Project Number: 5348-21000-028-06
Project Type: Reimbursable

Start Date: Sep 01, 2011
End Date: Aug 31, 2014

Objective:
We will genetically (classical and QTL) analyze the vernalization response and winter hardiness in chickpea and estimate the genetic correlations between these two major adaptive traits and Ascochyta blight response. We will identify the genes involved in winter hardiness and vernalization response, develop gene-specific SNP markers, and construct gene networks to assist in incorporating these traits into modern high yielding cultivars with improved Ascochyta response to suit the respective growing regions in the US and Israel.

Approach:
We will use naturally occurring variation from wild chickpea species spanning a wide latitudinal range, and segregating (and RIL) populations derived from domesticated x wild chickpea crosses. Phenotypic assessment of winter hardiness will be conducted in the target environments in the US with control nurseries in Israel. Vernalization and Ascochyta responses will be studied in Israel, while digital gene expression analyses and construction of gene networks involved in the studied traits will be conducted at Texas A&M University.