Quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis of wood quality traits in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Eucalyptus nitens</Emphasis>

To identify the chromosomal regions affecting wood quality traits, we conducted a genome-wide quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis of wood quality traits in Eucalyptus nitens. This information is important to exploit the full potential of the impending Eucalyptus genome sequence. A three generational mapping population consisting of 296 progeny trees was used to identify QTL associated with several wood quality traits in E. nitens. Thirty-six QTL positions for cellulose content, pulp yield, lignin content, density, and microfibril angle (MFA) were identified across different linkage groups. On linkage groups (LG)2 and 8, cellulose QTL cluster with pulp yield and extractives QTL while on LG4 and 10 cellulose and pulp yield QTLs cluster together. Similarly, on LG4, 5, and 6 QTL for lignin traits were clustered together. At two positions, QTL for MFA, a physical trait related to wood stiffness, were clustered with QTL for lignin traits. Several cell wall candidate genes were co-located to QTL positions affecting different traits. Comparative QTL analysis with Eucalyptus globulus revealed two common QTL regions for cellulose and pulp yield. The QTL positions identified in this study provide a resource for identifying wood quality genes using the impending Eucalyptus genome sequence. Candidate genes identified in this study through co-location to QTL regions may be useful in association studies.     

Multiple-marker mapping of wood density loci in an outbred pedigree of radiata pine

The objective of this study was to determine the genetic location and effects of genomic regions controlling wood density at three stages, i.e., rings corresponding to ages 1–5 (WD1_5), rings corresponding to ages 6–10 (WD6_10), and outer wood density (WD14) in a full-sib pedigree (850.055×850.096) of Pinus radiata. The number of offspring measured at these three stages were 80, 93 and 93, respectively. Only a single linkage group of the parent 850.55 was considered for mapping quantitative trait loci (QTLs). A multiple-marker least-squares approach was employed for mapping QTLs for each of the three traits, using a single-QTL model. Logistic regression was used for multiple-trait QTL mapping. Critical values for test-statistic were calculated empirically by ’shuffling’ the data. A putative QTL with large effect on WD1_5 appears to be segregating at the 73 cM position (experimentwise P<0.01). The width of the 95% bootstrap confidence interval for this putative QTL was 40 cM (i.e. 56–96 cM). The effect of this QTL on the expression of wood density at later stages was diminished. From multiple-trait analysis, two marker locations (at 66 cM and 91 cM) were found to be significantly associated (experimentwise P <0.05) with the expression of wood density at different ages. These results are encouraging for the application of marker information to early selection in order to increase juvenile wood density, although the putative QTLs detected in this study need to be verified in an independent population. Received: 23 July 1999 / Accepted: 27 August 1999     

Quantitative trait loci for resistance to herbivores in willow: field experiments with varying soils and climates

As a basis for genetic improvement of willow (Salix spp.) for use in wood biomass production, quantitative trait loci (QTLs) responsible for resistance to herbivores have been identified in a tetraploid hybrid F₂ population originating from a cross between Salix dasyclados (Wimm.) and Salix viminalis (L.) (Salicaceae). Symptoms of herbivory, caused by various insects and game, and, in addition, leaf rust, were assessed in three field locations with varying soils and climates. Eleven damage traits (lost leaf area, leaf discoloration, leaf blisters, leaf‐mite symptoms, leaf‐margin cuts, and various estimates of shoot‐tip damage by a gall midge, game, and lepidopterans) were submitted to QTL analysis. A composite interval mapping approach was used to estimate the number of QTLs, the magnitude of the QTLs, and their position on genetic linkage maps. Most of the identified QTLs were specific for each trait and location, but a few QTLs common across the locations were also detected. Each QTL explained between 8 and 24% of the phenotypic variation, depending on damage trait and field location. Clusters of QTLs for different traits were found at several linkage groups, indicating either a common genetic base or tightly linked QTL. Our results emphasize the need for verification of QTL studies over different environments.     

亚麻主要农艺与品质相关性状的QTL定位

为了全面了解亚麻产量和品质相关性状的遗传基础,为亚麻基因克隆和分子标记辅助育种提供理论依据,在已构建SNP连锁遗传图谱的基础上,以LH-89为父本,R43为母本构建F2:3家系QTL定位群体,用R/QTL软件采用复合区间作图法对13个农艺和品质性状进行QTL定位。结果表明:(1)该研究共检测出35个QTL位点,与粗脂肪及其组成成分相关的QTL有20个,与农艺性状相关的QTL有15个;其中:亚油酸和粗脂肪各5个,亚麻酸、千粒重各4个,棕榈酸、株高、工艺长度各3个,硬脂酸、分枝数各2个,单株果数、果粒数、单株粒重、油酸各1个。(2)共有18个QTL的表型贡献率超10%(主效基因),其中农艺性状定位8个主效基因,品质性状定位10个主效基因。     

QTL mapping of yield, agronomic and quality traits in tetraploid potato (Solanum tuberosum subsp. tuberosum)

Interval mapping of quantitative trait loci (QTL) for 16 yield, agronomic and quality traits in potato was performed on a tetraploid full-sib family comprising 227 clones from a cross between processing clone 12601ab1 and table cultivar Stirling. Thirty-eight AFLP primer combinations and six SSRs provided 514 informative markers which formed a molecular marker map comprising 12 linkage groups (LGs) in 12601ab1 (nine with four homologous chromosomes) which were aligned with 12 in Stirling (11 with four homologous chromosomes), with four partial groups remaining in 12601ab1. Two LGs were identified unequivocally as chromosomes IV and V and eight others were tentatively assigned with chromosomes VII and X unidentified. All of the traits scored had moderately high heritabilities with 54–92% of the variation in clone means over 3 years and two replicates being due to genetic differences. A total of 39 QTLs were identified. A QTL for maturity was identified on chromosome V which explained 56% of the phenotypic variance, whereas the other QTLs individually explained between 5.4 and 16.5%. However, six QTLs were detected for after-cooking blackening and four for each of regularity of tuber shape, fry colour both after storage at 4 and 10°C and sprouting. Just two QTLs were found for each of yield, the two ‘overall’ scores, crop emergence, tuber size and common scab and just one QTL was detected for each of dry matter content, keeping quality, growth cracks and internal condition. The implications for practical potato breeding and for practical linkage and QTL analysis in autotetraploids are discussed.     

Mapping of Genes for Cooking and Eating Qualities in Thai Jasmine Rice (KDML105)

Thai jasmine rice, KDML 105, is known as the best quality rice.It is known not only for its aroma but also for its good cookingand eating qualities. Amylose content (AC), gel consistency(GC) and gelatinization temperature (GT) are important traitsdetermining rice quality. A population of recombinant inbredlines (RIL) derived from KDML105 x CT9993 cross was used tostudy the genetic control of AC, GC and GT traits. A total of191 markers were used in the linkage map construction. The 1605.3cM linkage map covering nearly the whole rice genome was usedfor QTL (define QTL) analysis. Four QTLs for AC were detectedon chromosomes 3, 4, 6 and 7. These QTLs accounted for 80% ofphenotypic variation explained (PVE) in AC. The presence ofone major gene as well as several modifiers was responsiblefor the expression of the trait. Two QTLs on chromosome 6 andone on chromosome 7 were detected for GC, which accounts for57% of PVE. A single gene of major effect along with modifiergenes controls GC from this cross. The QTLs in the vicinityof waxy locus were major contributors in the expression of ACand GC. The finding that the position of QTLs for AC and GCwere near each other may reflect tight linkage or pleiotropy.Three QTLs were detected, one on chromosome 2 and two on chromosome6, which accounted for 67% of PVE in GT. Just like AC and GC,one major gene and modifier genes governed the variation inGT resulting from the KDML105 x CT9993 cross. Breeding for cookingand eating qualities will largely rely on the preferences ofthe end users.     

A consensus linkage map of common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) to compare the distribution and variation of QTLs associated with growth traits

The ability to detect and identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) in a single population is often limited. Analyzing multiple populations in QTL analysis improves the power of detecting QTLs and provides a better understanding of their functional allelic variation and distribution. In this study, a consensus map of the common carp was constructed, based on four populations, to compare the distribution and variation of QTLs. The consensus map spans 2371.6 cM across the 42 linkage groups and comprises 257 microsatellites and 421 SNPs, with a mean marker interval of 3.7 cM/marker. Sixty-seven QTLs affecting four growth traits from the four populations were mapped to the consensus map. Only one QTL was common to three populations, and nine QTLs were detected in two populations. However, no QTL was common to all four populations. The results of the QTL comparison suggest that the QTLs are responsible for the phenotypic variability observed for these traits in a broad array of common carp germplasms. The study also reveals the different genetic performances between major and minor genes in different populations.     

Quantitative trait loci affecting stomatal density and growth in a Quercus robur progeny: implications for the adaptation to changing environments

Stomatal traits are important to cope with changes in levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) and with changing availability of water. Thus, they are expected to be involved in the reactions of plants to climate change. They are known to show a plastic physiological response to environmental factors such as elevated CO₂ concentrations, but they are also under genetic control and should undergo evolutionary change if selection differs among environments. Stomatal development is regulated by several environmental and genetic signals suggesting a polygenic inheritance. In the present study, F₁ progeny derived from a cross between Quercus robur and Q. robur subsp. slavonica were used to map QTLs (quantitative trait loci) for stomatal densities and growth parameters under nonwater stress conditions in 2 and 3 consecutive years, respectively. The positions of QTLs for stomatal density and growth coincided on six linkage groups. The QTL allele associated with the higher stomatal density was generally associated with taller plants and size increment indicating pleiotropic gene effects or close linkage. The phenotypic effects of the individual QTLs were mostly moderate in terms of phenotypic variance explained. However, a considerable amount of the genetically determined variation was explained by QTLs for stomatal density (from 63.6% to 94.4%). Especially, the QTL on linkage group 11 had a strong and highly significant effect on stomatal densities and growth parameters in all years suggesting a major QTL on this linkage group. The importance to analyse the genetic variation controlling complex adaptive traits in keystone species as oaks is discussed with regard to a better understanding of the reactions of ecosystems to global change.     

Identification of QTLs for eight agronomically important traits using an ultra-high-density map based on SNPs generated from high-throughput sequencing in sorghum under contrasting photoperiods

The productivity of sorghum is mainly determined by agronomically important traits. The genetic bases of these traits have historically been dissected and analysed through quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping based on linkage maps with low-throughput molecular markers, which is one of the factors that hinder precise and complete information about the numbers and locations of the genes or QTLs controlling the traits. In this study, an ultra-high-density linkage map based on high-quality single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) generated from low-coverage sequences (~0.07 genome sequence) in a sorghum recombinant inbred line (RIL) population was constructed through new sequencing technology. This map consisted of 3418 bin markers and spanned 1591.4 cM of genome size with an average distance of 0.5 cM between adjacent bins. QTL analysis was performed and a total of 57 major QTLs were detected for eight agronomically important traits under two contrasting photoperiods. The phenotypic variation explained by individual QTLs varied from 3.40% to 33.82%. The high accuracy and quality of this map was evidenced by the finding that genes underlying two cloned QTLs, Dw3 for plant height (chromosome 7) and Ma1 for flowering time (chromosome 6), were localized to the correct genomic regions. The close associations between two genomic regions on chromosomes 6 and 7 with multiple traits suggested the existence of pleiotropy or tight linkage. Several major QTLs for heading date, plant height, numbers of nodes, stem diameter, panicle neck length, and flag leaf width were detected consistently under both photoperiods, providing useful information for understanding the genetic mechanisms of the agronomically important traits responsible for the change of photoperiod.     

Multiple marker mapping of quantitative trait loci in an outbred pedigree of loblolly pine

A multiple marker least squares approach is presented for the analysis of a single three-generation pedigree for quantitative trait locus (QTL) characterisation. It is an extension of the approach by Haley et?al. (1994) to the situation where grandparents cannot be assumed to be homozygous at QTLs for the trait of interest. The method is applied to the analysis of wood specific gravity in loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.). Within a similar framework, a series of preliminary analyses are carried out, followed by a more detailed search of the genome for one or more QTLs. The preliminary analyses provide information about whether the contribution from each linkage group appears to be polygenic, localised to a small region (e.g. a single QTL) or oligogenic (i.e. several QTLs). Significance levels are obtained using a permutation test that uses the observed phenotypes and marker genotypes. The conclusion of these analyses is that in this pedigree single QTLs with very large effect on wood specific gravity do not appear to be segregating, although there is evidence for QTLs with small effect. Finally, in order to assess the potential power of this pedigree, we simulated QTLs within the framework of the actual marker data. As expected, QTL effects would need to be large to be reliably detected in this study, and the power to detect QTLs varies at different positions in the genome depending on the level of information in the local markers.     

Novel pleiotropic loci controlling panicle architecture across environments in japonica rice （Oryza sativa L.）

To identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) controlling panicle architecture in japonica rice, a genetic map was constructed based on simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers and 254 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from a cross between cultivars Xiushui 79 and C Bao. Seven panicle traits were investigated under three environments. Single marker analysis indicated that a total of 27 SSR markers were highly associated with panicle traits in all the three environments. Percentage of phenotypic variation explained by single locus varied from 2% to 35%. Based on the mixed linear model, a total of 40 additive QTLs for seven panicle traits were detected by composite interval mapping, explaining 1.2%-35% of phenotypic variation. Among the 9 QTLs with more than 10% of explained phenotypic variation, two QTLs were for the number of primary branches per panicle (NPB), two for panicle length (PL), two for spikelet density (SD), one for the number of secondary branches per panicle (NSB), one for secondary branch distribution density (SBD), and one for the number of spikelets per panicle (NS), respectively. qPLSD-9-1 and qPLSD-9-2 were novel pleiotropic loci, showing effects on PL and SD simultaneously. qPLSD-9-1 explained 34.7% of the phenotypic variation for PL and 25.4% of the phenotypic variation for SD, respec- tively. qPLSD-9-2 explained 34.9% and 24.4% of the phenotypic variation for PL and SD, respectively. The C Bao alleles at the both QTLs showed positive effects on PL, and the Xiushui 79 alleles at the both QTLs showed positive effects on SD. Genetic variation of panicle traits are mainly attributed to additive effects. QTL × environment interactions were not significant for additive QTLs and additive × additive QTL pairs.     

The main effects, epistatic effects and environmental interactions of QTLs on the cooking and eating quality of rice in a doubled-haploid line population

Amylose content (AC), gel consistency (GC) and gelatinazation temperature (GT) are three important traits that influence the cooking and eating quality of rice. The objective of this study was to characterize the genetic components, including main-effect quantitative trait loci (QTLs), epistatic QTLs and QTL-by-environment interactions (QEs), that are involved in the control of these three traits. A population of doubled haploid (DH) lines derived from a cross between two indica varieties Zhenshan 97 and H94 was used, and data were collected from a field experiment conducted in two different environments. A genetic linkage map consisting of 218 simple sequence repeat (SSR) loci was constructed, and QTL analysis performed using qtlmapper 1.6 resolved the genetic components into main-effect QTLs, epistatic QTLs and QEs. The analysis detected a total of 12 main-effect QTLs for the three traits, with a QTL corresponding to the Wx locus showing a major effect on AC and GC, and a QTL corresponding to the Alk locus having a major effect on GT. Ten digenic interactions involving 19 loci were detected for the three traits, and six main-effect QTLs and two pairs of epistatic QTLs were involved in QEs. While the main-effect QTLs, especially the ones corresponding to known major loci, apparently played predominant roles in the genetic basis of the traits, under certain conditions epistatic effects and QEs also played important roles in controlling the traits. The implications of the findings for rice quality improvement are discussed.     

Gains in QTL detection using an ultra-high density SNP map based on population sequencing relative to traditional RFLP/SSR markers

Huge efforts have been invested in the last two decades to dissect the genetic bases of complex traits including yields of many crop plants, through quantitative trait locus (QTL) analyses. However, almost all the studies were based on linkage maps constructed using low-throughput molecular markers, e.g. restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) and simple sequence repeats (SSRs), thus are mostly of low density and not able to provide precise and complete information about the numbers and locations of the genes or QTLs controlling the traits. In this study, we constructed an ultra-high density genetic map based on high quality single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from low-coverage sequences of a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population of rice, generated using new sequencing technology. The quality of the map was assessed by validating the positions of several cloned genes including GS3 and GW5/qSW5, two major QTLs for grain length and grain width respectively, and OsC1, a qualitative trait locus for pigmentation. In all the cases the loci could be precisely resolved to the bins where the genes are located, indicating high quality and accuracy of the map. The SNP map was used to perform QTL analysis for yield and three yield-component traits, number of tillers per plant, number of grains per panicle and grain weight, using data from field trials conducted over years, in comparison to QTL mapping based on RFLPs/SSRs. The SNP map detected more QTLs especially for grain weight, with precise map locations, demonstrating advantages in detecting power and resolution relative to the RFLP/SSR map. Thus this study provided an example for ultra-high density map construction using sequencing technology. Moreover, the results obtained are helpful for understanding the genetic bases of the yield traits and for fine mapping and cloning of QTLs.     

Inheritance of chilling and heat requirements for flowering in almond and QTL analysis

The chilling and heat requirements and flowering time were studied, for 2 years, in an almond progeny from the cross between the late-flowering French selection “R1000” and the early-flowering Spanish “Desmayo Largueta”. These three temperature-dependent traits showed quantitative inheritance, although for chilling requirements and flowering time a major gene could be involved, modified by other minor genes. The results indicate that flowering time is mainly a consequence of the chilling requirements; heat requirements having a smaller effect. In agreement with the genetic findings, a significant Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) for chilling requirements was found in G4 together with other minor QTLs in G1, G3, and G7. For heat requirements, two QTLs in G2 and G7 were identified. The results also show the high influence of temperature in the expression of the three traits and their QTL analyses. In addition, QTL analysis for flowering time allowed the identification of one significant QTL in linkage group 4 (G4) that explained most of the phenotypic variation together with other minor QTLs located in G1, G6, and G7.     

Mapping QTLs for morpho-agronomic traits in proso millet (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Panicum miliaceum</Emphasis> L.)

Proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) is the cereal crop with the low water requirement and increasingly being used for human consumption. It is the most common rotational crop within wheat-based dryland production systems in the semiarid High Plains of the USA. However, there is no published genetic map for this species, which prevents the identification of quantitative trait loci (QTL). The objectives of the present study were (1) construction of a genetic linkage map and (2) identification of DNA markers linked to QTLs for morpho-agronomic traits. A total of 93 recombinant inbred lines derived from a single F₁ (“Huntsman” × “Minsum”) were genotyped with GBS-SNP markers and phenotyped for nine morpho-agronomic traits in the field during 2013 and 2014 at Scottsbluff and Sidney, NE. IciMapping v.4.0.6.0 was used for constructing a genetic linkage map and mapping QTL. The RILs exhibited significant variation for a wide range of traits, and several traits showed evidence of genotype × environment interactions. A total of 833 GBS-SNP markers formed 18 major and 84 minor linkage groups, whereas 519 markers remained ungrouped. A total of 117 GBS-SNP markers were distributed on the 18 major linkage groups spanning a genome length of 2137 cM of proso millet with an average distance of 18 cM between markers. The length and number of markers in each of the 18 major linkage groups ranged from 54.6 to 236 cM and 4 to 12, respectively. A total of 18 QTLs for eight morpho-agronomic traits were detected on 14 linkage groups, each of which explained 13.2–34.7 % phenotypic variance. DNA markers flanking the QTLs were identified, which will aid in marker-assisted selection of these traits. To our knowledge, this is the first genetic linkage map and QTL mapping in proso millet, which will support further genetic analysis and genomics-assisted genetic improvement of this crop.     

Constructing a genetic linkage map and mapping quantitative trait loci for skeletal traits in Japanese flounder

A genetic linkage map of Japanese flounder was constructed using 165 doubled haploids (DHs) derived from a single female. A total of 574 genomic microsatellites (type II SSRs) and expressed sequence tag (EST)-derived markers (EST-SSRs) were mapped to 24 linkage groups. The length of linkage map was estimated as 1270.9 centiMorgans (cM), with an average distance between markers of 2.2 cM. The EST-SSRs were used together with type II SSR markers to construct the Japanese flounder genetic linkage map which will facilitate identify quantitative trait locus (QTL) controlling important economic traits in Japanese flounder. Thus, twelve skeletal traits at 2 years of age were measured for all DHs. Forty-one QTLs were detected on 14 linkage groups and totally account for a small proportion of phenotypic variation (4.5 to 17.3%). Most of QTLs detected distribute on linkage groups 5 (9 QTLs), 8 (9 QTLs), 9 (5 QTLs) and 20 (4 QTLs), in which, some QTLs perform the pleiotropy.     

高丹草氢氰酸含量性状的QTL定位分析

为了深入开展高丹草低氢氰酸含量性状的QTL精细定位、基因图位克隆、功能解析及分子标记辅助育种,该研究以二倍体杂交高丹草F_2代群体500个分离单株无性系及其亲本为材料,在课题组前期已构建出的高丹草高密度分子遗传连锁图谱的基础上,利用区间作图法对两年两地测定的高丹草氢氰酸含量性状进行了QTL定位分析。结果显示:(1)在4个不同环境下高丹草氢氰酸含量性状的广义遗传率分别为61.70%、72.05%、40.16%和69.25%,表明氢氰酸含量是既受环境影响又受微效多基因控制的数量性状,而且其群体测定值频率呈明显单峰正态性分布特点,符合QTL定位要求。(2)在LOD2.5的条件下,共检测到16个与氢氰酸含量性状相关的QTLs,其分布在LG1、LG2、LG4、LG6、LG7、LG8和LG10连锁群上。(3)16个QTLs中能重复检测到的稳定QTLs有9个,遗传贡献率范围为1.17%～39.9%,其中贡献率大于20%的主效QTLs有Qcn2-2、Qcn4-1、Qcn6和Qcn6-1共4个。该研究结果明确了各QTLs的遗传效应和分子标记位点。     

QTL analysis of flower and fruit traits in sour cherry

The map locations and effects of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were estimated for eight flower and fruit traits in sour cherry (Prunus cerasus L.) using a restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) genetic linkage map constructed from a double pseudo-testcross. The mapping population consisted of 86 progeny from the cross between two sour cherry cultivars, Rheinische Schattenmorelle (RS)×Erdi Botermo (EB). The genetic linkage maps for RS and EB were 398.2 cM and 222.2 cM, respectively, with an average interval length of 9.8 cM. The RS/EB linkage map that was generated with shared segregating markers consisted of 17 linkage groups covering 272.9 cM with an average interval length of 4.8 cM. Eleven putatively significant QTLs (LOD >2.4) were detected for six characters (bloom time, ripening time, % pistil death, % pollen germination, fruit weight, and soluble solids concentration). The percentage of phenotypic variation explained by a single QTL ranged from 12.9% to 25.9%. Of the QTLs identified for the traits in which the two parents differed significantly, 50% had allelic effects opposite to those predicted from the parental phenotype. Three QTLs affecting flower traits (bloom time, % pistil death, and % pollen germination) mapped to a single linkage group, EB 1. The RFLP closest to the bloom time QTL on EB 1 was detected by a sweet cherry cDNA clone pS141 whose partial amino acid sequence was 81% identical to that of a Japanese pear stylar RNase. Received: 4 March 1999 / Accepted: 27 August 1999     

Fine mapping of QTLs of chromosome 2 affecting the fruit architecture and composition of tomato

Negative correlations between quality traits and fruit size may hamper the breeding of fresh market tomato varieties for better organoleptic qualities. In a recent QTL analysis, QTLs with large effects on fruit weight, locule number and several quality traits were detected in the distal 50 cM of chromosome 2, but favorable alleles for fruit weight and locule number were unfavorable to quality traits. Substitution mapping was undertaken to determine whether the effects were due to a single QTL or to several tightly linked QTLs. Several chromosomal segments were characterized using near-isogenic lines. Five of them appeared to be involved in one or several traits. Considering the five segments from the top to the bottom of the region, the QTLs detected in each segment controlled the variation of: (1) fruit weight, (2) soluble solids content and dry matter weight, (3) fruit weight, (4) locule number and (5) fruit weight, dry matter weight, total sugars, titratable acidity and soluble solids content. This last cluster illustrates an antagonism between fruit weight and four quality traits, as favorable alleles are not conferred by the same parent in both cases. Nevertheless, several antagonistic QTLs were separated from each other in the first four segments, holding the promise for marker-assisted improvement of fruit quality traits without compromising the fruit size.     

Mapping of Genomic Regions (Quantitative Trait Loci) Controlling Production and Quality in Industrial Cultures of the Edible Basidiomycete Pleurotus ostreatus

Industrial production of the edible basidiomycete Pleurotus ostreatus (oyster mushroom) is based on a solid fermentation process in which a limited number of selected strains are used. Optimization of industrial mushroom production depends on improving the culture process and breeding new strains with higher yields and productivities. Traditionally, fungal breeding has been carried out by an empirical trial and error process. In this study, we used a different approach by mapping quantitative trait loci (QTLs) controlling culture production and quality within the framework of the genetic linkage map of P. ostreatus. Ten production traits and four quality traits were studied and mapped. The production QTLs identified explain nearly one-half of the production variation. More interestingly, a single QTL mapping to the highly polymorphic chromosome VII appears to be involved in control of all the productivity traits studied. Quality QTLs appear to be scattered across the genome and to have less effect on the variation of the corresponding traits. Moreover, some of the new hybrid strains constructed in the course of our experiments had production or quality values higher than those of the parents or other commercial strains. This approach opens the possibility of marker-assisted selection and breeding of new industrial strains of this fungus.