Interspecific hybridization using cicer microphyllum royle ex benth. for the genomic reconstruction of cultivated chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Abstract

Cicer microphyllum, native to cold and arid regions, offers a reservoir of beneficial alleles, including tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses. It is a wild Cicer species from the tertiary gene pool of the cultivated chickpea. It has the potential to enhance the genetic base of cultivated species and provide useful genetic variability for crop improvement. Despite significant reproductive barriers, advancements in hybridization techniques and genomic tools have facilitated the development of viable hybrids between C. arietinum and C. microphyllum. The genomic reconstruction of the cultivated chickpea through the transfer of wild relative's genomic segments using backcrossing and molecular marker-assisted selection will help sustainable crop improvement and genetic gains.