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Scientists at Murdoch University’s Food Futures Institute have made a breakthrough in developing high-yielding and nutritious chickpea varieties.

Professor Rajeev Varshney, a food scientist at Murdoch University and research program director at International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, has led a world first study sequencing over 3,000 chickpea genomes and mapping their variations.

The research, published in Nature, involved a group of 57 researchers from 41 organizations and 10 countries and delivers crucial science for the breeding of drought tolerant, highly productive chickpea varieties.

“This research provides a complete picture of genetic variation within chickpea and a validated roadmap for using the knowledge and genomic resources to improve the crop,” explained Professor Varshney.

One of the world’s most important legume crops, chickpeas are cultivated in more than 50 countries and are a rich source of protein. It’s crucial for food security, especially in developing countries of Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.

“Advancing the earlier efforts and to accelerate chickpea crop improvement programs, this new breakthrough study provides a deeper understanding of chickpea’s genome,” said Professor Varshney.

“By sequencing the genomes of 3,366 chickpea varieties, representing the global collection, this study reports the first chickpea pangenome with valuable insights into numerous genetic variations that otherwise could not be detected by using a single reference genome.”

“Through this we have identified genes that can play a role in adaptation to climate change and help in developing climate resilient chickpea varieties.”

In general, researchers are interested to identify “good” genes for crop improvement, however this research looks to weed out the bad, too.

“We propose that we should not only accumulate good genes in new varieties, but we should also identify the “bad” genes responsible for lowering crop performance that can be fixed.”

“This study serves as a foundation for fast-forward breeding for developing superior chickpea varieties with enhanced yield, higher resistance to drought, heat stresses and disease, and better nutrition.”

This continues Professor Varshney’s significant contribution to improving food security in Asia and Africa by developing genetically optimised crops for different environmental conditions.

“There are few better places in the world for dryland agriculture research than Western Australia, where the effects of a drying climate are being felt so acutely,” said Professor Varshney.

“So, myself and my team are really looking forward to engaging with local farmers, local industry and the wider community to develop solutions to some of the highly complex problems we all face as well, as continuing our work in Asia and Africa.”

Pro Vice Chancellor of the Food Futures Institute, Professor Peter Davies, said the latest research was an important proof of impact.

“Here at Murdoch, we’re working hard in pursuit of the UN’s sustainable development goals of eliminating hunger and poverty and promoting sustainable production,” said Professor Davies.

“This research is more proof we’re contributing to achieving these goals on a global stage.”