A genetic linkage map of the chickpea, Cicer arietinum, based on microsatellite markers and localization of the Fusarium vascular wilt resistance locus

Fusarium wilt, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. ciceri (Foc), is one of the tremendous 
biotic stresses instigating huge yield losses in chickpea (Cicer arietinum). A total of 853 
microsatellites were screened in two chickpea parents (FLIlP97-7 and ILC482). One parent, 
FLIP97-7, is Fusarium wilt resistant to the fungus Fusarium oxysporum, while the other parent, 
ILC482, is susceptible. One hundred forty four recombinant inbred lines, originated from a cross 
between FLIP97-7 and ILC482, segregating for this character were mapped using SSR markers.  
The study detected variation between the two parents, where twenty-six Simple sequence repeats 
(SSRs) were polymorphic. The SSR microsatellites were mapped on the 144 recombinant inbred 
lines segregating for this character. Linkage analysis showed that the Fusarium vascular wilt 
resistance locus race 0 (Foc-0) was located on linkage group (1) around 19.7 centi Morgan away 
from the NCPGR77 microsatellite marker.  This study may help in improving the chickpea breeding 
programs through the development of diagnostic markers that could contribute significantly in 
Marker Assisted Selection.