Articles
Advanced genetic mapping integrating genotype by sequencing and QTL identification of phenology and fruit quality traits in apricot progenies
Article number
1450_45
Pages
343 – 348
Language
English
Abstract
Apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) is an edible fruit known for its well-balanced acidity-sweetness, providing a characteristic flavor.
Its antioxidant properties are associated with both the skin and flesh, theoretically offering health benefits.
Currently, this species ranks as the third most important stone fruit in terms of fruit production, with Turkey being the leading producer, with more than 800,000 metric t (MT) annually produced.
Among European countries, Italy, Spain, and France are the most significant producers, with a production ranging from 180,000 to 80,000 metric t.
This species is characterized by its diploid genome (2n=16) and has been the focus of research in the apricot breeding program developed at the CEBAS-CSIC research centre in Murcia since the 1980s.
Murcia region contributes significantly to the national production with a percentage of 40%. The primary goals of the breeding program include obtaining novel cultivars characterized by early or late maturation, high fruit quality traits, and good postharvest performance.
To achieve these goals, genotype by sequencing (GBS) was implemented to construct saturated parental genetic maps for the ‘Bergeron’ × ‘Currot’ (‘B×C’, n=134) and ‘Goldrich’ × ‘Currot’ (‘G×C’, n=159) apricot populations.
This technique facilitated the genetic mapping of 991 SNPs in ‘B×C’ and 1,022 SNPs in ‘G×C’, covering approximately 500 to 800 cM on each parental map.
Over a span of at least six years, phenological traits, including blooming date, fruit development period, and ripening time, were recorded, along with two years of fruit quality traits (fruit weight, fruit colour, firmness, soluble solids, and acidity). Major trait associations related to ripening time and fruit colour, identified through general linear models, have been more precisely validated by using significant QTLs in the present genetic maps.
This provides valuable information for the implementation of molecular-assisted selection in fruit quality related traits in apricot.
Its antioxidant properties are associated with both the skin and flesh, theoretically offering health benefits.
Currently, this species ranks as the third most important stone fruit in terms of fruit production, with Turkey being the leading producer, with more than 800,000 metric t (MT) annually produced.
Among European countries, Italy, Spain, and France are the most significant producers, with a production ranging from 180,000 to 80,000 metric t.
This species is characterized by its diploid genome (2n=16) and has been the focus of research in the apricot breeding program developed at the CEBAS-CSIC research centre in Murcia since the 1980s.
Murcia region contributes significantly to the national production with a percentage of 40%. The primary goals of the breeding program include obtaining novel cultivars characterized by early or late maturation, high fruit quality traits, and good postharvest performance.
To achieve these goals, genotype by sequencing (GBS) was implemented to construct saturated parental genetic maps for the ‘Bergeron’ × ‘Currot’ (‘B×C’, n=134) and ‘Goldrich’ × ‘Currot’ (‘G×C’, n=159) apricot populations.
This technique facilitated the genetic mapping of 991 SNPs in ‘B×C’ and 1,022 SNPs in ‘G×C’, covering approximately 500 to 800 cM on each parental map.
Over a span of at least six years, phenological traits, including blooming date, fruit development period, and ripening time, were recorded, along with two years of fruit quality traits (fruit weight, fruit colour, firmness, soluble solids, and acidity). Major trait associations related to ripening time and fruit colour, identified through general linear models, have been more precisely validated by using significant QTLs in the present genetic maps.
This provides valuable information for the implementation of molecular-assisted selection in fruit quality related traits in apricot.
Publication
Authors
G. Ortuño-Hernández, P. Martínez-Gómez, D. Ruiz, J.A. Salazar
Keywords
apricot, GBS, SNPs, genetic mapping, QTL identification, phenology, fruit quality
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