Genome Wide Association Studies for Protein and Starch in Korean Cowpea Germplasm

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp., 2n=2x=22) has dietary protein and essential nutrients for the people in sub-Saharan Africa, East-Asia, and other developing countries. Among them, cowpea protein and starch are high-quality sources of nutrition in legumes, with relatively low-fat content and higher essential amino acid content than other grains. The development of varieties with high nutrition content for protein and starch supply is one of the main goals of the genetic improvement in legumes.