Identification of loci governing nodulation efficiency and drought tolerance traits using GWAS approach and validation by QTL mapping in horsegram (Macrotyloma uniflorum)
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Date
2021-11-26
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Palampur
Abstract
Macrotyloma uniflorum is a popular self-pollinated diploid (2n=2x=20) legume. Because of
its drought resilience, resistance to heavy metal stress, antioxidant content, antimicrobial
activities, and many medicinal qualities, horsegram is a crop of interest and a possible future
food source. Drought tolerance and nodulation efficiency characteristics were assessed using
a core set of 96 horsegram genotypes. The trial was held in a polyhouse in Palampur
(Himachal Pradesh). Plants were sown in polytubes under two environments. At the relevant
development stages, phenotypic data was collected. Following the separation of DNA from
plants, samples were genotyped. SSR and SNP markers were used to genotype the samples.
Six QTLs were associated with the number of nodules, seven with root length, and the most
QTLs (12) were identified for root moisture content in the analysis of SSR markers. For root
volume, eight QTLs were found, whereas for shoot fresh weight, three QTLs were
discovered. Nine QTLs for days to temporary wilting, seven for RWC, and five for root fresh
weight were identified. Five QTLs were shown to be linked to days to temporary wilting.
Nine QTLs were discovered for the number of nodules. Six QTLs were discovered to be
linked to root fresh weight. Root length had the highest number of QTLs (21), indicating the
complexity of this important characteristic. Fourteen QTLs were discovered for root volume.
There were 10 and 13 QTLs identified for relative water content and shoot fresh weight,
respectively. These possible indicators will help us explore the drought resistance and
nodulation efficiency mechanisms of horsegram in the near future. The use of these markers
to perform positional cloning of genes in horsegram plants will provide new insights into
drought tolerance and nodulation efficiency, allowing breeders to conduct experiments to
further improve varieties for better adaptation to harsh and dry environmental conditions,
which negatively affect plant growth and development and ultimately result in yield losses.