A reference genetic map of C. clementina hort. ex Tan.; citrus evolution inferences from comparative mapping

Inheritance pattern of tetraploids pummelo, mandarin, and their interspecific hybrid sour orange is highly influenced by their phylogenomic structure

Citrus polyploidy is associated with a wide range of morphological, genetic, and physiological changes that are often advantageous for breeding. Citrus triploid hybrids are very interesting as new seedless varieties. However, tetraploid rootstocks promote adaptation to different abiotic stresses and promote resilience. Triploid and tetraploid hybrids can be obtained through sexual hybridizations using tetraploid parents (2x × 4x, 4x × 2x, or 4x × 4x), but more knowledge is needed about the inheritance pattern of tetraploid parents to optimize the efficiency of triploid varieties and tetraploid rootstock breeding strategies. In this work, we have analyzed the inheritance pattern of three tetraploid genotypes: 'Chandler' pummelo (Citrus maxima) and 'Cleopatra' mandarin (Citrus reticulata), which represent two clear examples of autotetraploid plants constituted by the genome of a single species, and the 'Sevillano' sour orange, which is an allotetraploid interspecific hybrid between C. maxima and C. reticulata. Polymorphic simple sequence repeat (SSR) and single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers were used to estimate parental heterozygosity restitution, and allele frequencies for centromeric loci were used to calculate the preferential pairing rate related to the proportion of disomic and tetrasomic segregation. The tetraploid pummelo and mandarin displayed tetrasomic segregation. Sour orange evidenced a clear intermediate inheritance for five of the nine chromosomes (1, 2, 5, 7, and 8), a slight tendency toward tetrasomic inheritance on chromosome 3, and intermediate inheritance with a tendency toward disomy for chromosomes 4, 6, and 9. These results indicate that the interspecific versus intraspecific phylogenomic origin affects preferential pairing and, therefore, the inheritance patterns. Despite its high level of heterozygosity, the important preferential chromosome pairing observed in sour orange results in a limited diversity of the genotypic variability of its diploid gametes, and consequently, a large part of the genetic value of the original diploid sour orange is transferred to the tetraploid progenies.

Allelic haplotype combinations at the MS-P1 region, including P-class pentatricopeptide repeat family genes, influence wide phenotypic variation in pollen grain number through a cytoplasmic male sterility model in citrus

In citrus breeding programs, male sterility is an important trait for developing seedless varieties. Sterility associated with the male sterile cytoplasm of Kishu mandarin (Kishu-cytoplasm) has been proposed to fit the cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) model. However, it remains undetermined whether CMS in citrus is controlled by interactions between sterile cytoplasm and nuclear restorer-of-fertility (Rf) genes. Accordingly, mechanisms underlying the control of the wide phenotypic variation in pollen number for breeding germplasm should be elucidated. This study aimed to identify complete linkage DNA markers responsible for male sterility at the MS-P1 region based on fine mapping. Two P-class pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) family genes were identified as candidates for Rf based on predicted mitochondrial localization and higher expression in a male fertile variety/selected strain than in a male sterile variety. Eleven haplotypes (HT1-HT11) at the MS-P1 region were defined based on genotyping of DNA markers. Association analysis of diplotypes at the MS-P1 region and the number of pollen grains per anther (NPG) in breeding germplasms harboring Kishu-cytoplasm revealed that the diplotypes in this region influenced NPG. Among these haplotypes, HT1 is a non-functional restorer-of-fertility (rf) haplotype; HT2, a less-functional Rf; HT3-HT5 are semi-functional Rfs; and HT6 and HT7 are functional Rfs. However, the rare haplotypes HT8-HT11 could not be characterized. Therefore, P-class PPR family genes in the MS-P1 region may constitute the nuclear Rf genes within the CMS model, and a combination of the seven haplotypes could contribute to phenotypic variation in the NPG of breeding germplasms. These findings reveal the genomic mechanisms of CMS in citrus and will contribute to seedless citrus breeding programs by selecting candidate seedless seedlings using the DNA markers at the MS-P1 region.

Meiotic Behaviors of Allotetraploid Citrus Drive the Interspecific Recombination Landscape, the Genetic Structures, and Traits Inheritance in Tetrazyg Progenies Aiming to Select New Rootstocks

Sexual breeding at the tetraploid level is a promising strategy for rootstock breeding in citrus. Due to the interspecific origin of most of the conventional diploid citrus rootstocks that produced the tetraploid germplasm, the optimization of this strategy requires better knowledge of the meiotic behavior of the tetraploid parents. This work used Genotyping By Sequencing (GBS) data from 103 tetraploid hybrids to study the meiotic behavior and generate a high-density recombination landscape for their tetraploid intergenic Swingle citrumelo and interspecific Volkamer lemon progenitors. A genetic association study was performed with root architecture traits. For citrumelo, high preferential chromosome pairing was revealed and led to an intermediate inheritance with a disomic tendency. Meiosis in Volkamer lemon was more complex than that of citrumelo, with mixed segregation patterns from disomy to tetrasomy. The preferential pairing resulted in low interspecific recombination levels and high interspecific heterozygosity transmission by the diploid gametes. This meiotic behavior affected the efficiency of Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) detection. Nevertheless, it enabled a high transmission of disease and pest resistance candidate genes from P. trifoliata that are heterozygous in the citrumelo progenitor. The tetrazyg strategy, using doubled diploids of interspecific origin as parents, appears to be efficient in transferring the dominant traits selected at the parental level to the tetraploid progenies.

Genotyping by Sequencing for SNP-Based Linkage Analysis and the Development of KASPar Markers for Male Sterility and Polyembryony in Citrus

Polyembryony and male sterility (MS) are essential characters for citrus breeding. MS, coupled with parthenocarpy, allows for addressing the diversification of diploid seedless mandarin varieties, and nucleocytoplasmic MS is the most prevalent system. Polyembryony limits the use of seed parents in scion breeding programs, and the recovery of monoembryonic hybrids to be used as female parents is a crucial pre-breeding component. The objectives of this work were the identification of SNPs closely linked with the genes implied in these traits for marker-assisted selection. Genotyping by sequencing was used to genotype 61 diploid hybrids from an F1 progeny recovered from crossing 'Kiyomi' and 'Murcott' tangors. A total of 6444 segregating markers were identified and used to establish the two parental genetic maps. They consisted of 1374 and 697 markers encompassing 1416.287 and 1339.735 cM for 'Kiyomi' and 'Murcott', respectively. Phenotyping for MS and polyembryony was performed. The genotype-trait association study identified a genomic region on LG8 which was significantly associated with MS, and a genomic region on LG1 which was significantly associated with polyembryony. Annotation of the identified region for MS revealed 19 candidate genes. One SNP KASPar marker was developed and fully validated for each trait.

Construction of a high density genetic linkage map to define the locus conferring seedlessness from Mukaku Kishu mandarin

Mukaku Kishu ('MK'), a small sized mandarin, is an important source of seedlessness in citrus breeding. Identification and mapping the gene(s) governing 'MK' seedlessness will expedite seedless cultivar development. In this study, two 'MK'-derived mapping populations- LB8-9 Sugar Belle^® ('SB') × 'MK' (N=97) and Daisy ('D') × 'MK' (N=68) were genotyped using an Axiom_Citrus56 Array encompassing 58,433 SNP probe sets, and population specific male and female parent linkage maps were constructed. The parental maps of each population were integrated to produce sub-composite maps, which were further merged to develop a consensus linkage map. All the parental maps (except 'MK_D') had nine major linkage groups, and contained 930 ('SB'), 810 ('MK_SB'), 776 ('D') and 707 ('MK_D') SNPs. The linkage maps displayed 96.9 ('MK_D') to 98.5% ('SB') chromosomal synteny with the reference Clementine genome. The consensus map was comprised of 2588 markers including a phenotypic seedless (Fs)-locus and spanned a genetic distance of 1406.84 cM, with an average marker distance of 0.54 cM, which is substantially lower than the reference Clementine map. For the phenotypic Fs-locus, the distribution of seedy and seedless progenies in both 'SB' × 'MK' (55:42, χ² = 1.74) and 'D' × 'MK' populations (33:35, χ² = 0.06) followed a test cross pattern. The Fs-locus mapped on chromosome 5 with SNP marker 'AX-160417325' at 7.4 cM in 'MK_SB' map and between two SNP markers 'AX-160536283' and 'AX-160906995' at a distance of 2.4 and 4.9 cM, respectively in 'MK_D' map. The SNPs 'AX-160417325' and 'AX-160536283' correctly predicted seedlessness of 25-91.9% progenies in this study. Based on the alignment of flanking SNP markers to the Clementine reference genome, the candidate gene for seedlessness hovered in a ~ 6.0 Mb region between 3.97 Mb (AX-160906995) to 10.00 Mb (AX-160536283). This region has 131 genes of which 13 genes (belonging to seven gene families) reportedly express in seed coat or developing embryo. The findings of the study will prove helpful in directing future research for fine mapping this region and eventually underpinning the exact causative gene governing seedlessness in 'MK'.

Distinguishing citrus varieties based on genetic and compositional analyses

Simple sequence repeats (SSR) markers and secondary metabolite composition were used in combination to study seven varieties of citrus for the first time. With reference to established accessions of citrus, two of the varieties (Chanh Giay and Ma Nao Pan) were predicted to be Mexican key limes, while three were mandarin hybrids (Nagpur, Pontianak and Dalandan) and the remaining two (Qicheng and Mosambi) were related to the sweet orange. Notably, Dalandan was genetically more like a mandarin despite often referred to as an orange locally, whereas Mosambi was more likely to be a sweet orange hybrid although it has also been called a sweet lime due to its green peel and small size. Several key secondary metabolites such as polymethoxyflavones (sinensetin, tangeretin etc.), furanocoumarins (bergapten, citropten etc.) and volatiles (citronellol, α-sinensal etc.) were identified to be potential biomarkers for separation of citrus species. However, despite having similar genetic profiles, variations in the volatile profile of the two limes were observed; similarly, there were differences in the secondary metabolite profiles of the three mandarin hybrids despite having a common ancestral parent, highlighting the usefulness of genetic and compositional analyses in combination for revealing both origins and flavour profiles especially in citrus hybrids. This knowledge would be crucial for variety screening and selection for use in flavour or fragrance creation and application.

Evaluation of phenolic composition and antioxidant properties of different varieties of Chinese citrus

Citrus peels have health-promoting effects and are a rich source of antioxidant substances. This study evaluated the compositions of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activities in the peels of 52 citrus varieties with consistent planting time and management. The highest levels of total phenols (72.95 ± 37.60 mg/g DW) and total flavonoids (71.43 ± 37.64 mg/g DW) were found in mandarin. The highest phenolic acid content (18.78 ± 0.38 mg/g DW), dominated by protocatechuic acid, was found in kumquat. The antioxidant potency composite index was 6.23-94.56, suggesting mandarin varieties HJ, TWPG, TTPG, AY28, BZH and TCJC had the highest antioxidant activity. Statistics analysis indicated phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity were positively correlated. Principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis suggested a strong relationship between phenolic compound composition and genetic background. This study indicated significant differences in the biological properties of various types of citrus peels; which are valuable for future utilization and research of citrus peels.

High-Density Genetic Map Construction and Identification of QTLs Controlling Leaf Abscission Trait in Poncirus trifoliata

A high-density genetic linkage map is essential for genetic and genomic studies including QTL mapping, genome assembly, and comparative genomic analysis. Here, we constructed a citrus high-density linkage map using SSR and SNP markers, which are evenly distributed across the citrus genome. The integrated linkage map contains 4163 markers with an average distance of 1.12 cM. The female and male linkage maps contain 1478 and 2976 markers with genetic lengths of 1093.90 cM and 1227.03 cM, respectively. Meanwhile, a genetic map comparison demonstrates that the linear order of common markers is highly conserved between the clementine mandarin and Poncirus trifoliata. Based on this high-density integrated citrus genetic map and two years of deciduous phenotypic data, two loci conferring leaf abscission phenotypic variation were detected on scaffold 1 (including 36 genes) and scaffold 8 (including 107 genes) using association analysis. Moreover, the expression patterns of 30 candidate genes were investigated under cold stress conditions because cold temperature is closely linked with the deciduous trait. The developed high-density genetic map will facilitate QTL mapping and genomic studies, and the localization of the leaf abscission deciduous trait will be valuable for understanding the mechanism of this deciduous trait and citrus breeding.

Characterization of Odor-Active Compounds of Ichang Lemon (Citrus wilsonii Tan.) and Identification of Its Genetic Interspecific Origin by DNA Genotyping

Ichang lemon is a citrus fruit whose rind gives off a delicious and much appreciated fragrance and flavor. The volatile components of the fruit peel of Ichang lemon were investigated by GC-MS and GC-O (AEDA method). Simultaneously, its genetic origin was identified by using diagnostic SNP markers specific to ancestral species and multiallelic SSR and InDel markers. Ichang lemon combines three ancestral genomes (Citrus maxima, Citrus ichangensis, and Citrus reticulata) and may be a pummelo × Yuzu hybrid. Although the major compounds of the Ichang lemon aromatic profile were present in Citrus junos, a few pummelo-specific compounds were also detected, such as indole and nootkatone, in agreement with its maternal lineage. 3-Methyl-3-sulfanylbutyl acetate, reported to occur in passion fruit and brewed coffee, was identified by GC-MS, GC-QTOF-MS, and GC-FTIR for the first time in citrus. This odor-active compound has a sulfurous, tropical fruity, green note.

Localization and characterization of Citrus centromeres by combining half-tetrad analysis and CenH3-associated sequence profiling

The physical locations of citrus centromere are revealed by combining genetic and immunological assays for the first time and nine citrus centromere-specific markers for cytogenetics are mined. Centromere localization is challenging, because highly redundant repetitive sequences in centromeric regions make sequence assembly difficult. Although several citrus genomes have been released, the centromeric regions and their characteristics remain to be elucidated. Here, we mapped citrus centromeres through half-tetrad analysis (HTA) that included the genotyping of 54 tetraploid hybrids derived from 2n megagametophytes of Nadorcott tangor with 212 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. The sizes of centromeric regions, which estimated based on the heterozygosity restitution rate pattern along the chromosomes, ranged from 1.12 to 18.19 Mb. We also profiled the binding sequences with the centromere-specific histone variant CenH3 by chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq). Based on the positions of the top ten CenH3-enriched contigs, the sizes of centromeric regions were estimated to range from 0.01 to 7.60 Mb and were either adjacent to or included in the centromeric regions identified by HTA. We used DNA probes from two repeats selected from the centromeric regions and seven CenH3-binding centromeric repeats to verify centromeric locations by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Centromere localization in citrus will contribute to the mining of centromeric/pericentromeric markers, thus to facilitate the rapid identification of mechanisms underlying 2n gamete formation and serve the polyploidy breeding.

Identification of fruit size associated quantitative trait loci featuring SLAF based high-density linkage map of goji berry (Lycium spp.)

BACKGROUND

Goji (Lycium spp., 2n = 24) is a fruit bearing woody plant popular as a superfood for extensive medicinal and nutritional advantages. Fruit size associated attributes are important for evaluating small-fruited goji berry and plant architecture. The domestication traits are regulated quantitatively in crop plants but few studies have attempted on genomic regions corresponding to fruit traits.

RESULTS

In this study, we established high-resolution map using specific locus amplified fragment (SLAF) sequencing for de novo SNPs detection based on 305 F₁ individuals derived from L. chinense and L. barbarum and performed quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis of fruit size related traits in goji berry. The genetic map contained 3495 SLAF markers on 12 LGs, spanning 1649.03 cM with 0.47 cM average interval. Female and male parents and F₁ individuals` sequencing depth was 111.85-fold and 168.72-fold and 35.80-fold, respectively. The phenotype data were collected for 2 successive years (2018-2019); however, two-year mean data were combined in an extra year (1819). Total 117 QTLs were detected corresponding to multiple traits, of which 78 QTLs in 2 individual years and 36 QTLs in extra year. Six Promising QTLs (qFW10-6.1, qFL10-2.1, qLL10-2.1, qLD10-2.1, qLD12-4.1, qLA10-2.1) were discovered influencing fruit weight, fruit length and leaf related attributes covering an interval ranged from 27.32-71.59 cM on LG10 with peak LOD of 10.48 and 14.6% PVE. Three QTLs targeting fruit sweetness (qFS3-1, qFS5-2) and fruit firmness (qFF10-1) were also identified. Strikingly, various traits QTLs were overlapped on LG10, in particular, qFL10-2.1 was co-located with qLL10-2.1, qLD10-2.1 and qLA10-2.1 among stable QTLs, harbored tightly linked markers, while qLL10-1 was one major QTL with 14.21 highest LOD and 19.3% variance. As LG10 harbored important traits QTLs, we might speculate that it could be hotspot region regulating fruit size and plant architectures.

CONCLUSIONS

This report highlights the extremely saturated linkage map using SLAF-seq and novel loci contributing fruit size-related attributes in goji berry. Our results will shed light on domestication traits and further strengthen molecular and genetic underpinnings of goji berry; moreover, these findings would better facilitate to assemble the reference genome, determining potential candidate genes and marker-assisted breeding.

Integration of mandarin (Citrus reticulata) cytogenetic map with its genome sequence

Citrus is an extremely important genus in terms of world fruit production. Despite its economic importance and the small genome sizes of its species (2n = 18, 1C = 430 ± 68 Mbp), entire genomic assemblies have only recently become available for some of its representatives. Together with the previous CMA/DAPI banding and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) in the group, these data are important for understanding the complex relationships between its species and for assisting breeding programs. To anchor genomic data with the cytogenetic map of mandarin (Citrus reticulata), the parental species of several economically important hybrids such as sweet orange and clementine, 18 BAC (bacterial artificial chromosome) clones were used. Eleven clementine BACs were positioned by BAC-FISH, doubling the number of chromosome markers so far available for BAC-FISH in citrus. Additionally, six previously mapped BACs were end-sequenced, allowing, together with one BAC previously sequenced, their assignment to scaffolds and the subsequent integration of chromosomes and the genome assembly. This study therefore established correlations between mandarin scaffolds and chromosomes, allowing further structural genomic and comparative study with the sweet orange genome, as well as insights into the chromosomal evolution of the group.

Preferential Disomic Segregation and C. micrantha/C. medica Interspecific Recombination in Tetraploid 'Giant Key' Lime; Outlook for Triploid Lime Breeding

The triploid 'Tahiti' lime (C. x latifolia (Yu. Tanaka) Tanaka) naturally originated from a merger between a haploid ovule of lemon (C. x limon (L.) Burm) and a diploid pollen from a 'Mexican' lime (C. x aurantiifolia (Christm.) Swing). The very limited natural inter-varietal diversity and gametic sterility of C. latifolia requires a phylogenomic based reconstruction breeding strategy to insure its diversification. We developed a strategy based on interploid hybridization between diploid lemon and the doubled diploid 'Giant Key' lime. This lime is a doubled diploid of 'Mexican' lime, itself a natural interspecific F1 hybrid between C. medica L. and C. micrantha Wester. For an optimized breeding program, we analyzed the meiotic behavior of the allotetraploid lime, the genetic structure of its diploid gametes, the interspecific recombination between C. medica and C. micrantha, and constructed its genetic map. A population of 272 triploid hybrids was generated using 'Giant Key' lime as pollinator. One hundred fifty-eight SNPs diagnostic of C. micrantha, regularly distributed throughout the citrus genome were successfully developed and applied. The genetic structure of the diploid gametes was examined based on C. micrantha doses along the genome. The diploid gametes transmitted in average 91.17% of the parental interspecific C. medica/C. micrantha heterozygosity. Three chromosomes (2, 8, and 9) showed disomic segregation with high preferential pairing values, while the remaining chromosomes showed an intermediate inheritance with a preferential disomic trend. A total of 131 SNPs were assigned to nine linkage groups to construct the genetic map. It spanned 272.8 cM with a low average recombination rate (0.99 cM Mb-1) and high synteny and colinearity with the reference clementine genome. Our results confirmed that an efficient reconstruction breeding strategy for 'Tahiti' lime is possible, based on interploid hybridization using a doubled diploid of C. aurantiifolia. The tetraploid parent should be selected for favorable agronomic traits and its genetic value should be efficiently inherited by the progeny thanks to transmission of the high level of parental heterozygosity. However, it would require developing numerous progeny to overcome the linkage drag caused by the limited interspecific recombination associated with the predominant disomic inheritance.

Genetic differentiation and intrinsic genomic features explain variation in recombination hotspots among cocoa tree populations

Background

Recombination plays an important evolutionary role by breaking up haplotypes and shuffling genetic variation. This process impacts the ability of selection to eliminate deleterious mutations or increase the frequency of beneficial mutations in a population. To understand the role of recombination generating and maintaining haplotypic variation in a population, we can construct fine-scale recombination maps. Such maps have been used to study a variety of model organisms and proven to be informative of how selection and demographics shape species-wide variation. Here we present a fine-scale recombination map for ten populations of Theobroma cacao – a non-model, long-lived, woody crop. We use this map to elucidate the dynamics of recombination rates in distinct populations of the same species, one of which is domesticated.

Results

Mean recombination rates in range between 2.5 and 8.6 cM/Mb for most populations of T. cacao with the exception of the domesticated Criollo (525 cM/Mb) and Guianna, a more recently established population (46.5 cM/Mb). We found little overlap in the location of hotspots of recombination across populations. We also found that hotspot regions contained fewer known retroelement sequences than expected and were overrepresented near transcription start and termination sites. We find mutations in FIGL-1, a protein shown to downregulate cross-over frequency in Arabidopsis, statistically associated to higher recombination rates in domesticated Criollo.

Conclusions

We generated fine-scale recombination maps for ten populations of Theobroma cacao and used them to understand what processes are associated with population-level variation in this species. Our results provide support to the hypothesis of increased recombination rates in domesticated plants (Criollo population). We propose a testable mechanistic hypothesis for the change in recombination rate in domesticated populations in the form of mutations to a previously identified recombination-suppressing protein. Finally, we establish a number of possible correlates of recombination hotspots that help explain general patterns of recombination in this species.

Male and female inheritance patterns in tetraploid 'Moncada' mandarin

KEY MESSAGE

Tetraploid `Moncada´ mandarin, used as male and female in interploidy hybridizations, displays mainly tetrasomic inheritance for most LGs, with slight variations according to the direction of the crossing. Triploid-breeding programs in citrus are key tool to develop seedless cultivars. Obtaining triploid citrus hybrids may be achieved through different strategies, such as the exploitation of female unreduced gamete in crosses between diploid parents and diploid by tetraploid sexual hybridizations, in which tetraploid genotypes can be used as male or female parents. Genetic configuration of triploid populations from interploid crosses greatly depends on the chromosomic segregation mode of the tetraploid parent used. Here, we have analyzed the inheritance of the tetraploid 'Moncada' mandarin and compared the genetic structures of the resulting gametes when used as male and as female parent. The preferential chromosome pairing rate is calculated from the parental heterozygosity restitution (PHR) of codominant molecular markers, indicating the proportion between disomic and tetrasomic segregation. Tetraploid 'Moncada' both as female and male parent largely exhibited tetrasomic segregation. However, as female parent, one linkage group (LG8) showed intermediate segregation with tendency towards tetrasomic inheritance, while another linkage group (LG4) evidenced a clear intermediate segregation. On the other hand, when used as male parent two linkage groups (LG5 and LG6) showed values that fit an intermediate inheritance model with tetrasomic tendency. Significant doubled reduction (DR) rates were observed in five linkage groups as female parent, and in six linkage groups as male parent. The new knowledge generated here will serve to define crossing strategies in citrus improvement programs to efficiently obtain new varieties of interest in the global fresh consumption market.

Analysis of Crossover Events and Allele Segregation Distortion in Interspecific Citrus Hybrids by Single Pollen Genotyping

In citrus, a classical method of studying crossovers and segregation distortion (SD) is the genetic analysis of progenies. A new strategy combining fluorescence-activated cell sorting and whole genome amplification of haploid pollen nuclei with a large set of molecular markers, offers the opportunity to efficiently determine the frequency of crossovers and the identification of SD without the need to generate segregating populations. Here we have analyzed meiotic crossover events in a pollen nuclei population from "Eureka" lemon and the allelic SD was evaluated in a pollen nuclei population from a clementine × sweet orange hybrid ("CSO"). Data obtained from the "CSO" pollen nuclei population were compared to those obtained from genotyping of a segregating population ("RTSO") arising from a hand-made sexual hybridization between diploid non apomictic selected tangor (mandarin × sweet orange; "RTO" tangor) as female parent pollinated with "CSO" tangor as male parent. The analysis of crossovers rates on chromosome 1 revealed the presence of up to five crossovers events on one arm and four on the corresponding other arm, with an average of 1.97 crossovers per chromosome while no crossover events were observed in five "Eureka" lemon pollen nuclei. The rate of SD observed in "CSO" pollen nuclei (13.8%) was slightly lower than that recovered in the "RTSO" population (20.7%). In the pollen nuclei population, SD was found on linkage group (LG) 2, while the "RTSO" population showed SD on LGs 2 and 7. Potential male gametic selection mechanisms were distinguished in pollen grains, while in the population, mechanisms of gametophytic selection and/or zygotic selection were observed. This methodology is a very useful tool to facilitate research focused on the reproductive biology of citrus and study the mechanisms that affect crossovers and SD.

Genotyping by sequencing can reveal the complex mosaic genomes in gene pools resulting from reticulate evolution: a case study in diploid and polyploid citrus

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Reticulate evolution, coupled with reproductive features limiting further interspecific recombinations, results in admixed mosaics of large genomic fragments from the ancestral taxa. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data are powerful tools to decipher such complex genomes but still too costly to be used for large populations. The aim of this work was to develop an approach to infer phylogenomic structures in diploid, triploid and tetraploid individuals from sequencing data in reduced genome complexity libraries. The approach was applied to the cultivated Citrus gene pool resulting from reticulate evolution involving four ancestral taxa, C. maxima, C. medica, C. micrantha and C. reticulata.

METHODS

A genotyping by sequencing library was established with the restriction enzyme ApeKI applying one base (A) selection. Diagnostic single nucleotide polymorphisms (DSNPs) for the four ancestral taxa were mined in 29 representative varieties. A generic pipeline based on a maximum likelihood analysis of the number of read data was established to infer ancestral contributions along the genome of diploid, triploid and tetraploid individuals. The pipeline was applied to 48 diploid, four triploid and one tetraploid citrus accessions.

KEY RESULTS

Among 43 598 mined SNPs, we identified a set of 15 946 DSNPs covering the whole genome with a distribution similar to that of gene sequences. The set efficiently inferred the phylogenomic karyotype of the 53 analysed accessions, providing patterns for common accessions very close to that previously established using WGS data. The complex phylogenomic karyotypes of 21 cultivated citrus, including bergamot, triploid and tetraploid limes, were revealed for the first time.

CONCLUSIONS

The pipeline, available online, efficiently inferred the phylogenomic structures of diploid, triploid and tetraploid citrus. It will be useful for any species whose reproductive behaviour resulted in an interspecific mosaic of large genomic fragments. It can also be used for the first generations of interspecific breeding schemes.

Facing Climate Change: Biotechnology of Iconic Mediterranean Woody Crops

The Mediterranean basin is especially sensitive to the adverse outcomes of climate change and especially to variations in rainfall patterns and the incidence of extremely high temperatures. These two concurring adverse environmental conditions will surely have a detrimental effect on crop performance and productivity that will be particularly severe on woody crops such as citrus, olive and grapevine that define the backbone of traditional Mediterranean agriculture. These woody species have been traditionally selected for traits such as improved fruit yield and quality or alteration in harvesting periods, leaving out traits related to plant field performance. This is currently a crucial aspect due to the progressive and imminent effects of global climate change. Although complete genome sequence exists for sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) and clementine (Citrus clementina), olive tree (Olea europaea) and grapevine (Vitis vinifera), the development of biotechnological tools to improve stress tolerance still relies on the study of the available genetic resources including interspecific hybrids, naturally occurring (or induced) polyploids and wild relatives under field conditions. To this respect, post-genomic era studies including transcriptomics, metabolomics and proteomics provide a wide and unbiased view of plant physiology and biochemistry under adverse environmental conditions that, along with high-throughput phenotyping, could contribute to the characterization of plant genotypes exhibiting physiological and/or genetic traits that are correlated to abiotic stress tolerance. The ultimate goal of precision agriculture is to improve crop productivity, in terms of yield and quality, making a sustainable use of land and water resources under adverse environmental conditions using all available biotechnological tools and high-throughput phenotyping. This review focuses on the current state-of-the-art of biotechnological tools such as high throughput -omics and phenotyping on grapevine, citrus and olive and their contribution to plant breeding programs.

Molecular cytogenetic analysis of genome-specific repetitive elements in Citrus clementina Hort. Ex Tan. and its taxonomic implications

BACKGROUND

Clementine mandarin (Citrus clementina Hort. ex Tan.) is one of the most famous and widely grown citrus cultivars worldwide. Variations in relation to the composition and distribution of repetitive DNA sequences that dominate greatly in eukaryote genomes are considered to be species-, genome-, or even chromosome-specific. Repetitive DNA-based fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) is a powerful tool for molecular cytogenetic study. However, to date few studies have involved in the repetitive elements and cytogenetic karyotype of Clementine.

RESULTS

A graph-based similarity sequence read clustering methodology was performed to analyze the repetitive DNA families in the Clementine genome. The bioinformatics analysis showed that repetitive DNAs constitute 41.95% of the Clementine genome, and the majority of repetitive elements are retrotransposons and satellite DNAs. Sequential multicolor FISH using a probe mix that contained CL17, four satellite DNAs, two rDNAs and an oligonucleotide of (TTTAGGG)₃ was performed with Clementine somatic metaphase chromosomes. An integrated karyotype of Clementine was established based on unequivocal and reproducible chromosome discriminations. The distribution patterns of these probes in several Citrus, Poncirus and Fortunella species were summarized through extensive FISH analyses. Polymorphism and heterozygosity were commonly observed in the three genera. Some asymmetrical FISH loci in Clementine were in agreement with its hybrid origin.

CONCLUSIONS

The composition and abundance of repetitive elements in the Clementine genome were reanalyzed. Multicolor FISH-based karyotyping provided direct visual proof of the heterozygous nature of Clementine chromosomes with conspicuous asymmetrical FISH hybridization signals. We detected some similar and variable distribution patterns of repetitive DNAs in Citrus, Poncirus, and Fortunella, which revealed notable conservation among these genera, as well as obvious polymorphism and heterozygosity, indicating the potential utility of these repetitive element markers for the study of taxonomic, phylogenetic and evolutionary relationships in the future.

SLAF-Based Construction of a High-Density Genetic Map and Its Application in QTL Mapping of Carotenoids Content in Citrus Fruit

Carotenoids are important antioxidant components in the human diet. To develop carotenoid-rich agricultural products by genetic intervention, understanding the genetic basis of carotenoids variation is essential. In this study, we constructed a high-density integrated genetic map with 3817 molecular markers using specific locus amplified fragment (SLAF) sequencing from a C. reticulata × P. trifoliata F₁ pseudotestcross population. A total of 17 significant quantitative trait loci (QTLs) distributed on Chromosomes (Chr) 2, 3, 5, 6, and 9 were detected to determine the carotenoid variation in the population. In particular, three QTL colocalizations for multiple carotenoid constituents were observed on Chr 2, 3, and 9, one of which was located on Chr2:34,654,608-35430715 accounted for 20.1-25.4% of the variation of luteoxanthin, auroxanthin, lutein, violaxanthin, and total carotenoid content. Overall, this study provides a genetic foundation for marker-assisted selection (MAS) breeding of nutritionally enhanced citrus fruit.

Construction of a high-density linkage map and QTL detection of downy mildew resistance in Vitis aestivalis-derived 'Norton'

A major QTL for downy mildew resistance was detected on chromosome 18 (Rpv27) in Vitis aestivalis-derived 'Norton' based on a high-resolution linkage map with SNP and SSR markers as well as 2 years of field and laboratory phenotyping data. Grapevine downy mildew caused by the oomycete Plasmopara viticola is one of the most widespread and destructive diseases, particularly in humid viticultural areas where it damages green tissues and defoliates vines. Traditional Vitis vinifera wine grape cultivars are susceptible to downy mildew whereas several North American and a few Asian cultivars possess various levels of resistance to this disease. To identify genetic determinants of downy mildew resistance in V. aestivalis-derived 'Norton,' a mapping population with 182 genotypes was developed from a cross between 'Norton' and V. vinifera 'Cabernet Sauvignon' from which a consensus map was constructed via 411 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. Using genotyping-by-sequencing, 3825 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers were also generated. Of these, 1665 SNP and 407 SSR markers were clustered into 19 linkage groups in 159 genotypes, spanning a genetic distance of 2203.5 cM. Disease progression in response to P. viticola was studied in this population for 2 years under both laboratory and field conditions, and strong correlations were observed among data sets (Spearman correlation coefficient = 0.57-0.79). A quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis indicated a resistance locus on chromosome 18, here named Rpv27, explaining 33.8% of the total phenotypic variation. Flanking markers closely linked with the trait can be further used for marker-assisted selection in the development of new cultivars with resistance to downy mildew.

Genetic Mapping of the Incompatibility Locus in Olive and Development of a Linked Sequence-Tagged Site Marker

The genetic control of self-incompatibility (SI) has been recently disclosed in olive. Inter-varietal crossing confirmed the presence of only two incompatibility groups (G1 and G2), suggesting a simple Mendelian inheritance of the trait. A double digest restriction associated DNA (ddRAD) sequencing of a biparental population segregating for incompatibility groups has been performed and high-density linkage maps were constructed in order to map the SI locus and identify gene candidates and linked markers. The progeny consisted of a full-sib family of 229 individuals derived from the cross 'Leccino' (G1) × 'Dolce Agogia' (G2) varieties, segregating 1:1 (G1:G2), in accordance with a diallelic self-incompatibility (DSI) model. A total of 16,743 single nucleotide polymorphisms was identified, 7,006 in the female parent 'Leccino' and 9,737 in the male parent 'Dolce Agogia.' Each parental map consisted of 23 linkage groups and showed an unusual large size (5,680 cM in 'Leccino' and 3,538 cM in 'Dolce Agogia'). Recombination was decreased across all linkage groups in pollen mother cells of 'Dolce Agogia,' the parent with higher heterozygosity, compared to megaspore mother cells of 'Leccino,' in a context of a species that showed exceptionally high recombination rates. A subset of 109 adult plants was assigned to either incompatibility group by a stigma test and the diallelic self-incompatibility (DSI) locus was mapped to an interval of 5.4 cM on linkage group 18. This region spanned a size of approximately 300 Kb in the olive genome assembly. We developed a sequence-tagged site marker in the DSI locus and identified five haplotypes in 57 cultivars with known incompatibility group assignment. A combination of two single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) was sufficient to predict G1 or G2 phenotypes in olive cultivars, enabling early marker-assisted selection of compatible genotypes and allowing for a rapid screening of inter-compatibility among cultivars in order to guarantee effective fertilization and increase olive production. The construction of high-density linkage maps has led to the development of the first functional marker in olive and provided positional candidate genes in the SI locus.

Assessing Ploidy Level Analysis and Single Pollen Genotyping of Diploid and Euploid Citrus Genotypes by Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorting and Whole-Genome Amplification

Flow cytometry is widely used to determine genome size and ploidy level in plants. This technique, when coupled with fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), whole genome amplification and genotyping (WGA), opens up new opportunities for genetic studies of individualized nuclei. This strategy was used to analyze the genetic composition of single pollen nuclei of different citrus species. The flow cytometry and microscope observations allowed us to differentiate the populations of pollen nuclei present in the diploid and euploid genotypes analyzed, showing that citrus has binuclear pollen. We have identified in the "CSO" tangor an additional nuclei population composed by the vegetative plus generative nuclei. Genotyping of this nuclei population revealed that vegetative and generative nuclei show the same genetic configuration. In addition, we have demonstrated the presence of unreduced gametes in the diploid genotype "Mexican lime." Genomic amplification is a robust method for haploid nuclei genotyping with several molecular markers, whereas in diploid nuclei using heterozygous markers showed a bias towards one of the two alleles, limiting the use of this tool in this type of nuclei. We further discuss the importance and applications of single pollen genotyping in citrus genetic studies.

Construction of High-Density Genetic Maps and Detection of QTLs Associated With Huanglongbing Tolerance in Citrus

Huanglongbing (HLB), or citrus greening, is the most devastating disease in citrus worldwide. Commercial citrus varieties including sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) are highly susceptible to HLB, and trifoliate orange (Poncirus trifoliata, a close Citrus relative) is widely considered resistant or highly tolerant to HLB. In this study, an intergeneric F1 population of sweet orange and trifoliate orange was genotyped by Genotyping-by-Sequencing, and high-density SNP-based genetic maps were constructed separately for trifoliate orange and sweet orange. The two genetic maps exhibited high synteny and high coverage of the citrus genome. Progenies of the F1 population and their parents were planted in a replicated field trial, exposed to intense HLB pressure for 3 years, and then evaluated for susceptibility to HLB over 2 years. The F1 population exhibited a wide range in severity of HLB foliar symptom and canopy damage. Genome-wide QTL analysis based on the phenotypic data of foliar symptom and canopy damage in 2 years identified three clusters of repeatable QTLs in trifoliate orange linkage groups LG-t6, LG-t8 and LG-t9. Co-localization of QTLs for two traits was observed within all three regions. Additionally, one cluster of QTLs in sweet orange (linkage group LG-s7) was also detected. The majority of the identified QTLs each explained 18-30% of the phenotypic variation, indicating their major role in determining HLB responses. These results show, for the first time, a quantitative genetic nature yet the presence of major loci for the HLB tolerance in trifoliate orange. The results suggest that sweet orange also contains useful genetic factor(s) for improving HLB tolerance in commercial citrus varieties. Findings from this study should be very valuable and timely to researchers worldwide as they are hastily searching for genetic solutions to the devastating HLB crisis through breeding, genetic engineering, or genome editing.

Preferential Homologous Chromosome Pairing in a Tetraploid Intergeneric Somatic Hybrid (Citrus reticulata + Poncirus trifoliata) Revealed by Molecular Marker Inheritance

The creation of intergeneric somatic hybrids between Citrus and Poncirus is an efficient approach for citrus rootstock breeding, offering the possibility of combining beneficial traits from both genera into novel rootstock lineages. These somatic hybrids are also used as parents for further tetraploid sexual breeding. In order to optimize these latter breeding schemes, it is essential to develop knowledge on the mode of inheritance in the intergeneric tetraploid hybrids. We assessed the meiotic behavior of an intergeneric tetraploid somatic hybrid resulting from symmetric protoplast fusion of diploid Citrus reticulata and diploid Poncirus trifoliata. The analysis was based on the segregation patterns of 16 SSR markers and 9 newly developed centromeric/pericentromeric SNP markers, representing all nine linkage groups of the Citrus genetic map. We found strong but incomplete preferential pairing between homologues of the same ancestral genome. The proportion of gametes that can be explained by random meiotic chromosome associations (τ) varied significantly between chromosomes, from 0.09 ± 0.02 to 0.47 ± 0.09, respectively, in chromosome 2 and 1. This intermediate inheritance between strict disomy and tetrasomy, with global preferential disomic tendency, resulted in a high level of intergeneric heterozygosity of the diploid gametes. Although limited, intergeneric recombinations occurred, whose observed rates, ranging from 0.09 to 0.29, respectively, in chromosome 2 and 1, were significantly correlated with τ. Such inheritance is of particular interest for rootstock breeding because a large part of the multi-trait value selected at the teraploid parent level is transmitted to the progeny, while the potential for some intergeneric recombination offers opportunities for generating plants with novel allelic combinations that can be targeted by selection.

Comprehensive Metabolomics Analysis of Mandarins ( Citrus reticulata) as a Tool for Variety, Rootstock, and Grove Discrimination

The metabolite profile responsible for the quality of mandarin fruit is influenced by preharvest factors including genotype, rootstock, grove location, etc. In this paper, mandarin varieties were discriminated using metabolomics. Additionally, effects on metabolic profiles due to grove location and rootstock differences were also investigated. Results revealed that mandarin varieties could be differentiated using the metabolite profile, while the compositions of flavonoids have the potential for variety differentiation. With regard to fruits of the same variety, grove location might determine the overall profile of metabolites, whereas rootstock possibly affected composition of secondary metabolites. Pathway enrichment analysis demonstrated that biosynthesis pathways of terpenoids and steroids involving limonene and linalool were highly influenced by variety diversity. Moreover, the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway, involving hesperetin, naringenin, eriodictyol, and taxifolin, was indicated to have a close relationship with rootstock differentiation. This study provides useful and important information with depth for breeding and optimizing preharvest practices.

Molecular Characterization and Stress Tolerance Evaluation of New Allotetraploid Somatic Hybrids Between Carrizo Citrange and Citrus macrophylla W. rootstocks

Polyploidy is one of the main forces that drives the evolution of plants and provides great advantages for breeding. Somatic hybridization by protoplast fusion is used in citrus breeding programs. This method allows combining the whole parental genomes in a single genotype, adding complementary dominant characters, regardless of parental heterozygosity. It also contributes to surpass limitations imposed by reproductive biology and quickly generates progenies that combine the required traits. Two allotetraploid somatic hybrids recovered from the citrus rootstocks-Citrus macrophylla (CM) and Carrizo citrange (CC)-were characterized for morphology, genome composition using molecular markers (SNP, SSR, and InDel), and their tolerance to iron chlorosis, salinity, and Citrus tristeza virus (CTV). Both hybrids combine the whole parental genomes even though the loss of parental alleles was detected in most linkage groups. Mitochondrial genome was inherited from CM in both the hybrids, whereas recombination was observed for chloroplastic genome. Thus, somatic hybrids differ from each other in their genome composition, indicating that losses and rearrangements occurred during the fusion process. Both inherited the tolerance to stem pitting caused by CTV from CC, are tolerant to iron chlorosis such as CM, and have a higher tolerance to salinity than the sensitive CC. These hybrids have potential as improved rootstocks to grow citrus in areas with calcareous and saline soils where CTV is present, such as the Mediterranean region. The provided knowledge on the effects of somatic hybridization on the genome composition, anatomy, and physiology of citrus rootstocks will be key for breeding programs that aim to address current and future needs of the citrus industry.

Citrus species and hybrids depicted by near- and mid-infrared spectroscopy

BACKGROUND

Citrus trees are among the most cultivated plants in the world, with a high economic impact. The wide sexual compatibility among relatives gave rise to a large number of hybrids that are difficult to discriminate. This work sought to explore the ability of infrared spectroscopy to discriminate among Citrus species and/or hybrids and to contribute to the elucidation of its relatedness.

RESULTS

Adult leaves of 18 distinct Citrus plants were included in this work. Near- and mid-infrared (NIR and FTIR) spectra were acquired from leaves after harvesting and a drying period of 1 month. Spectra were modelled by principal component analysis and partial least squares discriminant analysis. Both techniques revealed a high discrimination potential (78.5-95.9%), being the best results achieved with NIR spectroscopy and air-dried leaves (95.9%).

CONCLUSION

Infrared spectroscopy was able to successfully discriminate several Citrus species and/or hybrids. Our results contributed also to enhance insights regarding the studied Citrus species and/or hybrids. Despite the benefit of including additional samples, the results herein obtained clearly pointed infrared spectroscopy as a reliable technique for Citrus species and/or hybrid discrimination. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Origin of C. latifolia and C. aurantiifolia triploid limes: the preferential disomic inheritance of doubled-diploid 'Mexican' lime is consistent with an interploid hybridization hypothesis

Background and Aims

Two main types of triploid limes are produced worldwide. The 'Tahiti' lime type (Citrus latifolia) is predominant, while the 'Tanepao' type (C. aurantiifolia) is produced to a lesser extent. Both types result from natural interspecific hybridization involving a diploid gamete of C. aurantiifolia 'Mexican' lime type (itself a direct interspecific C. micrantha × C. medica hybrid). The meiotic behaviour of a doubled-diploid 'Mexican' lime, the interspecific micrantha/medica recombination and the resulting diploid gamete structures were analysed to investigate the possibility that 'Tahiti' and 'Tanepao' varieties are derived from natural interploid hybridization.

Methods

A population of 85 tetraploid hybrids was established between a doubled-diploid clementine and a doubled-diploid 'Mexican' lime and used to infer the genotypes of 'Mexican' lime diploid gametes. Meiotic behaviour was studied through combined segregation analysis of 35 simple sequenbce repeat (SSR) and single nucleotide polymorphismn (SNP) markers covering the nine citrus chromosomes and cytogenetic studies. It was supplemented by pollen viability assessment.

Key Results

Pollen viability of the doubled-diploid Mexican lime (64 %) was much higher than that of the diploid. On average, 65 % of the chromosomes paired as bivalents and 31.4 % as tetravalents. Parental heterozygosity restitution ranged from 83 to 99 %. Disomic inheritance with high preferential pairing values was deduced for three chromosomes. Intermediate inheritances, with disomic trend, were found for five chromosomes, and an intermediate inheritance was observed for one chromosome. The average effective interspecific recombination rate was low (1.2 cM Mb-1).

Conclusion

The doubled-diploid 'Mexican' lime had predominantly disomic segregation, producing interspecific diploid gamete structures with high C. medica/C. micrantha heterozygosity, compatible with the phylogenomic structures of triploid C. latifolia and C. aurantiifolia varieties. This disomic trend limits effective interspecific recombination and diversity of the diploid gamete population. Interploid reconstruction breeding using doubled-diploid lime as one parent is a promising approach for triploid lime diversification.

Construction of High-Density Genetic Maps and Detection of QTLs Associated With Huanglongbing Tolerance in Citrus

Huanglongbing (HLB), or citrus greening, is the most devastating disease in citrus worldwide. Commercial citrus varieties including sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) are highly susceptible to HLB, and trifoliate orange (Poncirus trifoliata, a close Citrus relative) is widely considered resistant or highly tolerant to HLB. In this study, an intergeneric F₁ population of sweet orange and trifoliate orange was genotyped by Genotyping-by-Sequencing, and high-density SNP-based genetic maps were constructed separately for trifoliate orange and sweet orange. The two genetic maps exhibited high synteny and high coverage of the citrus genome. Progenies of the F₁ population and their parents were planted in a replicated field trial, exposed to intense HLB pressure for 3 years, and then evaluated for susceptibility to HLB over 2 years. The F₁ population exhibited a wide range in severity of HLB foliar symptom and canopy damage. Genome-wide QTL analysis based on the phenotypic data of foliar symptom and canopy damage in 2 years identified three clusters of repeatable QTLs in trifoliate orange linkage groups LG-t6, LG-t8 and LG-t9. Co-localization of QTLs for two traits was observed within all three regions. Additionally, one cluster of QTLs in sweet orange (linkage group LG-s7) was also detected. The majority of the identified QTLs each explained 18-30% of the phenotypic variation, indicating their major role in determining HLB responses. These results show, for the first time, a quantitative genetic nature yet the presence of major loci for the HLB tolerance in trifoliate orange. The results suggest that sweet orange also contains useful genetic factor(s) for improving HLB tolerance in commercial citrus varieties. Findings from this study should be very valuable and timely to researchers worldwide as they are hastily searching for genetic solutions to the devastating HLB crisis through breeding, genetic engineering, or genome editing.

Genotyping by sequencing reveals the interspecific C. maxima / C. reticulata admixture along the genomes of modern citrus varieties of mandarins, tangors, tangelos, orangelos and grapefruits

The mandarin horticultural group is an important component of world citrus production for the fresh fruit market. This group formerly classified as C. reticulata is highly polymorphic and recent molecular studies have suggested that numerous cultivated mandarins were introgressed by C. maxima (the pummelos). C. maxima and C. reticulata are also the ancestors of sweet and sour oranges, grapefruit, and therefore of all the "small citrus" modern varieties (mandarins, tangors, tangelos) derived from sexual hybridization between these horticultural groups. Recently, NGS technologies have greatly modified how plant evolution and genomic structure are analyzed, moving from phylogenetics to phylogenomics. The objective of this work was to develop a workflow for phylogenomic inference from Genotyping By Sequencing (GBS) data and to analyze the interspecific admixture along the nine citrus chromosomes for horticultural groups and recent varieties resulting from the combination of the C. reticulata and C. maxima gene pools. A GBS library was established from 55 citrus varieties, using the ApekI restriction enzyme and selective PCR to improve the read depth. Diagnostic polymorphisms (DPs) of C. reticulata/C. maxima differentiation were identified and used to decipher the phylogenomic structure of the 55 varieties. The GBS approach was powerful and revealed 30,289 SNPs and 8,794 Indels with 12.6% of missing data. 11,133 DPs were selected covering the nine chromosomes with a higher density in genic regions. GBS combined with the detection of DPs was powerful for deciphering the "phylogenomic karyotypes" of cultivars derived from admixture of the two ancestral species after a limited number of interspecific recombinations. All the mandarins, mandarin hybrids, tangelos and tangors analyzed displayed introgression of C. maxima in different parts of the genome. C. reticulata/C. maxima admixture should be a major component of the high phenotypic variability of this germplasm opening up the way for association studies based on phylogenomics.

Unreduced Megagametophyte Production in Lemon Occurs via Three Meiotic Mechanisms, Predominantly Second-Division Restitution

Unreduced (2n) gametes have played a pivotal role in polyploid plant evolution and are useful for sexual polyploid breeding in various species, particularly for developing new seedless citrus varieties. The underlying mechanisms of 2n gamete formation were recently revealed for Citrus reticulata but remain poorly understood for other citrus species, including lemon (C. limon [L.] Burm. f.). Here, we investigated the frequency and causal meiotic mechanisms of 2n megagametophyte production in lemon. We genotyped 48progeny plants of two lemon genotypes, "Eureka Frost" and "Fino", using 16 Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) and 18 Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) markers to determine the genetic origin of the progenies and the underlying mechanisms for 2n gamete formation. We utilized a maximum-likelihood method based on parental heterozygosity restitution (PHR) of centromeric markers and analysis of PHR patterns along the chromosome. The frequency of 2n gamete production was 4.9% for "Eureka Frost" and 8.3% for "Fino", with three meiotic mechanisms leading to 2n gamete formation. We performed the maximum-likelihood method at the individual level via centromeric marker analysis, finding that 88% of the hybrids arose from second-division restitution (SDR), 7% from first-division restitution (FDR) or pre-meiotic doubling (PRD), and 5% from post-meiotic genome doubling (PMD). The pattern of PHR along LG1 confirmed that SDR is the main mechanism for 2n gamete production. Recombination analysis between markers in this LG revealed partial chiasma interference on both arms. We discuss the implications of these restitution mechanisms for citrus breeding and lemon genetics.

Comprehensive comparative analysis of volatile compounds in citrus fruits of different species

The volatile profiles of fruit peels and juice sacs from 108 citrus accessions representing seven species were analyzed. Using GC-MS 162 and 107 compounds were determined in the peels and juice sacs, respectively. In the peels, monoterpene alcohols were accumulated in loose-skin mandarins; clementine tangerines and papedas were rich in sesquiterpene alcohols, sesquiterpenes, monoterpene alcohols and monoterpene aldehydes. β-pinene and sabinene were specifically accumulated in 4 of 5 lemon germplasms. Furthermore, concentrations of 34 distinctive compounds were selected to best represent the volatile profiles of seven species for HCA analysis, and the clustering results were in agreement with classic citrus taxonomy. Comparison of profiles from different growing seasons and production areas indicated that environmental factors play important roles in volatile metabolism. In addition, a few citrus germplasms that accumulated certain compounds were determined as promising breeding materials. Notably, volatile biosynthesis via MVA pathway in C. ichangensis 'Huaihua' was enhanced.

Fine Mapping for Identification of Citrus Alternaria Brown Spot Candidate Resistance Genes and Development of New SNP Markers for Marker-Assisted Selection

Alternaria brown spot (ABS) is a serious disease affecting susceptible citrus genotypes, which is a strong concern regarding citrus breeding programs. Resistance is conferred by a recessive locus (ABSr) previously located by our group within a 3.3 Mb genome region near the centromere in chromosome III. This work addresses fine-linkage mapping of this region for identifying candidate resistance genes and develops new molecular markers for ABS-resistance effective marker-assisted selection (MAS). Markers closely linked to ABSr locus were used for fine mapping using a 268-segregating diploid progeny derived from a heterozygous susceptible × resistant cross. Fine mapping limited the genomic region containing the ABSr resistance gene to 366 kb, flanked by markers at 0.4 and 0.7 cM. This region contains nine genes related to pathogen resistance. Among them, eight are resistance (R) gene homologs, with two of them harboring a serine/threonine protein kinase domain. These two genes along with a gene encoding a S-adenosyl-L-methionine-dependent-methyltransferase protein, should be considered as strong candidates for ABS-resistance. Moreover, the closest SNP was genotyped in 40 citrus varieties, revealing very high association with the resistant/susceptible phenotype. This new marker is currently used in our citrus breeding program for ABS-resistant parent and cultivar selection, at diploid, triploid and tetraploid level.

Parental diagnosis of satsuma mandarin (Citrus unshiu Marc.) revealed by nuclear and cytoplasmic markers

Satsuma mandarins (Citrus unshiu Marc.) are the predominant cultivated citrus variety in Japan. Clarification of its origin would prove valuable for citrus taxonomy and mandarin breeding programs; however, current information is limited. We applied genome-wide genotyping using a 384 citrus single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array and MARCO computer software to investigate the satsuma mandarin parentage. Genotyping data from 206 validated SNPs were obtained to evaluate 67 citrus varieties and lines. A total of five parent-offspring relationships were newly found by MARCO based on the 206 SNP genotypes, indicating that 'Kishuu mikan' type mandarins (Citrus kinokuni hort. ex Tanaka accession 'Kishuu mikan' and 'Nanfengmiju') and 'Kunenbo' type mandarins (Citrus nobilis Lour. var. kunip Tanaka accession 'Kunenbo' and 'Bendiguangju') are possible parents of the satsuma mandarin. Moreover, cleaved amplified polymorphic sequences analysis showed that the genotypes of four regions in chloroplast DNA of 'Kishuu mikan' type mandarins were identical to that of the satsuma mandarin. Considering the historical background, satsuma mandarins may therefore derive from an occasional cross between a 'Kishuu mikan' type mandarin seed parent (derivative or synonym of 'Nanfengmiju') and a 'Kunenbo' type mandarin pollen parent (derivative or synonym of 'Bendiguangju').

Precocious flowering of juvenile citrus induced by a viral vector based on Citrus leaf blotch virus: a new tool for genetics and breeding

The long juvenile period of citrus trees (often more than 6 years) has hindered genetic improvement by traditional breeding methods and genetic studies. In this work, we have developed a biotechnology tool to promote transition from the vegetative to the reproductive phase in juvenile citrus plants by expression of the Arabidopsis thaliana or citrus FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) genes using a Citrus leaf blotch virus-based vector (clbvINpr-AtFT and clbvINpr-CiFT, respectively). Citrus plants of different genotypes graft inoculated with either of these vectors started flowering within 4-6 months, with no alteration of the plant architecture, leaf, flower or fruit morphology in comparison with noninoculated adult plants. The vector did not integrate in or recombine with the plant genome nor was it pollen or vector transmissible, albeit seed transmission at low rate was detected. The clbvINpr-AtFT is very stable, and flowering was observed over a period of at least 5 years. Precocious flowering of juvenile citrus plants after vector infection provides a helpful and safe tool to dramatically speed up genetic studies and breeding programmes.

Inheritance in doubled-diploid clementine and comparative study with SDR unreduced gametes of diploid clementine

Tetraploid clementine displays mainly tetrasomic inheritance. Genetic structures of 2n SDR and 2 × gametes from DD clementine are complementary and will guides triploids citrus breeding strategies. Triploid breeding is developed worldwide to create new seedless cultivars. Citrus triploid hybrids can be recovered from 2x × 2x sexual hybridizations as a consequence of the formation of unreduced gametes (2n), or from 4x × 2x interploid hybridizations in which tetraploid parents used are most often doubled-diploid (DD). Here we have analyzed the inheritance in doubled-diploid clementine and compared the genetic structures of gametes of DD clementine with SDR unreduced gametes of diploid clementine. Parental heterozygosity restitution (PHR) with DD parents depends on the rate of preferential chromosome pairing and thus the proportion of disomic versus tetrasomic segregations. Doubled-diploid clementine largely exhibited tetrasomic segregation. However, three linkage groups had intermediate segregation and one had a tendency for disomy. Significant doubled reduction rates (DR) rates were observed in six of the nine LGs. Differences of PHR between 2n SDR and 2x DD gametes were highest in the centromeric region and progressively decreased toward the distal regions where they were not significant. Over all markers, PHR was lower (two-thirds) in SDR 2n gametes than in DD-derived diploid gametes. The two strategies appear complementary in terms of genotypic variability. Interploid 4x × 2x hybridization is potentially more efficient for developing new cultivars that are phenotypically closer to the diploid parent of the DD than sexual hybridization through SDR 2n gametes. Conversely, 2x × 2x triploidisation has the potential to produce novel products with characteristics for market segmentation strategies.

High-density linkage mapping and distribution of segregation distortion regions in the oak genome

We developed the densest single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-based linkage genetic map to date for the genus Quercus An 8k gene-based SNP array was used to genotype more than 1,000 full-sibs from two intraspecific and two interspecific full-sib families of Quercus petraea and Quercus robur A high degree of collinearity was observed between the eight parental maps of the two species. A composite map was then established with 4,261 SNP markers spanning 742 cM over the 12 linkage groups (LGs) of the oak genome. Nine genomic regions from six LGs displayed highly significant distortions of segregation. Two main hypotheses concerning the mechanisms underlying segregation distortion are discussed: genetic load vs. reproductive barriers. Our findings suggest a predominance of pre-zygotic to post-zygotic barriers.

Citrus breeding, genetics and genomics in Japan

Citrus is one of the most cultivated fruits in the world, and satsuma mandarin (Citrus unshiu Marc.) is a major cultivated citrus in Japan. Many excellent cultivars derived from satsuma mandarin have been released through the improvement of mandarins using a conventional breeding method. The citrus breeding program is a lengthy process owing to the long juvenility, and it is predicted that marker-assisted selection (MAS) will overcome the obstacle and improve the efficiency of conventional breeding methods. To promote citrus molecular breeding in Japan, a genetic mapping was initiated in 1987, and the experimental tools and resources necessary for citrus functional genomics have been developed in relation to the physiological analysis of satsuma mandarin. In this paper, we review the progress of citrus breeding and genome researches in Japan and report the studies on genetic mapping, expression sequence tag cataloguing, and molecular characterization of breeding characteristics, mainly in terms of the metabolism of bio-functional substances as well as factors relating to, for example, fruit quality, disease resistance, polyembryony, and flowering.

Nuclear species-diagnostic SNP markers mined from 454 amplicon sequencing reveal admixture genomic structure of modern citrus varieties

Most cultivated Citrus species originated from interspecific hybridisation between four ancestral taxa (C. reticulata, C. maxima, C. medica, and C. micrantha) with limited further interspecific recombination due to vegetative propagation. This evolution resulted in admixture genomes with frequent interspecific heterozygosity. Moreover, a major part of the phenotypic diversity of edible citrus results from the initial differentiation between these taxa. Deciphering the phylogenomic structure of citrus germplasm is therefore essential for an efficient utilization of citrus biodiversity in breeding schemes. The objective of this work was to develop a set of species-diagnostic single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers for the four Citrus ancestral taxa covering the nine chromosomes, and to use these markers to infer the phylogenomic structure of secondary species and modern cultivars. Species-diagnostic SNPs were mined from 454 amplicon sequencing of 57 gene fragments from 26 genotypes of the four basic taxa. Of the 1,053 SNPs mined from 28,507 kb sequence, 273 were found to be highly diagnostic for a single basic taxon. Species-diagnostic SNP markers (105) were used to analyse the admixture structure of varieties and rootstocks. This revealed C. maxima introgressions in most of the old and in all recent selections of mandarins, and suggested that C. reticulata × C. maxima reticulation and introgression processes were important in edible mandarin domestication. The large range of phylogenomic constitutions between C. reticulata and C. maxima revealed in mandarins, tangelos, tangors, sweet oranges, sour oranges, grapefruits, and orangelos is favourable for genetic association studies based on phylogenomic structures of the germplasm. Inferred admixture structures were in agreement with previous hypotheses regarding the origin of several secondary species and also revealed the probable origin of several acid citrus varieties. The developed species-diagnostic SNP marker set will be useful for systematic estimation of admixture structure of citrus germplasm and for diverse genetic studies.

Maximum-likelihood method identifies meiotic restitution mechanism from heterozygosity transmission of centromeric loci: application in citrus

Polyploidisation is a key source of diversification and speciation in plants. Most researchers consider sexual polyploidisation leading to unreduced gamete as its main origin. Unreduced gametes are useful in several crop breeding schemes. Their formation mechanism, i.e., First-Division Restitution (FDR) or Second-Division Restitution (SDR), greatly impacts the gametic and population structures and, therefore, the breeding efficiency. Previous methods to identify the underlying mechanism required the analysis of a large set of markers over large progeny. This work develops a new maximum-likelihood method to identify the unreduced gamete formation mechanism both at the population and individual levels using independent centromeric markers. Knowledge of marker-centromere distances greatly improves the statistical power of the comparison between the SDR and FDR hypotheses. Simulating data demonstrated the importance of selecting markers very close to the centromere to obtain significant conclusions at individual level. This new method was used to identify the meiotic restitution mechanism in nineteen mandarin genotypes used as female parents in triploid citrus breeding. SDR was identified for 85.3% of 543 triploid hybrids and FDR for 0.6%. No significant conclusions were obtained for 14.1% of the hybrids. At population level SDR was the predominant mechanisms for the 19 parental mandarins.

Genetic mapping of centromeres in the nine Citrus clementina chromosomes using half-tetrad analysis and recombination patterns in unreduced and haploid gametes

BACKGROUND

Mapping centromere locations in plant species provides essential information for the analysis of genetic structures and population dynamics. The centromere's position affects the distribution of crossovers along a chromosome and the parental heterozygosity restitution by 2n gametes is a direct function of the genetic distance to the centromere. Sexual polyploidisation is relatively frequent in Citrus species and is widely used to develop new seedless triploid cultivars. The study's objectives were to (i) map the positions of the centromeres of the nine Citrus clementina chromosomes; (ii) analyse the crossover interference in unreduced gametes; and (iii) establish the pattern of genetic recombination in haploid clementine gametes along each chromosome and its relationship with the centromere location and distribution of genic sequences.

RESULTS

Triploid progenies were derived from unreduced megagametophytes produced by second-division restitution. Centromere positions were mapped genetically for all linkage groups using half-tetrad analysis. Inference of the physical locations of centromeres revealed one acrocentric, four metacentric and four submetacentric chromosomes. Crossover interference was observed in unreduced gametes, with variation seen between chromosome arms. For haploid gametes, a strong decrease in the recombination rate occurred in centromeric and pericentromeric regions, which contained a low density of genic sequences. In chromosomes VIII and IX, these low recombination rates extended beyond the pericentromeric regions. The genomic region corresponding to a genetic distance < 5cM from a centromere represented 47% of the genome and 23% of the genic sequences.

CONCLUSIONS

The centromere positions of the nine citrus chromosomes were genetically mapped. Their physical locations, inferred from the genetic ones, were consistent with the sequence constitution and recombination pattern along each chromosome. However, regions with low recombination rates extended beyond the pericentromeric regions of some chromosomes into areas richer in genic sequences. The persistence of strong linkage disequilibrium between large numbers of genes promotes the stability of epistatic interactions and multilocus-controlled traits over successive generations but also maintains multi-trait associations. Identification of the centromere positions will allow the development of simple methods to analyse unreduced gamete formation mechanisms in a large range of genotypes and further modelling of genetic inheritance in sexual polyploidisation breeding schemes.

Next generation haplotyping to decipher nuclear genomic interspecific admixture in Citrus species: analysis of chromosome 2

BACKGROUND

The most economically important Citrus species originated by natural interspecific hybridization between four ancestral taxa (Citrus reticulata, Citrus maxima, Citrus medica, and Citrus micrantha) and from limited subsequent interspecific recombination as a result of apomixis and vegetative propagation. Such reticulate evolution coupled with vegetative propagation results in mosaic genomes with large chromosome fragments from the basic taxa in frequent interspecific heterozygosity. Modern breeding of these species is hampered by their complex heterozygous genomic structures that determine species phenotype and are broken by sexual hybridisation. Nevertheless, a large amount of diversity is present in the citrus gene pool, and breeding to allow inclusion of desirable traits is of paramount importance. However, the efficient mobilization of citrus biodiversity in innovative breeding schemes requires previous understanding of Citrus origins and genomic structures. Haplotyping of multiple gene fragments along the whole genome is a powerful approach to reveal the admixture genomic structure of current species and to resolve the evolutionary history of the gene pools. In this study, the efficiency of parallel sequencing with 454 methodology to decipher the hybrid structure of modern citrus species was assessed by analysis of 16 gene fragments on chromosome 2.

RESULTS

454 amplicon libraries were established using the Fluidigm array system for 48 genotypes and 16 gene fragments from chromosome 2. Haplotypes were established from the reads of each accession and phylogenetic analyses were performed using the haplotypic data for each gene fragment. The length of 454 reads and the level of differentiation between the ancestral taxa of modern citrus allowed efficient haplotype phylogenetic assignations for 12 of the 16 gene fragments. The analysis of the mixed genomic structure of modern species and cultivars (i) revealed C. maxima introgressions in modern mandarins, (ii) was consistent with previous hypotheses regarding the origin of secondary species, and (iii) provided a new picture of the evolution of chromosome 2.

CONCLUSIONS

454 sequencing was an efficient strategy to establish haplotypes with significant phylogenetic assignations in Citrus, providing a new picture of the mixed structure on chromosome 2 in 48 citrus genotypes.

Sequencing of diverse mandarin, pummelo and orange genomes reveals complex history of admixture during citrus domestication

Cultivated citrus are selections from, or hybrids of, wild progenitor species whose identities and contributions to citrus domestication remain controversial. Here we sequence and compare citrus genomes--a high-quality reference haploid clementine genome and mandarin, pummelo, sweet-orange and sour-orange genomes--and show that cultivated types derive from two progenitor species. Although cultivated pummelos represent selections from one progenitor species, Citrus maxima, cultivated mandarins are introgressions of C. maxima into the ancestral mandarin species Citrus reticulata. The most widely cultivated citrus, sweet orange, is the offspring of previously admixed individuals, but sour orange is an F1 hybrid of pure C. maxima and C. reticulata parents, thus implying that wild mandarins were part of the early breeding germplasm. A Chinese wild 'mandarin' diverges substantially from C. reticulata, thus suggesting the possibility of other unrecognized wild citrus species. Understanding citrus phylogeny through genome analysis clarifies taxonomic relationships and facilitates sequence-directed genetic improvement.

Lateral organ boundaries 1 is a disease susceptibility gene for citrus bacterial canker disease

Citrus bacterial canker (CBC) disease occurs worldwide and incurs considerable costs both from control measures and yield losses. Bacteria that cause CBC require one of six known type III transcription activator-like (TAL) effector genes for the characteristic pustule formation at the site of infection. Here, we show that Xanthomonas citri subspecies citri strain Xcc306, with the type III TAL effector gene pthA4 or with the distinct yet biologically equivalent gene pthAw from strain XccA(w), induces two host genes, CsLOB1 and CsSWEET1, in a TAL effector-dependent manner. CsLOB1 is a member of the Lateral Organ Boundaries (LOB) gene family of transcription factors, and CsSWEET1 is a homolog of the SWEET sugar transporter and rice disease susceptibility gene. Both TAL effectors drive expression of CsLOB1 and CsSWEET1 promoter reporter gene fusions when coexpressed in citrus or Nicotiana benthamiana. Artificially designed TAL effectors directed to sequences in the CsLOB1 promoter region, but not the CsSWEET1 promoter, promoted pustule formation and higher bacterial leaf populations. Three additional distinct TAL effector genes, pthA*, pthB, and pthC, also direct pustule formation and expression of CsLOB1. Unlike pthA4 and pthAw, pthB and pthC do not promote the expression of CsSWEET1. CsLOB1 expression was associated with the expression of genes associated with cell expansion. The results indicate that CBC-inciting species of Xanthomonas exploit a single host disease susceptibility gene by altering the expression of an otherwise developmentally regulated gene using any one of a diverse set of TAL effector genes in the pathogen populations.

Mining of haplotype-based expressed sequence tag single nucleotide polymorphisms in citrus

Background

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), the most abundant variations in a genome, have been widely used in various studies. Detection and characterization of citrus haplotype-based expressed sequence tag (EST) SNPs will greatly facilitate further utilization of these gene-based resources.

Results

In this paper, haplotype-based SNPs were mined out of publicly available citrus expressed sequence tags (ESTs) from different citrus cultivars (genotypes) individually and collectively for comparison. There were a total of 567,297 ESTs belonging to 27 cultivars in varying numbers and consequentially yielding different numbers of haplotype-based quality SNPs. Sweet orange (SO) had the most (213,830) ESTs, generating 11,182 quality SNPs in 3,327 out of 4,228 usable contigs. Summed from all the individually mining results, a total of 25,417 quality SNPs were discovered – 15,010 (59.1%) were transitions (AG and CT), 9,114 (35.9%) were transversions (AC, GT, CG, and AT), and 1,293 (5.0%) were insertion/deletions (indels). A vast majority of SNP-containing contigs consisted of only 2 haplotypes, as expected, but the percentages of 2 haplotype contigs varied widely in these citrus cultivars. BLAST of the 25,417 25-mer SNP oligos to the Clementine reference genome scaffolds revealed 2,947 SNPs had “no hits found”, 19,943 had 1 unique hit / alignment, 1,571 had one hit and 2+ alignments per hit, and 956 had 2+ hits and 1+ alignment per hit. Of the total 24,293 scaffold hits, 23,955 (98.6%) were on the main scaffolds 1 to 9, and only 338 were on 87 minor scaffolds. Most alignments had 100% (25/25) or 96% (24/25) nucleotide identities, accounting for 93% of all the alignments. Considering almost all the nucleotide discrepancies in the 24/25 alignments were at the SNP sites, it served well as in silico validation of these SNPs, in addition to and consistent with the rate (81%) validated by sequencing and SNaPshot assay.

Conclusions

High-quality EST-SNPs from different citrus genotypes were detected, and compared to estimate the heterozygosity of each genome. All the SNP oligo sequences were aligned with the Clementine citrus genome to determine their distribution and uniqueness and for in silico validation, in addition to SNaPshot and sequencing validation of selected SNPs.