Association mapping of total flavonoid content and antioxidant capacities in lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.)

Ninety-six lentil genotypes were characterized for total flavonoid content (TFC) and antioxidant capacities (AOC). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated significant (p <= 0.01) differences among lentil genotypes for studied traits across three locations. The average content of TFC was relatively higher in advanced breeding lines (12.21 mg QE/g) and low in Indian germplasm lines (10.68 mg QE/g). Mean performances for AOC, using the DPPH (ACD) and CUPRAC(ACC) methods, were relatively higher in advanced breeding lines (ACD-4.32 mmolTE/g and ACC-1.25 mmolTE/100 g) and least in released varieties (ACD-2.79 mmolTE/g and ACC-0.92 mmolTE/100 g). Marker trait association analyses were performed with 87 polymorphic SSR markers. The number of alleles amplified per locus ranged from 2 to 5, with an average of 2.92. The polymorphism information content (PIC) value ranged from 0.04 to 0.67, with a mean of 0.25. SSR markers, LCSSR 363 and PLC 38 were significantly associated with TFC and explained 10% of phenotypic variation. PLC 60, SSR 80, PLC 77, and PBALC 216, associated with ACD, explained 7.5 to 23% of phenotypic variation, whereas PBALC 250 and PBALC 216, associated with ACC, explained 15% of the phenotypic variation. TFC and AOC have a broader range of genetic variations that can be used in lentil breeding programs to develop varieties tailored for nutraceutical and therapeutic applications. The identified markers can be validated in biparental populations and used in lentil breeding programs to improve functional constituents and health benefits.