Fine mappingPsPS1, a gene controlling pod softness that defines market type in pea (Pisum sativum)

Abstract

AbstractPea is an important grain and vegetable crop with a large genome of ~4.45 Gb. The softness of pod is key to the quality of pea, yet the genes controlling softness remain unknown. Here, the pod softness phenotype was visually scored at the fully mature stage, which suggested that this trait was a composite trait governed by two genes. Bulked segregant analysis sequencing (BSA‐Seq) using the soft‐ and hard‐podded pools from the F2detected a strong peak of Δ (SNP‐index) on chromosome 1 and a weaker peak on chromosome 5. The former was designated asPsPS1. Fine mapping using the F2delimitedPsPS1to a ~6 Mb genomic region. A set of interesting candidate genes including those encoding cell wall components were identified. Sequence variants analysis from a panel of pea accessions and qRT‐PCR in immature pods of the parents suggestedPsat1g150000encoding a pectate lyase superfamily protein as a candidate gene. The results solidify the basis for cloning of the gene determining pod softness and marker‐assisted selection for the trait improvement.