Validation of Seed Weight-Associated SSR Markers and Their Usefulness in Distinguishing Chickpea Genotypes According to Seed Size

Chickpea is an important cool-season grain legume. High-quality seed has the potential to attract premium prices. Hence, the breeding for desirable quality traits, including seed size and weight, is important. A set of 27 chickpea genotypes comprising 14 small and 13 large seeded, representing desi and Kabuli types, were used in the present study. A total of 43 SSR markers which were earlier reported to be associated with 100-seed weight and yield-contributing traits following QTL mapping in unrelated genetic background were used for validation purpose. Out of 43 SSR primers, 33 showed polymorphism amplifying 135 alleles. Neighbor joining-based analysis separated small- and large-seeded genotypes into two broad groups. These markers could distinguish small-seeded chickpea from that of large-seeded ones as well as desi types from that of Kabuli types, thereby validating all these QTL-linked markers in different genetic backgrounds. Fifteen of these primers also amplified 20 unique alleles in 13 chickpea genotypes and can be useful in molecular characterization and identification of specific genotype which has now become mandatory under Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers Rights’ Act of India.