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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Pullman, Washington » Grain Legume Genetics Physiology Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #206788
Title: Ciceromics: Advancement in Genomics and Recent Molecular Techniques

Author
item P.N., RAJESH - WASHINGTON STATE UNIV
item McPhee, Kevin
item FORD, R - UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE
item PITTOCK, C - UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE
item KUMAR, J - INDIAN AG RESEARCH INST.
item Muehlbauer, Frederick

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/3/2006
Publication Date: 2/1/2007
Citation: P.N., R., Mcphee, K.E., Ford, R., Pittock, C., Kumar, J., Muehlbauer, F.J. 2007. Ciceromics: Advancement in Genomics and Recent Molecular Techniques. In: S.S. Yadav, B. Redden, W. Chen and B. Sharma (Eds.) Chickpea Breeding and Management. CABI International, UK. pp. 445-457.

Interpretive Summary: Genomics of chickpea is currently in the initial and formative stages; however, the basis for rapid development of genomic tools is present and progressing rapidly. Genetic reference maps are available and are based on both interspecific and intraspecific crosses. The general lack of polymorphism within the cultivated species initially hindered map development, but the development and use of SSRs and other co-dominant markers has generally overcome this obstacle. A number of BAC libraries have been developed from germplasm accessions with genes for resistance to important diseases. Progression to map-based cloning of important genes is envisaged and the needed tools for their verification have been or are being developed. Specifically, there are protocols for Agrobacterium-mediated gene transfer and the tools for reverse genetics (TILLING) are being established. The rationale for designating chickpea as the model cool season legume has merit from the standpoint of current genetic knowledge, its importance to world agriculture and use as a staple food in developing countries. Genomic information concerning biotic and abiotic stresses that affect chickpea worldwide provide geneticists and breeders with insight into important genetic mechanisms and avenues for improvement of this important food legume crop.

Technical Abstract: Genomics is a branch of science that decodes the encrypted information in DNA and reveals information such as the number of genes, genome organization and content. This information has tremendous application in agriculture, evolutionary biology and other areas of science. Although genomics has allowed revolutionary advancements in crops such as Arabidopsis, rice, wheat, barley and the model legumes, it is an area of chickpea research that is rapidly evolving. Genomic research in chickpea has grown rapidly in recent years with the availability of genome sequence information and development of various tools such as bacterial artificial chromosome libraries, cDNA libraries and targetted induced local lesion mutant populations. Continued expansion and use of these tools toward improvement of the chickpea crop will result in significant benefits for agricultural producers and consumers worldwide.