In-silico Identification of Candidate Genes Related to Seed Zinc and Iron Concentration in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Abstract

Zinc (Zn) and Iron (Fe) are essential nutrients, and their deficiency can cause stunted growth, weakened immunity, and anaemia. Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), a nutrient-rich legume, contains high levels of Zn and Fe, making it a valuable crop for addressing micronutrient deficiencies. This study aims to identify candidate genes associated with Zn and Fe content in chickpea seeds using in-silico analysis. Whole-genome resequencing data is aligned to the chickpea reference genome to detect genetic variants linked to these micronutrients. Identified genes are further analyzed for their function, biological pathways, and orthologs in model organisms. These genes can serve as targets for breeding chickpea varieties with enhanced Zn and Fe content, supporting marker-assisted selection and contributing to global nutritional security.