Unveiling Genetic Basis Associated With Manganese Content in Turkish Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Germplasm Through a Genome-Wide Association Study

Micronutrient deficiencies, such as manganese (Mn), pose significant global health risks, affecting millions of people worldwide and leading to serious health conditions. Biofortifying crops, notably common beans, offer a sustainable solution to combat these deficiencies. This study aimed to uncover the genetic basis associated with Mn content in Turkish common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) germplasm through a genome-wide association study (GWAS), which is crucial for developing nutrient-rich bean varieties. Here, we examined variation among 183 common bean accessions, collected from 19 provinces of Turkey and identified the genetic basis linked to seed Mn content. Genotype by environment interaction significantly influenced Mn content (p < 0.05). The mean Mn content was observed 31.69 mg kg-1 across the germplasm. Bingol-16 had the lowest, while Malatya-59 had the highest Mn contents. Stability analysis was performed using the 'STABILITYSOFT' method and found 10 stable accessions. The cluster constellation plot was generated using JMP statistical software. A total of 7900 DArTseq markers were used for association analysis, identifying 16 markers across four chromosomes (Pv2, Pv5, Pv7 and Pv11). Notably, markers DArT-3374915 and DArT-3375187 exhibited consistent associations across different environments, making them promising candidates for Mn-focused breeding programmes. Gene annotation and interactome analysis, including BLAST searches and protein-protein interaction analysis, revealed associations of candidate genes with Mn concentration regulation, shedding light on potential mechanisms underlying Mn accumulation in common beans. Our findings lay a foundation for marker-assisted breeding efforts in common bean improvement.