PhenoGram of the molecular markers on the physical map according to the apple GDDH13 whole genome v1.1.
Newswise — The apple industry faces the challenge of genetic uniformity, with a few dominant cultivars narrowing the genetic base. This reduction in diversity, exacerbated by the unpredictable impacts of climate change on fruit quality and yield, underscores the urgency to broaden the genetic diversity within apple cultivation. There is a critical need for apple varieties that can withstand environmental stress while remaining commercially viable. Given these challenges, an in-depth exploration of the genetic determinants of pivotal apple traits, specifically fruit size and shape, is essential.
Recent research from the Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG) has advanced their understanding of apple genetics. Their study (DOI: 10.1093/hr/uhad270), published on December 19, 2023, in Horticulture Research, applied a robust genomic analysis to pinpoint genes linked to the size and shape of apple fruits.
This study delves into the genomic underpinnings of apple fruit size and shape, utilizing an extensive dataset encompassing 355 apple genotypes from the REFPOP (a European collection of 534 genotypes (accessions and progenies) that represent the current European breeding germplasm.) collection. Through genome-wide association (GWAS), the research team identified 59 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) tied to these traits, revealing 71 quantitative trait nucleotides (QTNs) spread across the chromosomes, excluding chromosomes 10 and 15. The discovery of 34 QTNs influencing size and 37 affecting shape has shed new light on the genetic intricacies governing these traits. The study particularly spotlighted genes such as MdOFP17 and MdOFP4, which show varied expression levels in cultivars with different fruit shapes, indicating their crucial role in fruit development. The RNA-seq data analysis further supports these genes' role in shape regulation, providing a genetic lens through which to view the phenotypic diversity among apple cultivars. The study's thorough examination of the genetic framework of apple fruit characteristics has not only enriched scientific comprehension but also presented tangible genetic markers that could refine and expedite the apple breeding process.
Dr. Maria José Aranzana, the corresponding author of the study, emphasizes, "Our findings have paved the way for a more targeted approach to apple breeding, focusing not only on enhancing yield and disease resistance but also on meeting consumer preferences for specific fruit attributes such as size and shape."
The identification of these genetic markers could revolutionize apple breeding, enabling the development of new varieties that combine visual appeal with the ability to adapt to diverse climates and resist diseases. This genetic insight has the potential to steer apple production towards greater sustainability and could significantly alter the landscape of the apple industry.
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References
DOI
Original Source URL
https://doi.org/10.1093/hr/uhad270
Funding information
C.D. was supported by “DON CARLOS ANTONIO LOPEZ” Abroad Postgraduate Scholarship Program, BECAL-Paraguay. V.C.A. is a recipient of grant PRE2019-088780 funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and by “ESF Investing in your future.” This research was supported by project PID2021-128885OB-I00 funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and by “ERDF A way of making Europe.” This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 817970 (INVITE). We acknowledge support from the CERCA Programme (“Generalitat de Catalunya”), and the “Severo Ochoa Programme for Centres of Excellence in R&D” 2016-2019 (SEV-2015-0533) and 2020-2023 (CEX2019-000902-S) both funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033.
About Horticulture Research
Horticulture Research is an open access journal of Nanjing Agricultural University and ranked number one in the Horticulture category of the Journal Citation Reports ™ from Clarivate, 2022. The journal is committed to publishing original research articles, reviews, perspectives, comments, correspondence articles and letters to the editor related to all major horticultural plants and disciplines, including biotechnology, breeding, cellular and molecular biology, evolution, genetics, inter-species interactions, physiology, and the origination and domestication of crops.
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