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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Pullman, Washington » Plant Germplasm Introduction and Testing Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #409216
Research Project: Genetic Resource and Information Management for Pulse, Temperate Forage Legume, Oilseed, Vegetable, Grasses, Sugar, Ornamental, and Other Crops

Location: Plant Germplasm Introduction and Testing Research

Title: Genome-wide association mapping of lentils (Lens culinaris) for protein concentration in seeds

Author
item UHDRE, RENAN - Washington State University
item Warburton, Marilyn
item Coyne, Clarice
item MA, YU - Washington State University
item ZHANG, ZHIWU - Washington State University
item Bourland, Britton
item SALIA, OUSSEINI - Washington State University
item ALLISON, SKYLER - Washington State University
item SARI, HATICE - Washington State University
item RIAZ, FAREEHA - Washington State University
item SUNGIL, FERREIRA - Washington State University

Submitted to: ASA-CSSA-SSSA Annual Meeting Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/1/2023
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Plant-based protein derived from lentils is increasingly popular as a healthy and environmentally friendly alternative to animal-based protein. It is a promising protein source due to its non-GMO nature, low allergenicity, and rich nutritional composition. However, seed protein concentration varies widely among lentil lines, and enhancing protein levels in commercial lines is crucial to meet the growing demand for plant-based protein. This study sought genes in lentil that contribute to increased protein concentration. The outcomes of this study will include lines with high seed protein levels, and genes and genetic markers that cause higher protein levels in lentil. These resources can be used by breeders to efficiently create new high-protein lentil cultivars for US and global farmers.

Technical Abstract: Plant-based protein derived from lentils is increasingly popular as a healthy and environmentally friendly alternative to animal-based protein. It is a promising protein source due to its non-GMO nature, low allergenicity, and rich nutritional composition. However, seed protein concentration varies widely among lentil germplasm, and enhancing protein levels in commercial lines is crucial to meet the growing demand for plant protein. This study aims to investigate the natural variation of protein concentration in a diverse lentil panel and characterize the genes involved in regulating seed protein concentration. Here, we phenotyped a total of 183 accessions using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replicates over three years for the concentration of protein of seed. Sub-samples of 0.1 g were run on a LECO nitrogen analyzer and protein concentration was calculated from the nitrogen data. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) using 1.2 million high-quality single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers were performed to identify associated variants and neighboring candidate genes with seed protein concentration. Further studies in multiple field locations are necessary to validate these associations. These findings suggest the potential for molecular-assisted breeding for protein concentration in lentils to support human health and crop resilience to increase global food security.