Genome-wide association analysis and genetic mapping for seed protein content, minerals (Zn, Fe) and beta-carotene in chickpea.

Micronutrient malnutrition due to seed protein contents (SPC), Iron (Fe), Zinc (Zn), and beta-carotene affects billions of people globally, particularly in developing countries. In the present study, a set of 192 chickpea genotypes grown at two locations, were evaluated for seed protein content (SPC), Iron (Fe), Zinc (Zn), and beta-carotene in chickpeas. A significant variation was observed in the chickpea genotyped for these SPC and micronutrients. The SPC was in range was in the range of 8.190 to 31.72%, Zn 11.2 to 59.1 ppm, Fe 5.0 to 82.7 ppm while beta-carotene 156.1to 502 microgper100g. A genome-wide association study was carried out implementing the Blink model to control the population structure and kinship and resulted in the identification of 134 marker-trait associations (MTAs) with significant associations for these mentioned traits. The MTAs governing the correlated traits showed co-localization, signifying the possibility of their simultaneous improvement. The robust MTAs identified in the study could be a valuable resource for enhancing SPC, Fe, Zn, and beta-carotene concentration in the chickpea seeds and addressing the problem of malnutrition among legume consumers.