An innovative approach of using wild relatives genomics for the climate-resilient crop development and conservation

2019 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 16K07234
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Conservation of biological resources
• Research Institution: Kyushu University
• Principal Investigator: Javadi Firouzeh 九州大学, 持続可能な社会のための決断科学センター, 助教 (70640910)
• Project Period (FY): 2016-04-01 – 2020-03-31
• Keywords: Cicer / Endemic / Endangered / RAD-seq / crop wild relatives

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Using genome-wide RAD-seq approach, this project aimed to investigate evolutionary patterns and genomic basis of adaptation in wild relatives of economically important chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). We obtained 16,595 SNPs from 71 accessions of 19 Cicer species. The results provide a robust phylogenetic framework and indicates the early divergence of African species, which may shed light on the speciation process and ecological divergence of Cicer species. The RAD-seq data found high genetic diversity of endemic species and low genetic diversity of endangered species which holds promise for conservation efforts to save the rare and endangered species from extinction. Investigation of candidate genes that might have contributed to the adaptation in different habitats is ongoing.

Free Research Field

Plant Genetic Resources

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

This project had a strong food security trust. Economically important chickpea suffers from a narrow genetic diversity. The results will add considerable resources to develop crop adapted to climate and toolkit for conservation. Research results are publicly available in database and articles.