Identification QTLs Controlling Genes to Se Uptake in Lentil Seeds

Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) is an excellent source of protein and carbohydrate food and also rich in essential trace elements for the human diet. Lentil plays an important role in modern agriculture and provides fixing atmospheric nitrogen to soil, making it important in the management of soil fertility. Lentil is a self-pollinated, diploid (2n=14 chromosomes). It has a relatively large genome size of approximately 4Gb. Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient for human health and nutrition, which provides protection against several human diseases and important biological regulatory. Dietary intake of 55 μg of Se per day is recommended for adults, inadequate intake of Se cause significant healthy problems. The objective of this study was to identify and map quantitative trait loci (QTL) of genes controlling Se uptake in Lentil seed using Recombinant Inbred lines (developed from the parents PI 320937 x Eston) population of the 96 individuals in three different environments. Se content varied between 104 and 424 ug/kg. The linkage map consisted of 194 markers (AFLP, SNP and SSRs). The map contained 23 linkage groups with 7 small linkage groups. 18 QTLs were identified throughout the map. The map covered the genome 840 cM with an average marker density of 4.32 cM. The maximum number of markers was 7 in linkage group 10. In conclusion, we have constructed a genetic linkage map associated with Se uptake in lentil seed using genetic markers to develop a biofortification strategy to increase the concentration of Se in lentils.