Characterizing the genetic architecture of agronomic and quality traits, and deleterious mutations in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

Common bean is a promising commodity to ensure food security and increase diet quality due to its high content of protein, minerals, and vitamins. To contribute to the increase of the genetic gain in breeding programs for agronomic and quality traits, the project aims to study the genetic architecture of agronomic and quality traits, and explore the accumulation of deleterious mutations that could restrict the genetic improvement of the crop. Multiple approaches to analyze genomic, transcriptomic, and phenotypic data will be used to robustly identify candidate genes associated with the traits of interest. For the analysis of deleterious mutations, a multiparent advanced generation intercross (MAGIC) population is being developed and will be genotyped at each generation. The resulting data will be analyzed using different bioinformatics resources and tools that the student will learn at McGill and during his visit to Cornell University. The results are valuable inputs for common bean breeding programs, making avenues to increase the genetic gain and to develop superior cultivars.

Faculty Supervisor:

Valerio Hoyos-Villegas

Student:

Partner:

Cornell University

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Agriculture and Food; Biotechnology

University:

McGill University

Program: