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bioRxiv · 10.1101/2024.01.08.574663

Identification of candidate genes controlling red seed coat color in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata Walp)

Herniter, I. A.·Munoz-Amatriain, M.·Lo, S.·Guo, Y.-N.·Lonardi, S.·Close, T. J.
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Abstract

Seed coat color is an important consumer-related train in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata [L.] Walp.) and has been a subject of study for over a century. Utilizing newly available resources, including mapping populations, a high-density genotyping platform, and several genome assemblies, red seed coat color has been mapped to two loci, Red-1 (R-1) and Red-2 (R-2), on Vu03 and Vu07, respectively. A gene model (Vigun03g118700) encoding a dihydroflavonol 4-reductase, a homolog of anthocyanidin reductase 1, which catalyzes the biosynthesis of epicatechin from cyanidin, has been identified as a candidate gene for R-1. Possible causative variants have been also identified for Vigun03g118700. A gene model on Vu07 (Vigun07g118500), with predicted nucleolar function and high relative expression in the developing seed, has been identified as a candidate for R-2. The observed red color is believed to be the result of a buildup of cyanidins in the seed coat.

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Herniter, I. A., Munoz-Amatriain, M., Lo, S., Guo, Y.-N., Lonardi, S., Close, T. J.. 2024-01-08. Identification of candidate genes controlling red seed coat color in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata Walp). https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.01.08.574663

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