Development and Application of Genome Wide SNP Resources in Pea

Developments of genome-wide SNP markers are essential for application of a wide range of genetics and molecular breeding approaches. We used high throughput Illumina GoldenGate assays to develop a genome wide SNP screening tool. For genome wide SNP discovery, ESTs from 8 diverse pea cultivars were sequenced using 454 pyrosequencing technology. Out of fifty thousand SNP positions detected through in silico analysis, 1536 were selected for screening pea RIL populations and an association mapping panel consisting of 94 diverse worldwide pea varieties.  A SNP map consisting of 13 linkage groups was generated and SNPs tagged to QTLs governing traits of economic importance were identified. Association mapping panel was used for diversity analysis and  loci associated with agronomic traits were identified. This genome-wide SNP resource will help in development and resolution of pea haplotypes, assessment of diversity, genetic architecture, marker-trait association discovery, and molecular breeding.