Reference genome sequence and population genomic analysis of peas provide insights into the genetic basis of Mendelian and other agronomic traits

Abstract

Peas are essential for human nutrition and played a crucial role in the discovery of Mendelian laws of inheritance. In this study, we assembled the genome of the elite vegetable pea cultivar ‘Zhewan No. 1’ at the chromosome level and analyzed resequencing data from 314 accessions, creating a comprehensive map of genetic variation in peas. We identified 235 candidate loci associated with 57 important agronomic traits through genome-wide association studies. Notably, we pinpointed the causal gene haplotypes responsible for four Mendelian traits: stem length (Le/le), flower color (A/a), cotyledon color (I/i) and seed shape (R/r). Additionally, we discovered the genes controlling pod form (Mendelian P/p) and hilum color. Our study also involved constructing a gene expression atlas across 22 tissues, highlighting key gene modules related to pod and seed development. These findings provide valuable pea genomic information and will facilitate the future genome-informed improvement of pea crops. Chromosome-scale genome assembly of a vegetable-type elite pea cultivar ZW1 and population analyses using resequencing data of 314 accessions provide insights into the genetic basis of Mendelian and other agronomic traits.