Distribution of phytic acid and allelic variations in inositol monophosphatase gene in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Abstract

Phytic acid (PA) is an anti-nutritional factor, which chelates divalent cations, limiting their bioavailability. In this study, 31 Indian cultivars of different agroclimatic zones and 52 germplasm lines representing 21 chickpea growing areas worldwide were evaluated for variability in PA content. Over two consecutive growing seasons, a wide variation in PA content (8.8121.97 mg/g) was observed. ANOVA for PA content in both cultivars and non-cultivated accessions indicated significant Genotype X Environment interactions, yet, genotypes with consistently low (<13 mg/g) and high (>17 mg/g) PA were identified. Furthermore, using a bulked segregant analysis approach, the transcriptional regulation through repeat length variation in inositol monophosphatase (CaIMP) gene associated with PA content was demonstrated in two F2 populations segregating for its alleles. Both the CaIMP alleles (shorter repeat, NCPGR170 and longer repeat, NCPGR200) were equally distributed in 26 popular desi chickpea cultivars. This information will help selecting germplasm for developing nutritionally improved chickpea cultivars.