Comparative mapping of ZYMV resistances in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) and melon (Cucumis melo L.)

Zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV) routinely causes significant losses in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) and melon (Cucumis melo L.). ZYMV resistances from the cucumber population TMG1 and the melon plant introduction (PI) 414723 show different modes of inheritance and their genetic relationships are unknown. We used molecular markers tightly linked to ZYMV resistances from cucumber and melon for comparative mapping. A 5-kb genomic region (YCZ-5) cosegregating with the zym locus of cucumber was cloned and sequenced to reveal single nucleotide polymorphisms and indels distinguishing alleles from ZYMV-resistant (TMG1) and susceptible (Straight 8) cucumbers. A low-copy region of the YCZ-5 clone was hybridized to bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) clones of melon and a 180-kb contig assembled. One end of this melon contig was mapped in cucumber and cosegregated with ZYMV resistance, demonstrating that physically linked regions in melon show genetic linkage in cucumber. However the YCZ-5 region segregated independently of ZYMV resistance loci in two melon families. These results establish that these sources of ZYMV resistances from cucumber TMG1 and melon PI414723 are likely non-syntenic.     

Fine genetic mapping of a locus controlling short internode length in melon (Cucumis melo L.)

Compact and dwarfing vining habits in melon (Cucumis melo L.; 2n = 2x = 24) may have commercial importance since they can contribute to the promotion of concentrated fruit set and can be planted in higher plant densities than standard vining types. A study was designed to determine the genetics of dwarfism associated with a diminutive (short internodes) melon mutant line PNU-D1 (C. melo ssp. cantalupensis). PNU-D1 was crossed with inbred wild-type melon line PNU-WT1 (C. melo ssp. agrestis), and resultant F₁ progeny were then self-pollinated to produce an F₂ population that segregated as dwarf and vining plant types. Primary stem length of F₂ progeny assessed under greenhouse conditions indicated that a single recessive gene, designated mdw1, controlled dwarfism in this population. To identify the chromosomal location associated with mdw1, an simple sequence repeat (SSR)-based genetic linkage map was constructed using 94 F₂ progeny. Using 76 SSR markers positioned on 15 linkage groups spanning 462.84 cM, the location of mdw1 was localized to Chromosome 7. Using the putative dwarfing-associated genes, fine genetic mapping of the mdw1 genomic region was facilitated with 1,194 F₂ progeny that defined the genetic distance between mdw1 and cytokinin oxidase gene, a candidate gene for compact growth habit (cp) in cucumber, to be 1.7 cM. The candidate gene ERECTA (serin/threonine kinase) and UBI (ubiquitin) were also mapped to genomic regions flanking mdw1 at distances of 0.6 and 1.2 cM, respectively.     

Genetic mapping of a fusarium wilt resistance gene (Fom-2) in melon (Cucumis melo L.)

Fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. melonis is one of the most devastating diseases in melon production worldwide. The most effective control measure available is the use of resistant varieties. Identifying molecular markers linked to resistance genes can serve as a valuable tool for the selection of resistant genotypes. Bulked segregant analysis was used to identify markers linked to the Fom-2 genes, which confers resistance to races 0 and 1 of the fungal pathogen. Pooled DNA from homozygous resistant or homozygous susceptible progeny of F₂ cross between MR-1 and AY was screened using 240 PstI/MseI and 200 EcoRI/MseI primer combinations to identify AFLP markers linked to Fom-2. Fifteen markers potentially linked to Fom-2 were identified, all with EcoRI/MseI primer pairs. These were mapped relative to Fom-2 in a backcross (BC) population of 60 progeny derived from MR-1 × AY with AY as recurrent parent. Two AFLP markers (ACT/CAT1 and AAC/CAT1) flanked the gene at 1.7 and 3.3 cM, respectively. Moreover, AFLP marker AGG/CCC and the previously identified RAPD marker 596-1 cosegregated with Fom-2. These two dominant markers were converted to co-dominant markers by designing specific PCR primers that produced product length polymorphisms between the parents. A survey of 45 melon genotypes from diverse geographic origins with the co-dominant markers demonstrated a high correlation between fragment size and the resistance phenotype. These markers may therefore be useful in marker-assisted breeding programs.     

Selection of somaclonal variants with low-temperature germinability in melon (Cucumis melo L.)

Summary Plants were regenerated from adventitious buds and somatic embryos (R₀) of melon (Cucumis melo L.), the cultivar Andes. Somaclonal variants of melon with low temperature germinability were selected from the progenies (R₁) of R₀ plants. Among 5,618 R₁ seeds harvested from 23 R₀ plants that were regenerated from adventitious buds 4 seeds germinated after 5 days of culture at 15 °C (selection rate; 0.07%). However, among 374 R₂ seeds harvested from 2 R₁ plants no seed germinated after 7 days of culture at 14 °C. Among 9,181 R₁ seeds harvested from 50 R₀ plants regenerated from somatic embryos 110 seeds germinated after 5 days of culture at 15 °C (selection rate; 1.20%). Among 3,717 R₂ seeds harvested from 17 R₁ plants 113 seeds germinated after 7 days of culture at 14 °C (selection rate; 3.04%). R₃ seeds were collected from these R₂ plants following self-pollination. Forty-five of the 47 lines (R₃) originated from 10 R₀ plants showed higher germination rates than that of the original cultivar. Selected lines with low-temperature germinability showed greater fruit growth rate than the original cultivar during the middle stage when they were cultivated in a greenhouse under low-temperature conditions. Of fruits harvested from 31 lines, 15 lines showed greater fruit volume than the original cultivar.     

Genetic difference in somatic embryogenesis from seeds in melon (Cucumis melo L.)

Significant differences in somatic embryogenesis from melon seeds were observed among 18 cultivars; especially, cultivars Earl's Favorite and Barnett which produced a large number of somatic embryos. F₁ seeds were obtained by reciprocal crosses between cultivars. Some lines produced a large number of somatic embryos whereas others showed no or poor embryogenic response. Most of the F₁ seeds formed somatic embryos. The frequency of somatic embryogenesis decreased as compared to the parents with the highest potential. Transfer of the frequency of somatic embryogenesis from superior responding cultivars to inferior cultivars was proved. It was difficult to determine the mode of inheritance of somatic embryogenesis because there was a large variation in the range of somatic embryogenesis from F₂ seeds, and cytoplasmic effect was recognized in certain combinations.Abbreviations 2,4-D 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - BAP 6-benzylaminopurine     

Food-grade sugar can promote differentiation in melon (Cucumis melo L.) tissue culture

The objective of the present study was to investigate the origin of discrepancy between experimental results in in vitro culture of Turkish melon (Cucumis melo L.) cultivars, conducted by the same individual using the same protocol and same seed batches in two different laboratories. The difference in the sucrose source was found to be the major reason for the deviation in results between the two laboratories. The percentage of regenerating explants and the number of bud-like protuberances and/or shoots were significantly greater when a food-grade Turkish sucrose was used in the medium compared with analytical-grade sucrose. Media formulated with the food-grade sucrose regenerated 37 and 67 % more explants and bud-like protuberances and/or shoots per explant, respectively, than media containing analytical-grade sucrose. No meaningful differences were found in added elements or anions between the sucrose sources or by liquid chromatography/mass spectroscopy. The only significant chemical difference observed between the sucrose samples was the presence of melanoidins (Maillard reaction products) in the food-grade sucrose. The melanoidins were of high molecular weight (>3,000 Da determined by ultrafiltration), with characteristic ultraviolet?Cvisible spectra and in vitro antioxidant activity. Melanoidin-containing sucrose can be differentiated by color and spectroscopy.     

Simple-sequence repeat markers used in merging linkage maps of melon (Cucumis melo L.)

A set of 118 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers has been developed in melon from two different sources: genomic libraries (gSSR) and expressed sequence-tag (EST) databases (EST-SSR). Forty-nine percent of the markers showed polymorphism between the Piel de Sapo (PS) and PI161375 melon genotypes used as parents for the mapping populations. Similar polymorphism levels were found in gSSR (51.2%) and EST-SSR (45.5%). Two populations, F₂ and a set of double haploid lines (DHLs), developed from the same parent genotypes were used for map construction. Twenty-three SSRs and 79 restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs), evenly distributed through the melon genome, were used to anchor the maps of both populations. Ten cucumber SSRs, 41 gSSRs, 16 EST-SSR, three single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers, and the Nsv locus were added in the DHL population. The maps developed in the F₂ and DHL populations were co-linear, with similar lengths, except in linkage groups G1, G9, and G10. There was segregation distortion in a higher proportion of markers in the DHL population compared with the F₂, probably caused by selection during the construction of DHLs through in vitro culture. After map merging, a composite genetic map was obtained including 327 transferable markers: 226 RFLPs, 97 SSRs, three SNPs, and the Nsv locus. The map length is 1,021 cM, distributed in 12 linkage groups, and map density is 3.11 cM/marker. SSR markers alone cover nearly 80% of the map length. This map is proposed as a basis for a framework melon map to be merged with other maps and as an anchor point for map comparison between species of the Cucurbitaceae family.Electronic Supplementary Material Supplementary material is available for this article at     

Effects of cyanide on the respiration of musk melon (Cucumis melo L.) roots

The characteristics of root respiration of melon were examinedwith an oxygen electrode. The Hofstee plot of root respirationbreaks into two straight lines. The results of cyanide inhibitionexperiments and curve-fitting analysis suggest that one cyanide-insensitiveand two cyanide-sensitive oxidases operate in melon roots. (Received December 24, 1976; )     

On the genetic control of heterosis for fruit shape in melon (Cucumis melo L.)

The objective of the present work is to study the genetic basis of heterosis for fruit shape (FS) in melon observed in a cross between the Spanish cultivar "Piel de Sapo" (PS) and the Korean accession PI 161375 (Songwang Charmi [SC]) using a set of near-isogenic lines (NILs) with contrasting phenotypes for FS, each carrying a single chromosomal introgression from SC within the genetic background of PS. We investigated the FS of homozygous NILs, hybrids NIL x PS, and all 2-way crosses between NILs to test the main heterosis hypotheses (dominance, overdominance, and epistatic interactions). Gene action of alleles of quantitative trait loci inducing fruit enlargement was dominance, whereas those inducing rounder fruit were additive or recessive. Only minor epistatic interactions were found. Therefore, the most plausible explanation for FS heterosis in this cross is in agreement with the dominance complementation hypothesis. Over 70% of the hybrid heterosis could be achieved by combining just 2 loci, indicating that the genetic control of FS heterosis in this cross is relatively simple. FS is proposed as a reproductive trait in melon because of the high correlation to the number of seeds produced along the fruit longitudinal axis.     

Genetic control of fruit shape acts prior to anthesis in melon (Cucumis melo L.)

Genetic control of fruit shape in Cucumis melo was studied using QTL analysis in two Recombinant Inbred (RI) populations consisting of 163 and 63 individuals, respectively, obtained by crossing the same round-fruited parent with two different elongated-fruit lines. Fruit shape is mainly explained by fruit length in these two populations. Most QTLs for fruit shape and ovary shape detected were found to co-segregate, thus demonstrating early control of fruit shape during ovary development. A high level of correlation between fruit shape and ovary shape was also found in 14 unrelated genetic lines, a finding which suggests that control of fruit shape by gene(s) active early in the ovary is a general feature in C. melo. Two major flower genes, a ( monoecious) and p ( pentamerous), were shown to have major effects on fruit shape. Major tightly linked QTLs for fruit and ovary shape were found close to the a and p genes, probably reflecting their pleiotropic effect on fruit shape. Moreover, one of the two QTLs detected in the Védrantais x PI 414723 population was also found in the Védrantais x PI 161375 population. Variation of fruit shape in melon could be due to variations having quantitative effects on a large set of genes that are probably involved in ovary development.     

Ploidy of somatic embryos and the ability to regenerate plantlets in melon (Cucumis melo L.)

Summary The number of chromosomes in cells of callus, somatic embryos and regenerated plantlets during somatic embryogenesis were examined in two cultivars of melon (Cucumis melo L.). Somatic embryos were diploid (50.0%/32.1%), tetraploid (38.5%/57.5%) and octoploid (11.5%/10.4%) whereas in callus cells diploidy (41.9%/43.3%), tetraploidy (27.9%/25.8%), octoploidy (11.6%/15.5%) and a low frequency of other types of ploidy and aneuploidy were observed. Mixoploid somatic embryos were not observed. These results suggest that the somatic embryos were selectively differentiated from diploid, tetraploid and octoploid cells, and that endopolyploidization of cultured cells occurred before the start of cell division leading to somatic embryogenesis. The ratio of diploid to tetraploid (1.30/0.55) in somatic embryos was less than that in callus cells (1.50/1.68) while ratios of diploid to octoploid (4.35/3.09) and tetraploid to octoploid (3.35/5.52) in somatic embryos were greater than those in callus cells (3.61/2.80 and 2.40/1.67). Therefore, it appears that the ability of callus cell to differentiate into somatic embryos increases in the following order: octoploid < diploid < tetraploid. Regenerated plantlets were diploid (65.5%/55.1%) and tetraploid (34.5%/44.9%). No octoploid plantlets were observed. The ratio of diploid to tetraploid in regenerated plantlets (1.72/1.23) was greater than that in somatic embryos. Therefore, it appears that the ability of somatic embryos to develop into plantlets increases in the following order: octoploid < tetraploid < diploid.     

An improved method of Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated genetic transformation system of melon (Cucumis melo L.)

A reliable Agrobacterium-mediated transformation and shoot regeneration protocol was developed for breeding lines of commercially important melon. Genetic manipulation has been considered a feasible approach for melon improvement; however, melon is considered a crop species difficult to manipulate. Here we proposed meristematic cells from mature embryos as target for gene transfer by Agrobacterium. In vitro meristems proliferation and multiple shoots regeneration were evaluated by sowing melon mature seeds on MS with 1.0 mg/L benzyladenine (BA), and 0.05 mg/L indole acetic acid (IAA) were used for shoot regeneration. The highest number of regenerated shoots was obtained from half mature seeds. A DNA fragment corresponding to selection marker nptII was amplified from genomic DNA extracted from leaves of regenerated plant on hormone free MS medium with 75 mg/L kanamycin, suggesting their transgenic nature. Southern hybridization of transgenic lines revealed random insertion of the transgene in host genome, with insert numbers differing among transformants anthesis, suggesting that ethylene is important for sex determination. Field studies showed that CmACS-7 melons had earlier mature bisexual flowers, increased femaleness as measured by earlier and bisexual buds, and increased number of fruit set on closely spaced nodes on the main stem. Transformation efficiencies of cultivar CM-23 with EHA105 (pBI121-cm) were 4 %, demonstrating that melon meristematic cells are an useful target for genetic manipulation by agroinfection.     

Detection of ethylene receptor protein Cm-ERS1 during fruit development in melon (Cucumis melo L.)

Antibodies against melon ethylene receptor, Cm- ERS1 was prepared. Cm-ERS1 protein formed a disulphide-linked homodimer and it was present in microsomal membranes but not in soluble fractions. Cm-ERS1 protein was present at high levels in melon fruit during early developmental stages. This transition pattern was also observed in another melon cultivar.     

新疆甜瓜地方种质资源遗传多样性的SRAP分析

为研究我国新疆甜瓜地方种质资源亲缘关系及其分类,充分高效的利用种质资源,利用SRAP(sequence-related amplified polymorphism technique)标记对117份中国新疆甜瓜地方品种和28份国内外对照材料进行亲缘关系和遗传多样性分析。结果表明,20对SRAP引物共扩增出224个带,其中多态性谱带216个,多态性比率达96%,平均每对引物扩增的带数和多态性带数分别为11.2个和10.8个,每对引物的多态性信息含量PIC值为0.73~0.94,平均为0.85;不同生态区域供试材料的Nei's基因多样性指数(H)和Shannon's信息指数(I)分别为0.1075~0.2560和0.1569~0.4061,中国新疆的南疆、东疆和北疆均高于其他生态区域供试材料,且以南疆最高,具有非常丰富的遗传多样性;不同生态区域甜瓜种质资源的遗传一致度和遗传距离分别为0.6384~0.9919和0.0081~0.4488,其中南疆、东疆和北疆两两之间的遗传一致度均在0.95以上,遗传距离均在0.04以下,三者之间遗传分化较小;中国新疆甜瓜与印度、西亚、西班牙的甜瓜种质资源亲缘关系较近,与韩国、日本、美国和前苏联的甜瓜种质资源亲缘关系较远。聚类分析结果表明,以遗传相似系数0.548为阈值,145份种质材料可分为3大类群;厚皮甜瓜与薄皮甜瓜间在分子水平上没有严格的界限,两者之间亲缘关系的远近在不同的种质材料间差异很大;117份中国新疆甜瓜地方种质资源可分为A(Ⅰ-1)、B(Ⅰ-2、Ⅰ-3、Ⅰ-5)、C(Ⅰ-6)、D(Ⅱ)等4大类6个亚类群,与传统4个变种10个品种群分类结果不同,但在每个大类或亚类群中属于同一变种或品种群的材料倾向于聚在一起。     

Development of a genomic library of near isogenic lines (NILs) in melon (Cucumis melo L.) from the exotic accession PI161375

A doubled haploid line (DHL) population of melon derived from a cross between the Korean cultivar “Songwhan Charmi” accession PI161375 (SC), included in the horticultural group conomon, and the Spanish cultivar “Piel de Sapo” (PS), included in the horticultural group inodorus, was used to develop a collection of near isogenic lines (NILs). These parental lines represent very different melon cultivar groups, with important differences at fruit, plant, disease response and molecular level. This cross is one of the most polymorphic ones within melon germplasm. Selected DHLs were backcrossed to PS and further backcrossing and selfing was performed, monitoring introgressions from SC using molecular markers covering the melon genetic map. A final collection of 57 NILs was obtained, containing a unique independent introgression from SC in the PS genetic background. The introgressions within the collection cover at least 85% of the SC genome with an average introgression size of 41 cM, corresponding to 3.4% of the SC genome. The average resolution for mapping genes or quantitative trait loci is 18.90 cM. This set of NILs is a potentially powerful tool for the study of quantitative trait locus involved in melon fruit quality and other important complex traits, and the introduction of new genetic variability in modern cultivars from exotic sources. The NILs can also be used as pre-competitive breeding lines in melon breeding projects.