Scientific Publication

The Lentil Genome – from the sequencer to the field

author(s) Bett, Kiristin - Chan, Crystal - Sharpe, Andrew G - Cook, Douglas - Penmetsa, R. Varma - Chang, Peter - Coyne, Clarice J - McGee, Rebecca - Main, Dorrie - Dolezel, Jaroslav - Edwards, David - Kaur, Sukhjiwan - Agrawal, Shiv Kumar - Udupa, Sripada M - Vandenberg, Albert
from International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA)
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Kiristin Bett, Crystal Chan, Andrew G Sharpe, Douglas Cook, R. Varma Penmetsa, Peter Chang, Clarice J Coyne, Rebecca McGee, Dorrie Main, Jaroslav Dolezel, David Edwards, Sukhjiwan Kaur, Shiv Kumar Agrawal, Sripada M. Udupa, Albert Vandenberg. (31/12/2016). The Lentil Genome – from the sequencer to the field. Marrakesh, Morocco
The Lentil Genome – from the sequencer to the field

Publications and datasets provided via GARDIAN

Abstract

Lentil (Lens culinaris ssp. culinaris; genome size 4.3 Gb) plays a significant role in supporting
sustainable agriculture worldwide. Its nutrition value has also been recognized as part of the solution to
combat global food and nutritional security. The lentil genome assembly v1.0, based on the Canadian
variety CDC Redberry, was released in January 2016. The assembly consists of 7 pseudomolecules
anchored through the use of 6 high-density genetic linkage maps, with the total assembled bases
representing approximately half of the 4.3 Gb lentil genome. It was assembled from genomic and RNA
sequencing results carried out by several institutions across the world using different technologies. The
assembly, with putative genes identified, can be visualized on a genome browser (JBrowse) and queried
using BLAST via the Knowpulse web portal (http://knowpulse.usask.ca). Having the full genome
sequence of lentil has provided tools that facilitate in-depth genetic studies. Markers and candidate genes
that control several agronomic and quality traits have been identified and we have implemented markerassisted
selection for several traits of importance to the breeding program at the University of
Saskatchewan. To assess the breadth of genetic potential present within the L. culinaris gene pool, a
lentil diversity panel (~ 400 accessions from several lentil germplasm collections) has been re-sequenced
using a restriction site associated DNA (RAD) genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) approach. Sequencing
results suggest 4 populations based on adaptation to specific growing environments and altitude. The
distinctness of the temperate and South Asian populations is striking and demonstrates the lack of
intermating that is occurring between germplasm from these distinct regions. To fully understand the
genetic basis of adaptation characteristics in lentils, we plan to conduct field phenotyping of the diversity
panel in different lentil growing regions. We will then develop molecular markers and other breederfriendly
resources that will allow the breeders to better use exotic germplasm while reducing the negative
impacts usually associated with maladaptation to the local environment. This will enable breeders to
develop better lentil varieties through systematic use of diverse cultivated germplasm

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