Characterization of twenty Camelina spp. accessions using single nucleotide polymorphism genotyping

Sequencing the complete genome of Camelina sativa will facilitate studies to improve this oilseed crop. We analysed 20 accessions of Camelina spp. using genotyping-by-sequence technology. After stringent screening, 35,783 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were generated, and basic genetic studies were performed to check the diversity of these SNPs. STRUCTURE and phylogenetic analyses revealed five subgroups in these 20 Camelina accessions. Winter-types may have diverged from summer-types. Some genomic regions were negatively selected, and most of these were gene-rich regions. As expected, the most ancient subgroup was less affected by negative selection. Marker–trait associations with plant height, leaf length, and pod size generated 154 SNPs, and 72 adjacent genes were significantly associated with these phenotypes. Further large-scale analysis and gene expression studies with these SNPs and genes are needed to develop potentially valuable resources for improving C. sativa.