Developing a new genic SSR primer database in faba bean (Vicia faba L.)

RNA-Seq and genetic diversity analysis of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) varieties in China

Background

Faba bean (Vicia faba L) is one of the most important legumes in the world. However, there is relatively little genomic information available for this species owing to its large genome. The lack of data impedes the discovery of molecular markers and subsequent genetic research in faba bean. The objective of this study was to analyze the faba bean transcriptome, and to develop simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers to determine the genetic diversity of 226 faba bean varieties derived from different regions in China.

Methods

Faba bean varieties with different phenotype were used in transcriptome analysis. The functions of the unigenes were analyzed using various database. SSR markers were developed and the polymorphic markers were selected to conduct genetic diversity analysis.

Results

A total of 92.43 Gb of sequencing data was obtained in this study, and 133,487 unigene sequences with a total length of 178,152,541 bp were assembled. A total of 5,200 SSR markers were developed on the basis of RNA-Seq analysis. Then, 200 SSR markers were used to evaluate polymorphisms. In total, 103 (51.5%) SSR markers showed significant and repeatable bands between different faba bean varieties. Clustering analysis revealed that 226 faba bean materials were divided into five groups. Genetic diversity analysis revealed that the relationship between different faba beans in China was related, especially in the same region. These results provided a valuable data resource for annotating genes to different categories and developing SSR markers.

Genomics Associated Interventions for Heat Stress Tolerance in Cool Season Adapted Grain Legumes

Cool season grain legumes occupy an important place among the agricultural crops and essentially provide multiple benefits including food supply, nutrition security, soil fertility improvement and revenue for farmers all over the world. However, owing to climate change, the average temperature is steadily rising, which negatively affects crop performance and limits their yield. Terminal heat stress that mainly occurred during grain development phases severely harms grain quality and weight in legumes adapted to the cool season, such as lentils, faba beans, chickpeas, field peas, etc. Although, traditional breeding approaches with advanced screening procedures have been employed to identify heat tolerant legume cultivars. Unfortunately, traditional breeding pipelines alone are no longer enough to meet global demands. Genomics-assisted interventions including new-generation sequencing technologies and genotyping platforms have facilitated the development of high-resolution molecular maps, QTL/gene discovery and marker-assisted introgression, thereby improving the efficiency in legumes breeding to develop stress-resilient varieties. Based on the current scenario, we attempted to review the intervention of genomics to decipher different components of tolerance to heat stress and future possibilities of using newly developed genomics-based interventions in cool season adapted grain legumes.