Journey of Genes from Genome to Field in Groundnut

A genome contain all the genetic information, most importantly all the genes, that define the features of the organism including plants. There are a number of economically important traits in each plant species which researchers are trying to combine in desired proportion to achieve higher productivity and improved quality. Genomics-assisted breeding (GAB) facilitate accelerated genetic improvement in cost-effective manner to achieve higher genetic gain in crop plants. Among several GAB approaches, marker-assisted backcrossing (MABC) and gene pyramiding have facilitated successful development of improved lines for several important traits in many crops. Since it is necessary to have diagnostic markers for traits of interest before deploying MABC/pyramiding, several trait mapping approaches were used in past to identify the associated genetic markers to the traits of interest. In addition to the conventional trait mapping approaches, next-generation sequencing based trait mapping approaches facilitate speedy identification of candidate genes and development of diagnostic markers. For example in groundnut, diagnostic markers were identified, validated and been deployed for enhancing genetic resistance for rust and late leaf spot and improving oil quality. The phenotype confirmation and yield assessment of introgression lines showed good results and may be released as varieties for cultivation in the farmer’s field.