Elucidating Genetic diversity and Association mapping to identify ssr markers linked to yield traits and protein content in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Chickpea has played a major role in realization of ‘Pulse Revolution’ in India making the country near self-sufficient in Pulses. Chickpeas are high in protein. Protein is a necessary component of life. Pulses have two to three times the protein content of cereals. It is a significant source of protein in the Indian diet. However, potentiality of the protein has not been fully exploited as a source of protein in human diets. Forty two genotypes inclusive of checks were taken for the study. Protein content was isolated from seed as well as from leaves to understand the translocation of protein from source (leaves) to sink (seeds). The chickpea genotypes were divided into two sub groups based on the result of Structure Harvester, as delta K kinship was highest at K=2. Seven chickpea SSR markers were found to be tightly linked with the days to maturity, primary branches, biological yield, plant height, height of first pod, seed yield per plant, secondary branches, seeds per pod, protein and hundred seed weight. These markers covered the linkage groups # 2, 3, 5 and 7. CaM1068 (LG#5) was the chickpea marker tightly associated with protein, hundred seed weight and seed yield per plant.