Genome-wide SNP discovery for development of high-density genetic map and QTL mapping of ascochyta blight resistance in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

KEY MESSAGE
A high-density linkage map of chickpea using 3430 SNPs was constructed and used to identify QTLs and candidate genes for ascochyta blight resistance in chickpea. Chickpea cultivation in temperate conditions is highly vulnerable to ascochyta blight infection. Cultivation of resistant cultivars in combination with fungicide application within an informed disease management package is the most effective method to control ascochyta blight in chickpeas. Identifying new sources of resistance is critical for continued improvement in ascochyta blight resistance in chickpea. The objective of this study was to identify genetic loci and candidate genes controlling the resistance to ascochyta blight in recombinant inbred lines derived from crossing cultivars Amit and ICCV 96029. The RILs were genotyped using the genotyping-by-sequencing procedure and Illumina