing large-seeded varieties. In this context, we deployed the quantitative trait locus-sequencing (QTL-seq) approach on a biparental mapping population (Chico × ICGV 02251) to identify candidate genes and develop markers for seed weight in groundnut. A total of 289.4-389.4 million reads sequencing data were generated from three libraries (ICGV 02251 and two extreme bulks) achieving 93.9-95.1% genome coverage and 8.34-9.29× average read depth. The analysis of sequencing data using QTL-seq pipeline identified five genomic regions (three on chromosome B06 and one each on chromosomes B08 and B09) for seed weight. Detailed analysis of above associated genomic regions detected 182 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genic and intergenic regions, and 11 of these SNPs were nonsynonymous in the genomic regions of 10 candidate genes including Ulp proteases and BIG SEED locus genes. Kompetitive allele specific polymerase chain reaction (KASP) markers for 14 SNPs were developed, and four of these markers (snpAH0031, snpAH0033, snpAH0037, and snpAH0038) were successfully validated for deployment in breeding for large-seeded groundnut varieties.

Haplotype-based breeding, a recent promising breeding approach to develop tailor-made crop varieties, deals with identification of superior haplotypes and their deployment in breeding programmes. In this context, whole genome re-sequencing data of 292 genotypes from pigeonpea reference set were mined to identify the superior haplotypes for 10 droughtresponsive candidate genes. A total of 83, 132 and 60 haplotypes were identified in breeding lines, landraces and wild species, respectively. Candidate gene-based association analysis of these 10 genes on a subset of 137 accessions of the pigeonpea reference set revealed 23 strong marker-trait associations (MTAs) in five genes influencing seven drought-responsive component traits. Haplo-pheno analysis for the strongly associated genes resulted in the identification of most promising haplotypes for three genes regulating five component drought traits. The haplotype C. cajan_23080-H2 for plant weight (PW), fresh weight (FW) and turgid weight (TW), the haplotype C. cajan_30211-H6 for PW, FW, TW and dry weight (DW), the haplotype C. cajan_26230-H11 for FW and DW and the haplotype C. cajan_26230-H5 for relative water content (RWC) were identified as superior haplotypes under drought stress condition. Furthermore, 17 accessions containing superior haplotypes for three drought-responsive genes were identified. The identified superior haplotypes and the accessions carrying these superior haplotypes will be very useful for deploying haplotype-based breeding to develop nextgeneration tailor-made better drought-responsive pigeonpea cultivars.

Summary Hybrids are extensively used in agriculture to deliver an increase in yield, yet the molecular basis of heterosis is not well understood. Global DNA methylation analysis, transcriptome analysis and small RNA profiling were aimed to understand the epigenetic effect of the changes in gene expression level in the two hybrids and their parental lines. Increased DNA methylation was observed in both the hybrids as compared to their parents. This increased DNA methylation in hybrids showed that majority of the 24‐nt siRNA clusters had higher expression in hybrids than the parents. Transcriptome analysis revealed that various phytohormones (auxin and salicylic acid) responsive hybrid‐MPV DEGs were significantly altered in both the hybrids in comparison to MPV. DEGs associated with plant immunity and growth were overexpressed whereas DEGs associated with basal defence level were repressed. This antagonistic patterns of gene expression might contribute to the greater growth of the hybrids. It was also noticed that some common as well as unique changes in the regulatory pathways were associated with heterotic growth in both the hybrids. Approximately 70% and 67% of down‐regulated hybrid‐MPV DEGs were found to be differentially methylated in ICPH 2671 and ICPH 2740 hybrid, respectively. This reflected the association of epigenetic regulation in altered gene expressions. Our findings also revealed that miRNAs might play important roles in hybrid vigour in both the hybrids by regulating their target genes, especially in controlling plant growth and development, defence and stress response pathways. The above finding provides an insight into the molecular mechanism of pigeonpea heterosis.

High oil and protein content make tetraploid peanut a leading oil and food legume. Here we report a high-quality peanut genome sequence, comprising 2.54 Gb with 20 pseudomolecules and 83,709 protein-coding gene models. We characterize gene functional groups implicated in seed size evolution, seed oil content, disease resistance and symbiotic nitrogen fixation. The peanut B subgenome has more genes and general expression dominance, temporally associated with long-terminal-repeat expansion in the A subgenome that also raises questions about the A-genome progenitor. The polyploid genome provided insights into the evolution of Arachis hypogaea and other legume chromosomes. Resequencing of 52 accessions suggests that independent domestications formed peanut ecotypes. Whereas 0.42–0.47 million years ago (Ma) polyploidy constrained genetic variation, the peanut genome sequence aids mapping and candidate-gene discovery for traits such as seed size and color, foliar disease resistance and others, also providing a cornerstone for functional genomics and peanut improvement., High-quality genome sequence of cultivated peanut comprising 2.54 Gb with 20 pseudomolecules and 83,709 protein-coding gene models provides insights into genome evolution and the genetic mechanisms underlying seed size and leaf resistance in peanut.

Globally terminal drought is one of the major constraints to chickpea (Cicer arietinumL.) production. Early flowering genotypes escape terminal drought, and the increase in seed size compensates for yield losses arising from terminal drought. A MutMap population for early flowering and large seed size was developed by crossing the mutant line ICC4958-M3-2828 with wild-type ICC 4958. Based on the phenotyping of MutMap population, extreme bulks for days to flowering and 100-seed weight were sequenced using Hi-Seq2500 at 10X coverage. On aligning 47.41 million filtered reads to the CDC Frontier reference genome, 31.41 million reads were mapped and 332,395 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were called. A reference genome assembly for ICC 4958 was developed replacing these SNPs in particular positions of the CDC Frontier genome. SNPs specific for each mutant bulk ranged from 3,993 to 5,771. We report a single unique genomic region on Ca6 (between 9.76 and 12.96 Mb) harboring 31, 22, 17, and 32 SNPs with a peak of SNP index = 1 for low bulk for flowering time, high bulk for flowering time, high bulk for 100-seed weight, and low bulk for 100-seed weight, respectively. Among these, 22 SNPs are present in 20 candidate genes and had a moderate allelic impact on the genes. Two markers, Ca6EF10509893 for early flowering and Ca6HSDW10099486 for 100-seed weight, were developed and validated using the candidate SNPs. Thus, the associated genes, candidate SNPs, and markers developed in this study are useful for breeding chickpea varieties that mitigate yield losses under drought stress.

Whole‐genome resequencing (WGRS) of 396 lines, consisting of 104 hybrid parental lines and 292 germplasm lines, were used to study the molecular basis of mid‐parent heterosis (MPH) and to identify complementary heterotic patterns in pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] hybrids. The lines and hybrids were assessed for yield and yield‐related traits in multiple environments. Our analysis showed positive MPH values in 78.6% of hybrids, confirming the potential of hybrid breeding in pigeonpea. By using genome‐wide prediction and association mapping approaches, we identified 129 single nucleotide polymorphisms and 52 copy number variations with significant heterotic effects and also established a high‐yielding heterotic pattern in pigeonpea. In summary, our study highlights the role of WGRS data in the study and use of heterosis in crops where hybrid breeding is expected to boost selection gain in order to ensure global food security.

Fusarium wilt (FW) and sterility mosaic diseases (SMD) are key biotic constraints to pigeonpea production. Occurrence of these two diseases in congenial conditions is reported to cause complete yield loss in susceptible pigeonpea cultivars. Various studies to elucidate genomic architecture of the two traits have revealed significant marker–trait associations for use in breeding programs. However, these DNA markers could not be used effectively in genomics-assisted breeding for developing FW and SMD resistant varieties primarily due to pathogen variability, location or background specificity, lesser phenotypic variance explained by the reported QTL and cost-inefficiency of the genotyping assays. Therefore, in the present study, a novel approach has been used to develop a diagnostic kit for identification of suitable FW and SMD resistant lines. This kit was developed with 10 markers each for FW and SMD resistance. Investigation of the diversity of these loci has shown the role of different alleles in different resistant genotypes. Two genes (C.cajan_03691 and C.cajan_18888) for FW resistance and four genes (C.cajan_07858, C.cajan_20995, C.cajan_21801 and C.cajan_17341) for SMD resistance have been identified. More importantly, we developed a customized and cost-effective Kompetitive allele-specific PCR genotyping assay for the identified genes in order to encourage their downstream applications in pigeonpea breeding programs. The diagnostic marker kit developed here will offer great strength to pigeonpea varietal development program, since the resistance against these two diseases is essentially required for nominating an improved line in varietal release pipeline.

Summary Cultivated peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is an important grain legume providing high‐quality cooking oil, rich proteins and other nutrients. Shelling percentage (SP) is the 2nd most important agronomic trait after pod yield and this trait significantly affects the economic value of peanut in the market. Deployment of diagnostic markers through genomics‐assisted breeding (GAB) can accelerate the process of developing improved varieties with enhanced SP. In this context, we deployed the QTL‐seq approach to identify genomic regions and candidate genes controlling SP in a recombinant inbred line population (Yuanza 9102 × Xuzhou 68‐4). Four libraries (two parents and two extreme bulks) were constructed and sequenced, generating 456.89–790.32 million reads and achieving 91.85%–93.18% genome coverage and 14.04–21.37 mean read depth. Comprehensive analysis of two sets of data (Yuanza 9102/two bulks and Xuzhou 68‐4/two bulks) using the QTL‐seq pipeline resulted in discovery of two overlapped genomic regions (2.75 Mb on A09 and 1.1 Mb on B02). Nine candidate genes affected by 10 SNPs with non‐synonymous effects or in UTRs were identified in these regions for SP. Cost‐effective KASP (Kompetitive Allele‐Specific PCR) markers were developed for one SNP from A09 and three SNPs from B02 chromosome. Genotyping of the mapping population with these newly developed KASP markers confirmed the major control and stable expressions of these genomic regions across five environments. The identified candidate genomic regions and genes for SP further provide opportunity for gene cloning and deployment of diagnostic markers in molecular breeding for achieving high SP in improved varieties.

Identification of candidate genomic regions associated with target traits using conventional mapping methods is challenging and time‐consuming. In recent years, a number of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)‐based mapping approaches have been developed and used for identification of candidate/putative genomic regions. However, in the majority of these studies, insertion–deletion (Indel) were largely ignored. For efficient use of Indels in mapping target traits, we propose Indel‐seq approach, which is a combination of whole‐genome resequencing (WGRS) and bulked segregant analysis (BSA) and relies on the Indel frequencies in extreme bulks. Deployment of Indel‐seq approach for identification of candidate genomic regions associated with fusarium wilt (FW) and sterility mosaic disease (SMD) resistance in pigeonpea has identified 16 Indels affecting 26 putative candidate genes. Of these 26 affected putative candidate genes, 24 genes showed effect in the upstream/downstream of the genic region and two genes showed effect in the genes. Validation of these 16 candidate Indels in other FW‐ and SMD‐resistant and FW‐ and SMD‐susceptible genotypes revealed a significant association of five Indels (three for FW and two for SMD resistance). Comparative analysis of Indel‐seq with other genetic mapping approaches highlighted the importance of the approach in identification of significant genomic regions associated with target traits. Therefore, the Indel‐seq approach can be used for quick and precise identification of candidate genomic regions for any target traits in any crop species.

Summary Rust and late leaf spot (LLS) are the two major foliar fungal diseases in groundnut, and their co‐occurrence leads to significant yield loss in addition to the deterioration of fodder quality. To identify candidate genomic regions controlling resistance to rust and LLS, whole‐genome resequencing (WGRS)‐based approach referred as ‘QTL‐seq’ was deployed. A total of 231.67 Gb raw and 192.10 Gb of clean sequence data were generated through WGRS of resistant parent and the resistant and susceptible bulks for rust and LLS. Sequence analysis of bulks for rust and LLS with reference‐guided resistant parent assembly identified 3136 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for rust and 66 SNPs for LLS with the read depth of ≥7 in the identified genomic region on pseudomolecule A03. Detailed analysis identified 30 nonsynonymous SNPs affecting 25 candidate genes for rust resistance, while 14 intronic and three synonymous SNPs affecting nine candidate genes for LLS resistance. Subsequently, allele‐specific diagnostic markers were identified for three SNPs for rust resistance and one SNP for LLS resistance. Genotyping of one RIL population (TAG 24 × GPBD 4) with these four diagnostic markers revealed higher phenotypic variation for these two diseases. These results suggest usefulness of QTL‐seq approach in precise and rapid identification of candidate genomic regions and development of diagnostic markers for breeding applications.

Summary Terminal drought is a major constraint to chickpea productivity. Two component traits responsible for reduction in yield under drought stress include reduction in seeds size and root length/root density. QTL‐seq approach, therefore, was used to identify candidate genomic regions for 100‐seed weight (100SDW) and total dry root weight to total plant dry weight ratio (RTR) under rainfed conditions. Genomewide SNP profiling of extreme phenotypic bulks from the ICC 4958 × ICC 1882 population identified two significant genomic regions, one on CaLG01 (1.08 Mb) and another on CaLG04 (2.7 Mb) linkage groups for 100SDW. Similarly, one significant genomic region on CaLG04 (1.10 Mb) was identified for RTR. Comprehensive analysis revealed four and five putative candidate genes associated with 100SDW and RTR, respectively. Subsequently, two genes (Ca_04364 and Ca_04607) for 100SDW and one gene (Ca_04586) for RTR were validated using CAPS/dCAPS markers. Identified candidate genomic regions and genes may be useful for molecular breeding for chickpea improvement.

Summary Bacterial wilt, caused by Ralstonia solanacearum, is a devastating disease affecting over 350 plant species. A few peanut cultivars were found to possess stable and durable bacterial wilt resistance (BWR). Genomics‐assisted breeding can accelerate the process of developing resistant cultivars by using diagnostic markers. Here, we deployed sequencing‐based trait mapping approach, QTL‐seq, to discover genomic regions, candidate genes and diagnostic markers for BWR in a recombination inbred line population (195 progenies) of peanut. The QTL‐seq analysis identified one candidate genomic region on chromosome B02 significantly associated with BWR. Mapping of newly developed single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers narrowed down the region to 2.07 Mb and confirmed its major effects and stable expressions across three environments. This candidate genomic region had 49 nonsynonymous SNPs affecting 19 putative candidate genes including seven putative resistance genes (R‐genes). Two diagnostic markers were successfully validated in diverse breeding lines and cultivars and could be deployed in genomics‐assisted breeding of varieties with enhanced BWR.

International audience; We report a map of 4.97 million single-nucleotide polymorphisms of the chickpea from whole-genome resequencing of 429 lines sampled from 45 countries. We identified 122 candidate regions with 204 genes under selection during chickpea breeding. Our data suggest the Eastern Mediterranean as the primary center of origin and migration route of chickpea from the Mediterranean/Fertile Crescent to Central Asia, and probably in parallel from Central Asia to East Africa (Ethiopia) and South Asia (India). Genome-wide association studies identified 262 markers and several candidate genes for 13 traits. Our study establishes a foundation for large-scale characterization of germplasm and population genomics, and a resource for trait dissection, accelerating genetic gains in future chickpea breeding.

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), a cool-season legume, is increasingly affected by heat-stress at reproductive stage due to changes in global climatic conditions and cropping systems. Identifying quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for heat tolerance may facilitate breeding for heat tolerant varieties. The present study was aimed at identifying QTLs associated with heat tolerance in chickpea using 292 F8-9 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) developed from the cross ICC 4567 (heat sensitive) &times, ICC 15614 (heat tolerant). Phenotyping of RILs was undertaken for two heat-stress (late sown) and one non-stress (normal sown) environments. A genetic map spanning 529.11 cM and comprising 271 genotyping by sequencing (GBS) based single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers was constructed. Composite interval mapping (CIM) analysis revealed two consistent genomic regions harbouring four QTLs each on CaLG05 and CaLG06. Four major QTLs for number of filled pods per plot (FPod), total number of seeds per plot (TS), grain yield per plot (GY) and % pod setting (%PodSet), located in the CaLG05 genomic region, were found to have cumulative phenotypic variation of above 50%. Nineteen pairs of epistatic QTLs showed significant epistatic effect, and non-significant QTL &times, environment interaction effect, except for harvest index (HI) and biomass (BM). A total of 25 putative candidate genes for heat-stress were identified in the two major genomic regions. This is the first report on QTLs for heat-stress response in chickpea. The markers linked to the above mentioned four major QTLs can facilitate marker-assisted breeding for heat tolerance in chickpea.

Summary Whole genome re‐sequencing (WGRS) was conducted on a panel of 20 Cajanus spp. accessions (crossing parentals of recombinant inbred lines, introgression lines, multiparent advanced generation intercross and nested association mapping population) comprising of two wild species and 18 cultivated species accessions. A total of 791.77 million paired‐end reads were generated with an effective mapping depth of ~12X per accession. Analysis of WGRS data provided 5 465 676 genome‐wide variations including 4 686 422 SNPs and 779 254 InDels across the accessions. Large structural variations in the form of copy number variations (2598) and presence and absence variations (970) were also identified. Additionally, 2 630 904 accession‐specific variations comprising of 2 278 571 SNPs (86.6%), 166 243 deletions (6.3%) and 186 090 insertions (7.1%) were also reported. Identified polymorphic sites in this study provide the first‐generation HapMap in Cajanus spp. which will be useful in mapping the genomic regions responsible for important traits.

Summary APETALA2/ethylene response factor (AP2/ERF) and heat‐shock protein 90 (HSP90) are two significant classes of transcription factor and molecular chaperone proteins which are known to be implicated under abiotic and biotic stresses. Comprehensive survey identified a total of 147 AP2/ERF genes in chickpea, 176 in pigeonpea, 131 in Medicago, 179 in common bean and 140 in Lotus, whereas the number of HSP90 genes ranged from 5 to 7 in five legumes. Sequence alignment and phylogenetic analyses distinguished AP2, ERF, DREB, RAV and soloist proteins, while HSP90 proteins segregated on the basis of their cellular localization. Deeper insights into the gene structure allowed ERF proteins to be classified into AP2s based on DNA‐binding domains, intron arrangements and phylogenetic grouping. RNA‐seq and quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR) analyses in heat‐stressed chickpea as well as Fusarium wilt (FW)‐ and sterility mosaic disease (SMD)‐stressed pigeonpea provided insights into the modus operandi of AP2/ERF and HSP90 genes. This study identified potential candidate genes in response to heat stress in chickpea while for FW and SMD stresses in pigeonpea. For instance, two DREB genes (Ca_02170 and Ca_16631) and three HSP90 genes (Ca_23016, Ca_09743 and Ca_25602) in chickpea can be targeted as potential candidate genes. Similarly, in pigeonpea, a HSP90 gene, C.cajan_27949, was highly responsive to SMD in the resistant genotype ICPL 20096, can be recommended for further functional validation. Also, two DREB genes, C.cajan_41905 and C.cajan_41951, were identified as leads for further investigation in response to FW stress in pigeonpea.

Summary To map resistance genes for Fusarium wilt (FW) and sterility mosaic disease (SMD) in pigeonpea, sequencing‐based bulked segregant analysis (Seq‐BSA) was used. Resistant (R) and susceptible (S) bulks from the extreme recombinant inbred lines of ICPL 20096 × ICPL 332 were sequenced. Subsequently, SNP index was calculated between R‐ and S‐bulks with the help of draft genome sequence and reference‐guided assembly of ICPL 20096 (resistant parent). Seq‐BSA has provided seven candidate SNPs for FW and SMD resistance in pigeonpea. In parallel, four additional genotypes were re‐sequenced and their combined analysis with R‐ and S‐bulks has provided a total of 8362 nonsynonymous (ns) SNPs. Of 8362 nsSNPs, 60 were found within the 2‐Mb flanking regions of seven candidate SNPs identified through Seq‐BSA. Haplotype analysis narrowed down to eight nsSNPs in seven genes. These eight nsSNPs were further validated by re‐sequencing 11 genotypes that are resistant and susceptible to FW and SMD. This analysis revealed association of four candidate nsSNPs in four genes with FW resistance and four candidate nsSNPs in three genes with SMD resistance. Further, In silico protein analysis and expression profiling identified two most promising candidate genes namely C.cajan_01839 for SMD resistance and C.cajan_03203 for FW resistance. Identified candidate genomic regions/SNPs will be useful for genomics‐assisted breeding in pigeonpea.

Biotic stress in legume crops is one of the major threats to crop yield and productivity. Being sessile organisms, plants have evolved a myriad of mechanisms to combat different stresses imposed on them. One such mechanism, deciphered in the last decade, is small RNA (sRNA) mediated defense in plants. Small RNAs (sRNAs) have emerged as one of the major players in gene expression regulation in plants during developmental stages and under stress conditions. They are known to act both at transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. Dicer-like (DCL), Argonaute (AGO), and RNA dependent RNA polymerase (RDR) constitute the major components of sRNA biogenesis machinery and are known to play a significant role in combating biotic and abiotic stresses. This study is, therefore, focused on identification and characterization of sRNA biogenesis proteins in three important legume crops, namely chickpea, pigeonpea, and groundnut. Phylogenetic analysis of these proteins between legume species classified them into distinct clades and suggests the evolutionary conservation of these genes across the members of Papillionidoids subfamily. Variable expression of sRNA biogenesis genes in response to the biotic stresses among the three legumes indicate the possible existence of specialized regulatory mechanisms in different legumes. This is the first ever study to understand the role of sRNA biogenesis genes in response to pathogen attacks in the studied legumes.

Cicer arietinum L. (chickpea) is the third most important food legume crop. We have generated the draft sequence of a desi-type chickpea genome using next-generation sequencing platforms, bacterial artificial chromosome end sequences and a genetic map. The 520-Mb assembly covers 70% of the predicted 740-Mb genome length, and more than 80% of the gene space. Genome analysis predicts the presence of 27,571 genes and 210 Mb as repeat elements. The gene expression analysis performed using 274 million RNA-Seq reads identified several tissue-specific and stress-responsive genes. Although segmental duplicated blocks are observed, the chickpea genome does not exhibit any indication of recent whole-genome duplication. Nucleotide diversity analysis provides an assessment of a narrow genetic base within the chickpea cultivars. We have developed a resource for genetic markers by comparing the genome sequences of one wild and three cultivated chickpea genotypes. The draft genome sequence is expected to facilitate genetic enhancement and breeding to develop improved chickpea varieties.

The importance of chickpea and constraints in chickpea production urged the need of chickpea genome. Varshney and colleagues in 2013 reported the draft genome of chickpea (kabuli). The genome assembly was 532.29 Mb spanning across 7,163 scaffolds and consisted of 28,269 gene models. The estimated size of chickpea genome was 738.09 Mb based on k-mer analysis. The draft genome assembly covered 73.8% of the total estimated genome size for chickpea. Gene annotation was carried for predicted gene models, though the UTRs and promoters have not been yet been predicted. Genome duplication and synteny analysis with other closely related legume crops showed gene conservation and segmental duplications spread across the draft genome assembly. The genome assembly provides resource for targeting genes responsible for disease resistance which are of agronomic importance. The genome assembly has been used for genome-assisted breeding and is further utilized to study the diversity and domestication of chickpea.

Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan), a tropical grain legume with low input requirements, is expected to continue to have an important role in supplying food and nutritional security in developing countries in Asia, Africa and the tropical Americas. From whole-genome resequencing of 292 Cajanus accessions encompassing breeding lines, landraces and wild species, we characterize genome-wide variation. On the basis of a scan for selective sweeps, we find several genomic regions that were likely targets of domestication and breeding. Using genome-wide association analysis, we identify associations between several candidate genes and agronomically important traits. Candidate genes for these traits in pigeonpea have sequence similarity to genes functionally characterized in other plants for flowering time control, seed development and pod dehiscence. Our findings will allow acceleration of genetic gains for key traits to improve yield and sustainability in pigeonpea.

The present study reports the large-scale discovery of genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in chickpea, identified mainly through the next generation sequencing of two genotypes, i.e. Cicer arietinum ICC4958 and its wild progenitor C. reticulatum PI489777, parents of an inter-specific reference mapping population of chickpea. Development and validation of a high-throughput SNP genotyping assay based on Illumina's GoldenGate Genotyping Technology and its application in building a high-resolution genetic linkage map of chickpea is described for the first time. In this study, 1022 SNPs were identified, of which 768 high-confidence SNPs were selected for designing the custom Oligo Pool All (CpOPA-I) for genotyping. Of these, 697 SNPs could be successfully used for genotyping, demonstrating a high success rate of 90.75%. Genotyping data of the 697 SNPs were compiled along with those of 368 co-dominant markers mapped in an earlier study, and a saturated genetic linkage map of chickpea was constructed. One thousand and sixty-three markers were mapped onto eight linkage groups spanning 1808.7 cM (centiMorgans) with an average inter-marker distance of 1.70 cM, thereby representing one of the most advanced maps of chickpea. The map was used for the synteny analysis of chickpea, which revealed a higher degree of synteny with the phylogenetically close Medicago than with soybean. The first set of validated SNPs and map resources developed in this study will not only facilitate QTL mapping, genome-wide association analysis and comparative mapping in legumes but also help anchor scaffolds arising out of the whole-genome sequencing of chickpea.

Pigeonpea is a resilient crop, which is relatively more drought tolerant than many other legume crops. To understand the molecular mechanisms of this unique feature of pigeonpea, 51 genes were selected using the Hidden Markov Models (HMM) those codes for proteins having close similarity to universal stress protein domain. Validation of these genes was conducted on three pigeonpea genotypes (ICPL 151, ICPL 8755, and ICPL 227) having different levels of drought tolerance. Gene expression analysis using qRT-PCR revealed 6, 8, and 18 genes to be ≥2-fold differentially expressed in ICPL 151, ICPL 8755, and ICPL 227, respectively. A total of 10 differentially expressed genes showed ≥2-fold up-regulation in the more drought tolerant genotype, which encoded four different classes of proteins. These include plant U-box protein (four genes), universal stress protein A-like protein (four genes), cation/H(+) antiporter protein (one gene) and an uncharacterized protein (one gene). Genes C.cajan_29830 and C.cajan_33874 belonging to uspA, were found significantly expressed in all the three genotypes with ≥2-fold expression variations. Expression profiling of these two genes on the four other legume crops revealed their specific role in pigeonpea. Therefore, these genes seem to be promising candidates for conferring drought tolerance specifically to pigeonpea.

Molecular markers are valuable tools for breeders to help accelerate crop improvement. High throughput sequencing technologies facilitate the discovery of large-scale variations such as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and simple sequence repeats (SSRs). Sequencing of chickpea genome along with re-sequencing of several chickpea lines has enabled the discovery of 4.4 million variations including SNPs and InDels. Here we report a repository of 1.9 million variations (SNPs and InDels) anchored on eight pseudomolecules in a custom database, referred as CicArVarDB that can be accessed at http://cicarvardb.icrisat.org/. It includes an easy interface for users to select variations around specific regions associated with quantitative trait loci, with embedded webBLAST search and JBrowse visualisation. We hope that this database will be immensely useful for the chickpea research community for both advancing genetics research as well as breeding applications for crop improvement. Database URL: http://cicarvardb.icrisat.org.

Peanut is an important and nutritious agricultural commodity and a livelihood of many small-holder farmers in the semi-arid tropics (SAT) of world which are facing serious production threats. Integration of genomics tools with on-going genetic improvement approaches is expected to facilitate accelerated development of improved cultivars. Therefore, high-resolution genotyping and multiple season phenotyping data for 50 important agronomic, disease and quality traits were generated on the 'reference set' of peanut. This study reports comprehensive analyses of allelic diversity, population structure, linkage disequilibrium (LD) decay and marker-trait association (MTA) in peanut. Distinctness of all the genotypes can be established by using either an unique allele detected by a single SSR or a combination of unique alleles by two or more than two SSR markers. As expected, DArT features (2.0 alleles/locus, 0.125 PIC) showed lower allele frequency and polymorphic information content (PIC) than SSRs (22.21 alleles /locus, 0.715 PIC). Both marker types clearly differentiated the genotypes of diploids from tetraploids. Multi-allelic SSRs identified three sub-groups (K = 3) while the LD simulation trend line based on squared-allele frequency correlations (r2) predicted LD decay of 15-20 cM in peanut genome. Detailed analysis identified a total of 524 highly significant MTAs (p value > 2.1 × 10-6) with wide phenotypic variance (PV) range (5.81-90.09%) for 36 traits. These MTAs after validation may be deployed in improving biotic resistance, oil/ seed/ nutritional quality, drought tolerance related traits, and yield/ yield components.

Background Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is the second most important grain legume cultivated by resource poor farmers in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. In order to harness the untapped genetic potential available for chickpea improvement, we re-sequenced 35 chickpea genotypes representing parental lines of 16 mapping populations segregating for abiotic (drought, heat, salinity), biotic stresses (Fusarium wilt, Ascochyta blight, Botrytis grey mould, Helicoverpa armigera) and nutritionally important (protein content) traits using whole genome re-sequencing approach. Results A total of 192.19 Gb data, generated on 35 genotypes of chickpea, comprising 973.13 million reads, with an average sequencing depth of ~10 X for each line. On an average 92.18 % reads from each genotype were aligned to the chickpea reference genome with 82.17 % coverage. A total of 2,058,566 unique single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and 292,588 Indels were detected while comparing with the reference chickpea genome. Highest number of SNPs were identified on the Ca4 pseudomolecule. In addition, copy number variations (CNVs) such as gene deletions and duplications were identified across the chickpea parental genotypes, which were minimum in PI 489777 (1 gene deletion) and maximum in JG 74 (1,497). A total of 164,856 line specific variations (144,888 SNPs and 19,968 Indels) with the highest percentage were identified in coding regions in ICC 1496 (21 %) followed by ICCV 97105 (12 %). Of 539 miscellaneous variations, 339, 138 and 62 were inter-chromosomal variations (CTX), intra-chromosomal variations (ITX) and inversions (INV) respectively. Conclusion Genome-wide SNPs, Indels, CNVs, PAVs, and miscellaneous variations identified in different mapping populations are a valuable resource in genetic research and helpful in locating genes/genomic segments responsible for economically important traits. Further, the genome-wide variations identified in the present study can be used for developing high density SNP arrays for genetics and breeding applications. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12870-015-0690-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.