Genetic Mapping and Quantitative Trait Loci

Breeding for quantitative traits has become a reality in chickpea due to the huge development of DNA molecular markers which have given rise to detailed genetic maps and fruitfully implementation of QTLs analysis. Also, it has been crucial that the availability of the whole-genome sequences in kabuli and desi chickpea types greatly assists to survey or re-localize QTLs. In this chapter, plant material more frequently employed for QTL analysis was described. Besides, the importance of an accurate phenotypic evaluation is stated. Strategies previously used to get a rapid and efficient screening for abiotic and biotic stresses as well as adaptative traits were commented. It is also provided a summary of QTLs associated with fungal diseases, drought and salt stresses, flowering, growth habit, yield- and quality-related components. Candidate genes suggested by different authors, some of them already used in marker-assisted selection, mark the beginning of new possibilities for chickpea breeders that will be able to choose the best allelic combination for agronomic traits.