Legume Genomics and Genetics 2024, Vol.15, No.3, 105-117 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/lgg 110 In summary, the integration of advanced sequencing technologies, innovative GWAS methods, and comprehensive genomic databases has significantly enhanced our understanding of pea genomics. These tools and resources are crucial for unraveling the genetic basis of domestication and diversity in peas, paving the way for future research and breeding efforts. 6 Functional Genomics and Trait Mapping 6.1 Identification of genes associated with key traits The identification of genes associated with key traits in peas has been significantly advanced through the use of translational genomics and functional mapping. Translational genomics leverages the genetic information from well-characterized model plants to identify candidate genes in less-studied crops like peas. For instance, a study mapped 5 460 pea Unigenes onto a consensus map using syntenic relationships with Medicago truncatula, identifying candidate genes for traits such as nodulation regulation (Bordat et al., 2011). Similarly, functional mapping has been employed to develop gene-anchored markers, facilitating the identification of genes involved in primary metabolism and other essential functions (Aubert et al., 2006). These approaches have enabled the discovery of genes underlying important agronomic traits, including virus resistance and plant architecture (Smýkal et al., 2012; Smýkal and Konecna, 2014). 6.2 QTL mapping and marker-assisted selection Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) mapping has been a cornerstone in understanding the genetic control of complex traits in peas. A meta-analysis of QTLs identified 27 metaQTLs for traits such as seed weight, seed number, and seed protein content, with some QTLs having confidence intervals of less than 2 cM, making them highly precise for marker-assisted selection (MAS) (Klein et al., 2020). Another study focused on salinity tolerance in field peas identified QTLs on linkage groups Ps III and VII, with flanking SNP markers suitable for MAS (Leonforte et al., 2013). The integration of QTL mapping with genomic prediction techniques has further enhanced the accuracy of breeding programs, as demonstrated by high prediction accuracies for traits like thousand seed weight and flowering date (Tayeh et al., 2015). 6.3 Functional characterization of candidate genes The functional characterization of candidate genes involves validating their roles in trait expression through various genomic and post-genomic approaches. For example, the use of BAC libraries, transcriptome, and proteome datasets has facilitated the identification and functional analysis of genes in peas (Smýkal et al., 2012; Smýkal and Konecna, 2014). Comparative genomic analyses with related legume species have also been instrumental in pinpointing candidate genes for traits such as salinity tolerance and domestication-related characteristics (Leonforte et al., 2013; Amkul et al., 2020). These efforts are complemented by advanced techniques like QTL-seq, which allows rapid mapping of QTLs through whole-genome resequencing, thereby accelerating the identification of genes associated with key agronomic traits (Takagi et al., 2013). In summary, the integration of translational genomics, QTL mapping, and functional characterization has provided profound insights into the genetic basis of key traits in peas, paving the way for more efficient and targeted breeding strategies. 7 Pea-Microbe Interactions 7.1 Role of symbiotic relationships in pea evolution Symbiotic relationships have played a crucial role in the evolution of peas (Pisum sativum L.), particularly through interactions with nitrogen-fixing bacteria and mycorrhizal fungi. These mutualistic associations have significantly influenced the genetic diversity and adaptability of pea plants. For instance, the presence of symbiotic genes such as LykX, which encodes a receptor for bacterial Nod factors, has been linked to various growth and yield parameters in pea cultivars (Zhukov et al., 2021). Additionally, the evolution of symbiotic traits in legumes, including peas, has been shaped by the horizontal transfer of key symbiotic genes among rhizobia, facilitating the spread of nitrogen-fixing capabilities (Remigi et al., 2016). The genetic diversity within pea
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