Genetic diversity and population structure were explored in 289 accessions of common vetch (Vicia sativa) using GBS and phenotyping for 17 traits across Spain, Morocco, and Lebanon (2021–2023). ADMIXTURE and DAPC analyses identified ten genetic groups, revealing discrepancies with botanical classifications. GWAS with 320,000 SNPs (FarmCPU and BLINK) detected 654 trait-associated SNPs, including exonic variants linked to flowering time and pleiotropic SNPs on chromosome 2 associated with multiple traits. KASP markers were developed for promising variants. This study provides a foundation for environment-specific marker-assisted selection and breeding of higher-yielding, resilient vetch varieties.
Keywords: Vicia sativa, genetic architecture, population structure, GWAS, SNP, marker-assisted selection