Transmission of Fruit Quality Traits in Apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) and Analysis of Linked Quantitative Trait Loci (QTLs) Using Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) Markers

Twelve important pomological traits related to fruit quality were studied during 3 years in an F₁ apricot progeny of 160 seedlings derived from a cross between the Spanish selection ‘Z701-1’ and the South African cultivar ‘Palsteyn’. Results indicated quantitative transmission of most of the fruit quality traits studied. In addition, a clear influence of the genetic background of parents was observed. In some seedlings, values outside the range of the parent were observed due to the influence of this genetic background. No correlations were found among most agronomic traits in apricot during the 3 years of the study. However, high correlations between years were described for most of the evaluated traits, and the environment had limited influence on the expression of the trait. A genetic map was developed using 41 apricot and peach SSR markers. The map obtained showed eight linkage groups (corresponding to the eight chromosomes) covering a total distance of 369.3 cM and an average distance between markers of 9 cM. Fifty-four QTLs associated with different traits were identified, including: blooming date (linkage groups G1, G4 and G7); ripening time (G4 and G6); fruit development (G4 and G6); fruit weight (G1 and G4); stone weight (G1 and G7); flesh color (G1 and G6); pH (G1, G2 and G4); malic acid (G1, G2 and G4); and soluble solids content (G4 and G5). We have highlighted several QTLs in G4 that explain the variability in various traits related to fruit quality such as blooming date, ripening time, and soluble solids content. In addition, we have also highlighted an important QTL on G2 that explains much of the variation in levels of acidity.     

Candidate genes and QTLs for sugar and organic acid content in peach [ Prunus persica (L.) Batsch

The identification of genes involved in variation of peach fruit quality would assist breeders in creating new cultivars with improved fruit quality. Major genes and quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for physical and chemical components of fruit quality have already been detected, based on the peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch] cv. Ferjalou Jalousia^® (low-acid peach) 2 cv. Fantasia (normally-acid nectarine) F₂ intraspecific cross. Our aim was to associate these QTLs to structural genes using a candidate gene/QTL approach. Eighteen cDNAs encoding key proteins in soluble sugar and organic acid metabolic pathways as well as in cell expansion were isolated from peach fruit. A single-strand conformation polymorphism strategy based on specific cDNA-based primers was used to map the corresponding genes. Since no polymorphism could be detected in the Ferjalou Jalousia^® 2 Fantasia population, gene mapping was performed on the almond [Prunus amygdalus (P. dulcis)] cv. Texas 2 peach cv. Earlygold F₂ interspecific cross from which a saturated map was available. Twelve candidate genes were assigned to four linkage groups of the peach genome. In a second step, the previous QTL detection was enhanced by integrating anchor loci between the Ferjalou Jalousia^® 2 Fantasia and Texas 2 Earlygold maps and data from a third year of trait assessment on the Ferjalou Jalousia^® 2 Fantasia population. Comparative mapping allowed us to detect a candidate gene/QTL co-location. It involved a cDNA encoding a vacuolar H⁺-pyrophosphatase (PRUpe;Vp2) that energises solute accumulation, and QTLs for sucrose and soluble solid content. This preliminary result may be the first step in the future development of marker-assisted selection for peach fruit sucrose and soluble solid content.     

Molecular dissection of phenotypic variation between Gossypium hirsutum and Gossypium barbadense (cotton) by a backcross-self approach: III. Fiber length

A backcross-self population from a cross between Gossypium hirsutum and G. barbadense was used to dissect the molecular basis of genetic variation governing 15 parameters that reflect fiber length. Applying a detailed restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) map to 3,662 BC₃F₂ plants from 24 independently derived BC₃ families, we detected 28, nine, and eight quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for fiber length, length uniformity, and short fiber content, respectively. For eight, six, and two chromosomal regions containing quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for fiber length, length uniformity, and short fiber content (respectively), two-way analysis of variance showed a significant (P<0.001) among-family genotypic effect. A total of 13, two, and four loci showed genotype × family interaction, illustrating some of the complexities that are likely to be faced in introgression of exotic germplasm into the gene pool of cultivated cotton. Co-location of many QTLs for fiber length, length uniformity, and short fiber content accounted for correlations among these traits, while the discovery of many QTLs unique to each trait suggests that maximum genetic gain will require breeding efforts that target each trait (or an index including all three). The availability of DNA markers linked to G. barbadense QTLs identified in this and other studies promise to assist breeders in transferring and maintaining valuable traits from exotic sources during cultivar development.Electronic Supplementary Material Supplementary material is available for this article at     

QTL mapping for brown rot (Monilinia fructigena) resistance in an intraspecific peach (Prunus persica L. Batsch) F1 progeny

Brown rot (BR) caused by Monilinia spp. leads to significant post-harvest losses in stone fruit production, especially peach. Previous genetic analyses in peach progenies suggested that BR resistance segregates as a quantitative trait. In order to uncover genomic regions associated with this trait and identify molecular markers for assisted selection (MAS) in peach, an F1 progeny from the cross “Contender” (C, resistant)?×?“Elegant Lady” (EL, susceptible) was chosen for quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis. Over two phenotyping seasons, skin (SK) and flesh (FL) artificial infections were performed on fruits using a Monilinia fructigena isolate. For each treatment, infection frequency (if) and average rot diameter (rd) were scored. Significant seasonal and intertrait correlations were found. Maturity date (MD) was significantly correlated with disease impact. Sixty-three simple sequence repeats (SSRs) plus 26 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers were used to genotype the C?×?EL population and to construct a linkage map. C?×?EL map included the eight Prunus linkage groups (LG), spanning 572.92 cM, with an average interval distance of 6.9 cM, covering 78.73 % of the peach genome (V1.0). Multiple QTL mapping analysis including MD trait as covariate uncovered three genomic regions associated with BR resistance in the two phenotyping seasons: one containing QTLs for SK resistance traits near M1a (LG C?×?EL-2, R ²?=?13.1–31.5 %) and EPPISF032 (LG C?×?EL-4, R ²?=?11–14 %) and the others containing QTLs for FL resistance, near markers SNP_IGA_320761 and SNP_IGA_321601 (LG3, R ²?=?3.0–11.0 %). These results suggest that in the C?×?EL F1 progeny, skin resistance to fungal penetration and flesh resistance to rot spread are distinguishable mechanisms constituting BR resistance trait, associated with different genomic regions. Discovered QTLs and their associated markers could assist selection of new cultivars with enhanced resistance to Monilinia spp. in fruit.     

Quantitative trait loci and underlying candidate genes controlling agronomical and fruit quality traits in octoploid strawberry <Emphasis Type="Italic">(Fragaria</Emphasis> × <Emphasis Type="Italic">ananassa</Emphasis>)

Breeding for fruit quality traits in strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa, 2n = 8x = 56) is complex due to the polygenic nature of these traits and the octoploid constitution of this species. In order to improve the efficiency of genotype selection, the identification of quantitative trait loci (QTL) and associated molecular markers will constitute a valuable tool for breeding programs. However, the implementation of these markers in breeding programs depends upon the complexity and stability of QTLs across different environments. In this work, the genetic control of 17 agronomical and fruit quality traits was investigated in strawberry using a F₁ population derived from an intraspecific cross between two contrasting selection lines, ‘232’ and ‘1392’. QTL analyses were performed over three successive years based on the separate parental linkage maps and a pseudo-testcross strategy. The integrated strawberry genetic map consists of 338 molecular markers covering 37 linkage groups, thus exceeding the 28 chromosomes. 33 QTLs were identified for 14 of the 17 studied traits and approximately 37% of them were stable over time. For each trait, 1–5 QTLs were identified with individual effects ranging between 9.2 and 30.5% of the phenotypic variation, indicating that all analysed traits are complex and quantitatively inherited. Many QTLs controlling correlated traits were co-located in homoeology group V, indicating linkage or pleiotropic effects of loci. Candidate genes for several QTLs controlling yield, anthocyanins, firmness and l-ascorbic acid are proposed based on both their co-localization and predicted function. We also report conserved QTLs among strawberry and other Rosaceae based on their syntenic location.     

Identification of QTLs controlling seed dormancy in peach (Prunus persica)

Dormancy is a condition that delays or inhibits growth in seed, vegetative buds, and floral buds. In peach, seed germination occurs when seed accumulate sufficient stratification and growing degree hours to break dormancy and begin growing. Correlations have been reported between mean seed stratification requirements and mean bud chilling requirements among Prunus families, but an individual seed’s germination date and subsequent vegetative and floral bud break date are not correlated. Prior to this study, the genetic factors involved in regulating seed dormancy and their location on the peach genomic map were unknown. Segregating F₂ seed were collected from a high?×?low chill F₁ peach hybrid in 2005, 2006, and 2008. Germination date and growth habit was measured after the stratification requirement of the 2005 seed was fully met. The seed collected in 2006 and 2008 received varying amounts of stratification, which enabled data on stratification requirement, heat requirement, and growth habit to be collected. Genomic DNA was extracted from seedling leaf tissue and screened with SSR markers selected from the Prunus reference map at an average resolution of 20 cM. Seed dormancy quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were detected on G1, G4, G6/8, and G7. The QTLs detected on G6/8 and G7 were discovered in the same region as QTLs associated with floral bud chilling requirement and bloom time in peach.     

Quantitative trait loci for yield components in oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.)

The development of an oil palm RFLP marker map has enabled marker-based QTL mapping studies to be undertaken. Information from 153 RFLP markers was used in combination with phenotypic data from an F₂ population to estimate the position and effects of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for traits including yield of fruit and its components and measures of vegetative growth. The mapping population consisted of 84 palms segregating for the major gene influencing shell thickness. Marker data were analysed to produce a linkage map consisting of 22 linkage groups. The QTL mapping analysis was carried out by interval mapping and single-marker analysis for the unlinked markers; significance thresholds were generated by permutation. Using both single-marker and interval-mapping analysis significant marker associated QTL effects were found for 11 of the 13 traits analysed. The results of interval-mapping analysis of fruit weight, petiole cross section and rachis length, and ratios of shell:fruit, mesocarp:fruit and kernel:fruit indicated significant (P<0.05) QTLs at the genome-wide threshold. The putative QTLs were associated with between 8.2% and 44.0% of the phenotypic variation, with an average of 27% for the single-marker analysis and 19% for the interval-mapping analysis. The higher percentage of phenotypic variation explained in the single-marker analysis, when compared to the interval-mapping analysis, is likely to be due to the lower stringency associated with the single-marker analysis. Large dominance deviations were associated with a sizeable proportion of the putative QTLs. The ultimate objective of mapping QTLs in commercial populations is to utilise novel breeding strategies such as marker-assisted selection (MAS). The potential impact of MAS in oil palm breeding programmes is discussed. Received: 26 June 2000 / Accepted: 24 October 2000     

Mapping quantitative trait loci for downy mildew resistance in pearl millet

Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for resistance to pathogen populations of Scelerospora graminicola from India, Nigeria, Niger and Senegal were mapped using a resistant x susceptible pearl millet cross. An RFLP map constructed using F₂ plants was used to map QTLs for traits scored on F₄ families. QTL analysis was carried out using the interval mapping programme Mapmaker/QTL. Independent inheritance of resistance to pathogen populations from India, Senegal, and populations from Niger and Nigeria was shown. These results demonstrate the existence of differing virulences in the pathogen populations from within Africa and between Africa and India. QTLs of large effect, contributing towards a large porportion of the variation in resistance, were consistently detected in repeated screens. QTLs of smaller and more variable effect were also detected. There was no QTLs that were effective against all four pathogen populations, demonstrating that pathotype-specific resistance is a major mechanism of downy mildew resistance in this cross. For all but one of the QTLs, resistance was inherited from the resistant parent and the inheritance of resistance tended to be the result of dominance or over-dominance. The implications of this research for pearl millet breeding are discussed.     

Loci underlying resistance to Race 3 of soybean cyst nematode in Glycine soja plant introduction 468916

Soybean cyst nematode (SCN) (Heterodera glycines Ichinohe) is an important soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] pest in the U.S. and throughout the world. Genetic resistance is the primary method for controlling SCN and there is a need to identify new resistance genes. Glycine soja Sieb. and Zucc. is the wild ancestor of domesticated soybean and is a potential source of new SCN resistance genes. The goal of this research was to map quantitative trait loci (QTLs) that provide resistance to SCN Race 3 from the G. soja plant introduction (PI) 468916. Fifty seven F₂-derived lines from a cross between the G. soja PI 468916 and the G. max experimental line A81-356022 were tested for resistance to an SCN population with a Race-3 phenotype. These lines were also genotyped with 1,004 genetic markers and resistance genes were mapped by composite interval mapping with the computer program QTL-Cartographer. In the F₂ population, three significant (LOD > 3.0) QTLs were detected that explained from 5% to 27% of the variation for Race-3 resistance. The two most significant QTLs identified in the F₂ population were tested in a population of 100 BC1F₂ plants developed by crossing A81-356022 to a line from the F₂ population that carried the two resistance QTLs from G. soja. In the backcross population, both Race-3 resistance QTLs were significant, which confirms the existence of these QTLs. The QTLs identified in this experiment map to positions where SCN resistance genes have not been previously identified, suggesting that these are novel genes that could be useful for diversifying the resistance genes currently used in cultivar development. Received: 7 August 2000 / Accepted: 4 December 2000     

Mapping of QTLs for morpho-agronomic and seed quality traits in a RIL population of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

The objective of this research was to determine the quantitative trait loci (QTLs) controlling phenological traits (days to flowering, days to end of flowering, days to harvest as green pod, and days to maturity), seed size traits (seed length, seed height, seed width, and seed weight), and seed quality traits (water absorption, and coat proportion), in common bean. A population of 104 F₇ recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from an inter-gene pool cross between Xana, and Cornell 49242, was used to develop a genetic linkage map including 175 AFLPs, 27 microsatellites, 30 SCARs, 33 ISSRs, 12 RAPDs, 13 loci codifying for seed proteins, and the four genes Fin,fin (growth habit); Asp,asp (seed coat shininess); P,p (seed color); and I,i (resistance to bean common mosaic virus). The map has a total length of 1,042 cM distributed across 11 linkage groups aligned to those of the core linkage map of bean using common molecular markers as anchor points. The QTL analyses were carried out over three environments using the mean environment data with composite interval mapping. Thirty-one QTLs for ten traits were found to be significant in at least one environment and in the mean environment data, the number of significant QTLs identified per trait ranging from two to five. Twenty-seven of these QTLs mapped forming clusters in eight different chromosomal regions. The rationale for this clustered mapping and the possible relationship between some QTLs for phenological traits and the genes Fin and I are discussed.     

Genetic linkage map of peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch] using morphological and molecular markers

A genetic linkage map of peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batch] was constructed in order to identify molecular markers linked to economically important agronomic traits that would be particularly useful for long-lived perennial species. An intraspecific F₂ population was generated from self-pollinating a single F₁ plant from a cross between a flat non-acid peach, ‘Ferjalou Jalousia^®’ and an acid round nectarine ‘Fantasia’. Mendelian segregations were observed for 270 markers including four agronomic characters (peach/nectarine, flat/round fruit, acid/non-acid fruit, and pollen sterility) and 1 isoenzyme, 50 RFLP, 92 RAPD, 8 inter-microsatellite amplification (IMA), and 115 amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers. Two hundred and forty-nine markers were mapped to 11 linkage groups covering 712 centiMorgans (cM). The average density between pairs of markers is 4.5?cM. For the four agronomic characters studied, molecular markers were identified. This map will be used for the detection of QTL controlling fruit quality in peach and, particularly, the acid and sugar content.     

Use of Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA Markers for Mapping the Chickpea Genome

Three interspecific crosses were developed using Cicer arietinum (ICC 4918) as the female parent and wild Cicer species [C. reticulatum - JM 2100, JM 2106 and C. echinospermum - ICCW 44] as the male parent. Cicer arietinum (ICC 4918) × C. reticulatum (JM 2100) cross produced the largest number of F₂ plants and was chosen for linkage mapping using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) primers. A partial linkage map was constructed based upon the segregation of 36 RAPD markers obtained by amplification using 35 primers. The linkage map consists of two linkage groups with 17 linked markers covering a total of 464.9 cM. Analyses also revealed association of three morphological traits with linked RAPD markers. Out of seven morphological traits tested for association with linked markers in the segregating plants, four Quantitative trait loci (QTL) were detected for the trait leaf length and three QTLs each for the traits leaf width and erect plant habit.     

Genetic dissection of vegetative propagation traits in Eucalyptus tereticornis and E. globulus

We have detected quantitative trait loci (QTLs) affecting vegetative propagation traits in Eucalyptus tereticornis and Eucalyptus globulus. Using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) genetic linkage maps, the inheritance of 199 markers was assessed in 94 F₁ individuals with extreme adventitious rooting response, and in 221 randomly chosen F₁ individuals. Phenotypes were scored in 1995 and 1996. QTL analyses were performed using chi-square tests (χ²), single-marker analysis (SMA), interval mapping (IM) and composite interval mapping (CIM). All approaches yielded similar QTL detection results. Three QTLs are hypothesized for mortality (MORT=% dead cuttings), nine for adventitious rooting (ROOT, RCT=% rooted cuttings relative to the surviving or total cuttings, respectively), four for petrification (PETR=% surviving unrooted cuttings), one for sprouting ability (SPR=number of stump sprout cuttings harvested in 1995) and four for the stability of adventitious rooting (STAB=absolute value of the difference ROOT95-ROOT96). All putative QTLs for MORT and PETR were located on the E. tereticornis map, and for SPR and STAB on the E. globulus map. We found different QTLs for MORT, ROOT, RCT, SPR and STAB. Putative QTLs accounted for 2.6–17.0% of the phenotypic variance of a trait (R²). Estimated standardized gene substitution effects varied between 0.13 and 0.49 phenotypic standard deviations (σ_p). These results indicate that the phenotypic variation in these traits has a meaningful genetic component and that stable QTLs can be found in a family of reasonable size where no previous knowledge of the trait was available. Received: 1 September 1998 / Accepted: 24 February 1999     

Development of a second-generation genetic linkage map for peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch] and characterization of morphological traits affecting flower and fruit

An improved genetic linkage map was constructed from a peach Ferjalou Jalousia® × Fantasia (J×F) F₂ population. Ferjalou Jalousia® is a flat low-acidity clingstone peach, and Fantasia is a round, normally acidic freestone peach. This population is segregated for six Mendelian characters: pollen sterility, peach or nectarine fruit, flat or round fruit, clingstone, or freestone fruit. It also segregates for the D major gene controlling the fruit’s low acidity. A new character is reported here for the first time that segregates as a Mendelian character: trees bearing aborting fruits. These trees have flowers, but fruits start to fall 2 months after blooming. This recessive character has been named Af. We demonstrate that it is linked to the flat shape of the fruit. The previous map obtained from this cross was constructed using 63 individuals, whereas the present map was constructed using 207 individuals. Moreover, 82 simple-sequence repeat (SSR) markers, including 10 expressed sequence tag-SSRs, and 43 amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers were added. Molecular markers linked to the six Mendelian characters were identified, and one of them has already been used for marker-assisted selection. This map will be used for detection of quantitative trait loci controlling organoleptic and nutritional fruit quality in peach.     

Construction of the First High-Density Genetic Linkage Map and Analysis of Quantitative Trait Loci for Growth-Related Traits in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Sinonovacula constricta</Emphasis>

The razor clam (Sinonovacula constricta) is an important aquaculture species, for which a high-density genetic linkage map would play an important role in marker-assisted selection (MAS). In this study, we constructed a high-density genetic map and detected quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for Sinonovacula constricta with an F₁ cross population by using the specific locus amplified fragment sequencing (SLAF-seq) method. A total of 315,553 SLAF markers out of 467.71 Mreads were developed. The final linkage map was composed of 7516 SLAFs (156.60-fold in the parents and 20.80-fold in each F₁ population on average). The total distance of the linkage map was 2383.85 cM, covering 19 linkage groups with an average inter-marker distance of 0.32 cM. The proportion of gaps less than 5.0 cM was on average 96.90%. A total of 16 suggestive QTLs for five growth-related traits (five QTLs for shell height, six QTLs for shell length, three QTLs for shell width, one QTL for total body weight, and one QTL for soft body weight) were identified. These QTLs were distributed on five linkage groups, and the regions showed overlapping on LG9 and LG13. In conclusion, the high-density genetic map and QTLs for S. constricta provide a valuable genetic resource and a basis for MAS.     

Identification and Validation of Quantitative Trait Loci for Agronomic Traits in Advanced Backcross Breeding Lines Derived from Oryza rufipogon × Oryza sativa Cultivar MR219

A backcross breeding strategy was used to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with 14 traits in a BC₂F₂ population derived from a cross between MR219, an indica rice cultivar and an accession of Oryza rufipogon (IRGC 105491). A total of 261 lines were genotyped with 96 microsatellite markers and evaluated for plant morphology, yield components and growth period. The genetic linkage map generated for this population with an average interval size of 16.2?cM, spanning 1,553.4?cM (Kosambi) of the rice genome. Thirty-eight QTLs were identified with composite interval mapping (CIM), whereas simple interval mapping (SIM) resulted in 47 QTLs (LOD >3.0). The O. rufipogon allele was favourable for 59% of QTLs detected through CIM. Of 261 BC₂F₂ families, 26 advanced backcross breeding lines (BC₂F₅) were used for QTL validation. These lines were selected on the basis of the yield traits potentiality in BC₂F₃ and BC₂F₄ generations. The field trial was conducted at three different locations in Malaysia using randomized complete block design with three replications. Trait based marker analysis was done for QTL determination. Twenty-five QTLs were detected in BC₂F₅ generation whereas 29 QTLs were detected in BC₂F₂ generation of the same population. Two QTLs (qPL-1 and qSPL-7) were not considered for validation due to their low R ² values and two QTLs (qPSS-3-2 and qGW-3-2) were not detected in the BC₂F₅ population. Fifteen QTLs showed the beneficial effect to enhance the trait value of the breeding lines. QTL validation aided to select the promising lines for further utilization.     

QTL mapping of root hair and acid exudation traits and their relationship to phosphorus uptake in common bean

The relationship between root-hair growth, acid exudation and phosphorus (P) uptake as well as the quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with these traits were determined for a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from the cross of two contrasting common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) genotypes, DOR364 and G19833, which were grown in solution culture and under field conditions with low-P availability. In the solution-culture study, root-hair density, root-hair length, H⁺ exudation and total acid exudation were measured. Substantial genotypic variability was observed for these traits and their response to P availability. The P-efficient parent G19833 had greater root-hair density, longer root-hair length, and greater exudation of H⁺ and total acid than the P-inefficient genotype DOR364. These traits segregated continuously in the RIL population, with obvious tendency of trait transgression. Genetic analysis revealed that the root traits measured had various heritabilities, with h _b ² ranging from 43.24 to 86.70%. Using an integrated genetic map developed for the population, a total of 19 QTLs associated with root hair, acid exudation and P-uptake traits were detected on 8 linkage groups. P uptake in the field was positively correlated with total acid exudation, basal root-hair length, and basal root-hair density. Acid-exudation traits were intercorrelated, as were root-hair traits. Total acid exudation was positively correlated with basal root-hair density and length. Linkage analysis revealed that some of the root-trait QTLs were closely linked with QTLs for P uptake in the field. We propose that marker-assisted selection (MAS) might be a feasible alternative to conventional screening of phenotypic root traits.     

Salt tolerance in Lycopersicon species. IV. Efficiency of marker-assisted selection for salt tolerance improvement

The usefulness of marker-assisted selection (MAS) to develop salt-tolerant breeding lines from a F₂ derived from L. esculentum x L. pimpinellifolium has been studied. Interval mapping methodology of quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis was used to locate more precisely previously detected salt tolerance QTLs. A new QTL for total fruit weight under salinity (TW) near TG24 was detected. Most of the detected QTLs [3 for TW, 5 for fruit number, (FN) and 4 for fruit weight (FW)] had low R ² values, except the FW QTL in the TG180-TG48 interval, which explains 36.6% of the total variance. Dominant and overdominant effects were detected at the QTLs for TW, whereas gene effects at the QTLs for FJV and FW ranged from additive to partial dominance. Phenotypic selection of F₂ familes and marker-assisted selection of F₃ families were carried out. Yield under salinity decreased in the F₂ generation. F₃ means were similar to those of the F₁ as a consequence of phentoypic selection. The most important selection response for every trait was obtained from the F₃ to F₄ where MAS was applied. While F₃ variation was mainly due to the within-family component, in the F₄ the FN and FW between-family component was larger than the within-family one, indicating an efficient compartmentalization and fixation of QTLs into the F₄ families. Comparison of the yield of these families under control versus saline conditions showed that fruit weight is a key trait to success in tomato salt-tolerance improvement using wild Lycopersicon germplasm. The QTLs we have detected under salinity seem to be also working under control conditions, although the interaction family x treatment was significant for TW, thereby explaining the fact that the selected families responded differently to salinity.     

Two loss-of-function alleles of the glutathione S-transferase (GST) gene cause anthocyanin deficiency in flower and fruit skin of peach (Prunus persica)

Flower and fruit colors are important agronomic traits. To date, there is no forward genetic evidence that the glutathione S-transferase (GST) gene is responsible for the white flower color in peach (Prunus persica). In this study, genetic analysis indicated that the white-flower trait is monogenetic, is recessive to the non-white allele, and shows pleiotropic effects with non-white-flowered types. The genetic locus underpinning this trait was mapped onto chromosome 3 between 0.421951 and 3.227115 Mb by using bulked segregant analysis in conjunction with whole-genome sequencing, and was further mapped between 0 and 1.178149 Mb by using the backcross 1 (BC₁) population. Finally, the locus was fine-mapped within 535.974- and 552.027-kb intervals by using 151 F₂ individuals and 75 individuals from a BC₁ self-pollinated (BC₁S₁) population, respectively. Pp3G013600, encoding a GST that is known to transport anthocyanin, was identified within the mapping interval. The analysis of genome sequence data showed Pp3G013600 in white flowers has a 2-bp insertion or a 5-bp deletion in the third exon. These variants likely render the GST non-functional because of early stop codons that reduce the protein length from 215 amino acids to 167 and 175 amino acids, respectively. Genetic markers based on these variants validated a complete correlation between the GST loss-of-function alleles and white flower in 128 peach accessions. This correlation was further confirmed by silencing of Pp3G013600 using virus-induced gene silencing technology, which reduced anthocyanin accumulation in peach fruit. The new knowledge from this study is useful for designing peach breeding programs to generate cultivars with white flower and fruit skin.     

A genetic map of Prunus based on an interspecific cross between peach and almond

A genetic linkage map of Prunus has been constructed using an interspecific F₂ population generated from self-pollinating a single F₁ plant from a cross between a dwarf peach selection (54P455) and an almond cultivar Padre. Mendelian segregations were observed for 118 markers including 1 morphological (dw), 6 isozymes, 12 plum genomic, 14 almond genomic and 75 peach mesocarp specific cDNA markers. One hundred and seven markers were mapped to 9 different linkage groups covering about 800 cM map distance, and 11 markers remained unlinked. Three loci identified by three cDNA clones, PC8, PC5 and PC68.1, were tightly linked to the dw locus in linkage group 5. Segregation distortion was observed for approximately one-third of the markers, perhaps due to the interspecific nature and the reproductive (i.e. self-incompatibility) differences between peach and almond. This map will be used for adding other markers and genes controlling important traits, identifying the genomic locations and genetic characterizing of the economically important genes in the genus Prunus, as well as for markerassisted selection in breeding populations. Of particular interest are the genes controlling tree growth and form, and fruit ripening and mesocarp development in peach and almond.