Data from: Genome-wide association studies dissect the genetic architecture of seed and yield component traits in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp)

The identification of loci related to seed and yield component traits in
cowpea constitutes a key step for improvement through marker-assisted
selection (MAS). Furthermore, seed morphology has an impact on industrial
processing and influences consumer and farmer preferences. In this study,
we performed genome-wide association studies (GWAS) on a mini-core
collection of cowpea to dissect the genetic architecture and detect
genomic regions associated with seed morphological traits and yield
components. Phenotypic data were measured both manually and by
high-throughput image-based approaches to test associations with 41,533
single-nucleotide polymorphism markers using the FarmCPU model. From
genome-associated regions, we also investigated putative candidate genes
involved in the variation of the phenotypic traits. We detected 42
marker-trait associations for pod length and hundred seed weight, length,
width, perimeter, and area of the seed. Candidate genes encoding
leucine-rich repeat-containing (LRR) and F-box proteins, known to be
associated with seed size, were identified; in addition, we identified
candidate genes encoding PPR (Pentatricopeptide repeat) proteins,
recognized to have an important role in seed development in several crops.
Our findings provide insights into natural variation in cowpea for
yield-related traits and valuable information for MAS breeding strategies
in this and other closely related crops.