Application of modern trait mapping methods to explore the genetic control of plant vigour in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Vigour, the rapid growth of plants, is a priority for breeding programmes of pulse crops. Vigour is a complex trait controlled by quantitative trait loci (QTL) and the molecular mechanisms determining vigour in pulses were unclear. By using modern trait mapping methods, this thesis successfully: (1) determined the key component traits of vigour and detected major QTLcontrolling vigour in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) in various growing conditions; (2) fine mapped a major vigour QTL on chromosome 4 and identified a strong candidate gene; and (3) explored the impact of vigour on yield in some Australian environments.