Construction of a high-density SNP-based genetic map and identification of fruit-related QTLs and candidate genes in peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch]

Major Facilitator Superfamily transporters balance sugar metabolism in peach

Sugar content is a key determinant of peach (Prunus persica) fruit quality, influencing taste, consumer preferences, and market value. However, the roles of Major Facilitator Superfamily (MFS) transporters in sugar metabolism and regulation remain largely unexplored. This study employed a combination of spatial metabolomics, quantitative genetics, transcriptomics, comparative genomics, and functional genomics to investigate the role of 67 MFS members in balancing sugar metabolism during peach fruit development. Spatial metabolomics revealed dynamic sugar distribution patterns, with ERD6-like transporters (PpERDL16-1) and tonoplastic sugar transporters 1 (PpTST1) promoting sucrose accumulation and polyol/monosaccharide transporters 5 (PpPMT5-1) and sucrose transporters 4 (PpSUT4) reducing sucrose transport during fruit ripening. Functional studies confirmed these roles: PpERDL16-1 overexpression enhanced sucrose transport, and PpPMT5-1 or PpSUT4 silencing reduced sugar levels in peach fruit. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping identified a major locus on chromosome 5, upstream of PpTST1, forming distinct haplotypes (Hap1 and Hap2). Hap1 was associated with lower PpTST1 expression and higher sugar and soluble solids content (SSC), while Hap2 was linked to higher PpTST1 expression and lower sugar content. This inverse relationship suggests that upstream genetic variants fine-tune PpTST1 expression in a context-dependent manner, potentially through interactions with transcription factors or epigenetic modifiers. Notably, PpTST1 overexpression increased sugar content but did not alter SSC, indicating compensatory mechanisms such as changes in organic acid metabolism or water content. These results illuminate the molecular mechanisms regulating sugar homeostasis in peach fruits, providing valuable targets for the genetic improvement of fruit quality through breeding programs.

First note of QTL mapping of low vigor traits using the updated F2 'Koroneiki' linkage map of olive

The olive tree (Olea europaea L.), which characterizes the agriculture of the Mediterranean basin, faces challenges adapting to high-density orchards and mechanized cultivation. This study addresses a key issue: controlling tree size to enhance efficiency and manageability in olive cultivation. Utilizing genetic mapping methods, we have identified significant Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) and candidate genes associated with low-vigor traits in olive trees. Our research on the 'Koroneiki' F2 progeny, which exhibits low vigor traits but remains underutilized in breeding programs, has pinpointed a QTL linked to trunk basal diameter-a trait correlated with plant height based on morphological measurements. Results underscore a strong genetic control of these traits, with a consistent correlation observed over time. We identified two candidate genes - Acid Phosphatase 1, Shikimate O-hydroxycinnamoyltransferase, and a SNP Marker likely associated with Calcium Responsive Proteins - each potentially interacting with plant hormones to influence growth. Controlling olive tree size presents several challenges, including the genetic complexity of polygenic traits like size and vigor, and limited rootstock options. By integrating reference genomes with our genetic analysis, we offer a conceptual advancement that could substantially accelerate breeding timelines compared to traditional approaches. Although genome editing is still a future possibility due to the complexity of olive genetics and the species' recalcitrance to transformation, our study lays a foundational understanding to guide future breeding programs. By targeting the identified candidate genes, this research represents a pivotal step toward selecting new low-vigor genotypes and rootstocks, contributing to innovations in olive cultivation.

Using Quantitative Trait Locus Mapping and Genomic Resources to Improve Breeding Precision in Peaches: Current Insights and Future Prospects

Modern breeding technologies and the development of quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping have brought about a new era in peach breeding. This study examines the complex genetic structure that underlies the morphology of peach fruits, paying special attention to the interaction between genome editing, genomic selection, and marker-assisted selection. Breeders now have access to precise tools that enhance crop resilience, productivity, and quality, facilitated by QTL mapping, which has significantly advanced our understanding of the genetic determinants underlying essential traits such as fruit shape, size, and firmness. New technologies like CRISPR/Cas9 and genomic selection enable the development of cultivars that can withstand climate change and satisfy consumer demands with unprecedented precision in trait modification. Genotype-environment interactions remain a critical challenge for modern breeding efforts, which can be addressed through high-throughput phenotyping and multi-environment trials. This work shows how combining genome-wide association studies and machine learning can improve the synthesis of multi-omics data and result in faster breeding cycles while preserving genetic diversity. This study outlines a roadmap that prioritizes the development of superior cultivars utilizing cutting-edge methods and technologies in order to address evolving agricultural and environmental challenges.

De novo gene integration into regulatory networks via interaction with conserved genes in peach

De novo genes can evolve "from scratch" from noncoding sequences, acquiring novel functions in organisms and integrating into regulatory networks during evolution to drive innovations in important phenotypes and traits. However, identifying de novo genes is challenging, as it requires high-quality genomes from closely related species. According to the comparison with nine closely related Prunus genomes, we determined at least 178 de novo genes in P. persica "baifeng". The distinct differences were observed between de novo and conserved genes in gene characteristics and expression patterns. Gene ontology enrichment analysis suggested that Type I de novo genes originated from sequences related to plastid modification functions, while Type II genes were inferred to have derived from sequences related to reproductive functions. Finally, transcriptome sequencing across different tissues and developmental stages suggested that de novo genes have been evolutionarily recruited into existing regulatory networks, playing important roles in plant growth and development, which was also supported by WGCNA analysis and quantitative trait loci data. This study lays the groundwork for future research on the origins and functions of genes in Prunus and related taxa.

Whole-genome resequencing identifies candidate genes and allelic variation in the MdNADP-ME promoter that regulate fruit malate and fructose contents in apple

Soluble sugar and organic acids are key determinants of fruit organoleptic quality and directly affect the commodity value and economic returns of fruit crops. We performed whole-genome sequencing of the apple varieties Gala and Xiahongrou, along with their F1 hybrids, to construct a high-density bin map. Our quantitative genetic analysis pinpointed 53 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) related to 11 sugar and acid traits. We identified a candidate gene, MdNADP-ME, responsible for malate degradation, in a stable QTL on linkage group 15. Sequence analysis revealed an A/C SNP in the promoter region (MEp-799) that influences binding of the MdMYB2 transcription factor, thereby affecting MdNADP-ME expression. In our study of various apple genotypes, this SNP has been demonstrated to be linked to malate and fructose levels. We also developed a dCAPS marker associated with fruit fructose content. These results substantiate the role of MdNADP-ME in maintaining the equilibrium between sugar and acid contents in apple fruits.

Fruit sugar hub: gene regulatory network associated with soluble solids content (SSC) in Prunus persica

Chilean peach growers have achieved worldwide recognition for their high-quality fruit products. Among the main factors influencing peach fruit quality, sweetness is pivotal for maintaining the market's competitiveness. Numerous studies have been conducted in different peach-segregating populations to unravel SSC regulation. However, different cultivars may also have distinct genetic conformation, and other factors, such as environmental conditions, can significantly impact SSC. Using a transcriptomic approach with a gene co-expression network analysis, we aimed to identify the regulatory mechanism that controls the sugar accumulation process in an 'O × N' peach population. This population was previously studied through genomic analysis, associating LG5 with the genetic control of the SSC trait. The results obtained in this study allowed us to identify 91 differentially expressed genes located on chromosome 5 of the peach genome as putative new regulators of sugar accumulation in peach, together with a regulatory network that involves genes directly associated with sugar transport (PpSWEET15), cellulose biosynthesis (PpCSLG2), flavonoid biosynthesis (PpPAL1), pectin modifications (PpPG, PpPL and PpPMEi), expansins (PpEXPA1 and PpEXPA8) and several transcription factors (PpC3H67, PpHB7, PpRVE1 and PpCBF4) involved with the SSC phenotype. These results contribute to a better understanding of the genetic control of the SSC trait for future breeding programs in peaches.

Multiple Localization Analysis of the Major QTL-sfw 2.2 for Controlling Single Fruit Weight Traits in Melon Based on SLAF Sequencing

Cucumis melo is an annual dicotyledonous trailing herb. It is fruity, cool, and refreshing to eat and is widely loved by consumers worldwide. The single fruit weight is an important factor affecting the yield, and thus the income and economic benefits, of melon crops. In this study, to identify the main QTLs (quantitative trait locus) controlling the single fruit weight of melon and thereby identify candidate genes controlling this trait, specific-locus amplified fragment sequencing (SLAF) analysis was performed on the offspring of female 1244 plants crossed with male MS-5 plants. A total of 115 individual plants in the melon F2 population were analyzed to construct a genetic linkage map with a total map distance of 1383.88 cM by the group in the early stages of the project, which was divided into 12 linkage groups with a total of 10,596 SLAF markers spaced at an average genetic distance of 0.13 cM. A total of six QTLs controlling single fruit weight (sfw loci) were detected. Seven pairs of markers with polymorphisms were obtained by screening candidate intervals from the SLAF data. The primary QTL sfw2.2 was further studied in 300 F2:3 family lines grown in 2020 and 2021, respectively, a positioning sfw2.2 between the markers CY Indel 11 and CY Indel 16, between 18,568,142 and 18,704,724 on chromosome 2. This interval contained 136.58 kb and included three genes with functional annotations, MELO3C029673, MELO3C029669, and MELO3C029674. Gene expression information for different fruit development stages was obtained from 1244 and MS-5 fruits on the 15d, 25d, and 35d after pollination, and qRT-PCR (quantitative reverse transcription-PCR) indicated that the expression of the MELO3C029669 gene significantly differed between the parents during the three periods. The gene sequences between the parents of MELO3C029669 were analyzed and compared, a base mutation was found to occur in the intronic interval between the parents of the gene, from A-G. Phylogenetic evolutionary tree analysis revealed that the candidate gene MELO3C029669 is most closely related to Pisum sativum Fimbrin-5 variant 2 and most distantly related to Cucumis melo var. makuwa. Therefore, it was hypothesized that MELO3C029669 is the primary major locus controlling single fruit weight in melon. These results not only provide a theoretical basis for further studies to find genes with functions in melon single fruit weight but also lay the foundation for accelerating breakthroughs and innovations in melon breeding.

High-density genetic map and quantitative trait loci map of skin color in hawthorn (Crataegus pinnatifida bge. Var. major N.E.Br.)

Fruit skin color is an important trait of the hawthorn tree, which has an important influence on fruit quality. Crataegus pinnatifida Bge. var. Major N.E.Br. Is one of the most widely cultivated varieties in China and has a long history of medicinal use. In recent years, it has attracted the attention of the world due to its nutritional and medicinal values. Skin color is the focus of breeders and food processors. At present, skin color-related genes have still not been mapped. In this study, "Shandong Da Mianqiu" (♀, red skin color), "Da Huang Mianzha" (♂, yellow skin color) and 131 F1 hybrids were used to construct genetic map of hawthorn by RAD-seq, and QTL mapping was performed by combining these features with the hue angle and the observed color. In this study, 13,260 SNP was assigned to 17 linkage groups, with an integrated map covering 2,297.75 cM was constructed. A total of 5 QTLs related to hawthorn skin color were detected on LG1, LG3 and LG15. Whether hue angle or pericarp color acts as phenotype for QTL mapping, the candidate genes include bHLH086, WD repeat regions and Myb-like. bHLH, WD and Myb play an important role in the color regulation of Hawthorn skin color. These results lay a solid foundation for QTL mapping and molecular marker-assisted breeding of hawthorn.

Transcriptional Regulation and Gene Mapping of Internode Elongation and Late Budding in the Chinese Cabbage Mutant lcc

Two important traits of Chinese cabbage, internode length and budding time, destroy the maintenance of rosette leaves in the vegetative growth stage and affect flowering in the reproductive growth stage. Internodes have received much attention and research in rice due to their effect on lodging resistance, but they are rarely studied in Chinese cabbage. In Chinese cabbage, internode elongation affects not only the maintenance of rosette leaves but also bolting and yield. Budding is also an important characteristic of Chinese cabbage entering reproductive growth. Although many studies have reported on flowering and bolting, studies on bud emergence and the timing of budding are scarce. In this study, the mutant lcc induced by EMS (Ethyl Methane Sulfonate) was used to study internode elongation in the seedling stage and late budding in the budding stage. By comparing the gene expression patterns of mutant lcc and wild-type A03, 2280 differentially expressed genes were identified in the seedling stage, 714 differentially expressed genes were identified in the early budding stage, and 1052 differentially expressed genes were identified in the budding stage. Here, the transcript expression patterns of genes in the plant hormone signaling and clock rhythm pathways were investigated in relation to the regulation of internode elongation and budding in Chinese cabbage. In addition, an F2 population was constructed with the mutants lcc and R500. A high-density genetic map with 1602 marker loci was created, and QTLs for internode length and budding time were identified. Specifically, five QTLs for internode length and five QTLs for budding time were obtained. According to transcriptome data analysis, the internode length candidate gene BraA02g005840.3C (PIN8) and budding time candidate genes BraA02g003870.3C (HY5-1) and BraA02g005190.3C (CHS-1) were identified. These findings provide insight into the regulation of internode length and budding time in Chinese cabbage.

Two adjacent NAC transcription factors regulate fruit maturity date and flavor in peach

Although maturity date (MD) is an essential factor affecting fresh fruit marketing and has a pleiotropic effect on fruit taste qualities, the underlying mechanisms remain largely unclear. In this study, we functionally characterized two adjacent NAM-ATAF1/2-CUC2 (NAC) transcription factors (TFs), PpNAC1 and PpNAC5, both of which were associated with fruit MD in peach. PpNAC1 and PpNAC5 were found capable of activating transcription of genes associated with cell elongation, cell wall degradation and ethylene biosynthesis, suggesting their regulatory roles in fruit enlargement and ripening. Furthermore, PpNAC1 and PpNAC5 had pleiotropic effects on fruit taste due to their ability to activate transcription of genes for sugar accumulation and organic acid degradation. Interestingly, both PpNAC1 and PpNAC5 orthologues were found in fruit-producing angiosperms and adjacently arranged in all 91 tested dicots but absent in fruitless gymnosperms, suggesting their important roles in fruit development. Our results provide insight into the regulatory roles of NAC TFs in MD and fruit taste.

Construction of a high-density genetic map and mapping of a spike length locus for rye

Genetic maps provide the foundation for QTL mapping of important traits of crops. As a valuable food and forage crop, rye (Secale cereale L., RR) is also one of the tertiary gene sources of wheat, especially wild rye, Secale cereale subsp. segetale, possessing remarkable stress tolerance, tillering capacity and numerous valuable traits. In this study, based on the technique of specific-locus amplified fragment sequencing (SLAF-seq), a high-density single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) linkage map of the cross-pollinated (CP) hybrid population crossed by S. cereale L (female parent) and S. cereale subsp. segetale (male parent) was successfully constructed. Following preprocessing, the number of 1035.11 M reads were collected and 2425800 SNP were obtained, of which 409134 SNP were polymorphic. According to the screening process, 9811 SNP markers suitable for constructing linkage groups (LGs) were selected. Subsequently, all of the markers with MLOD values lower than 3 were filtered out. Finally, an integrated map was constructed with 4443 markers, including 1931 female mapping markers and 3006 male mapping markers. A major quantitative trait locus (QTL) linked with spike length (SL) was discovered at 73.882 cM on LG4, which explained 25.29% of phenotypic variation. Meanwhile two candidate genes for SL, ScWN4R01G329300 and ScWN4R01G329600, were detected. This research presents the first high-quality genetic map of rye, providing a substantial number of SNP marker loci that can be applied to marker-assisted breeding. Additionally, the finding could help to use SLAF marker mapping to identify certain QTL contributing to important agronomic traits. The QTL and the candidate genes identified through the high-density genetic map above may provide diverse potential gene resources for the genetic improvement of rye.

Construction of a genetic linkage map and QTL mapping of fruit quality traits in guava (Psidium guajava L.)

Guava (Psidium guajava L.) is an important fruit crop of the Indian sub-continent, with potential for improvements in quality and yield. The goal of the present study was to construct a genetic linkage map in an intraspecific cross between the elite cultivar 'Allahabad Safeda' and the Purple Guava landrace to identify the genomic regions responsible for important fruit quality traits, viz., total soluble solids, titratable acidity, vitamin C, and sugars. This population was phenotyped in field trials (as a winter crop) for three consecutive years, and showed moderate-to-high values of heterogeneity coefficients along with higher heritability (60.0%-97.0%) and genetic-advance-over-mean values (13.23%-31.17%), suggesting minimal environmental influence on the expression of fruit-quality traits and indicating that these traits can be improved by phenotypic selection methods. Significant correlations and strong associations were also detected among fruit physico-chemical traits in segregating progeny. The constructed linkage map consisted of 195 markers distributed across 11 chromosomes, spanning a length of 1,604.47 cM (average inter-loci distance of 8.80 markers) and with 88.00% coverage of the guava genome. Fifty-eight quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were detected in three environments with best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) values using the composite interval mapping algorithm of the BIP (biparental populations) module. The QTLs were distributed on seven different chromosomes, explaining 10.95%-17.77% of phenotypic variance, with the highest LOD score being 5.96 for qTSS.AS.pau-6.2. Thirteen QTLs detected across multiple environments with BLUPs indicate stability and utility in a future breeding program for guava. Furthermore, seven QTL clusters with stable or common individual QTLs affecting two or more different traits were located on six linkage groups (LGs), explaining the correlation among fruit-quality traits. Thus, the multiple environmental evaluations conducted here have increased our understanding of the molecular basis of phenotypic variation, providing the basis for future high-resolution fine-mapping and paving the way for marker-assisted breeding of fruit-quality traits.

Marker-Assisted Selection in Breeding for Fruit Trait Improvement: A Review

Breeding fruit species is time-consuming and expensive. With few exceptions, trees are likely the worst species to work with in terms of genetics and breeding. Most are characterized by large trees, long juvenile periods, and intensive agricultural practice, and environmental variability plays an important role in the heritability evaluations of every single important trait. Although vegetative propagation allows for the production of a significant number of clonal replicates for the evaluation of environmental effects and genotype × environment interactions, the spaces required for plant cultivation and the intensity of work necessary for phenotypic surveys slow down the work of researchers. Fruit breeders are very often interested in fruit traits: size, weight, sugar and acid content, ripening time, fruit storability, and post-harvest practices, among other traits relevant to each individual species. The translation of trait loci and whole-genome sequences into diagnostic genetic markers that are effective and affordable for use by breeders, who must choose genetically superior parents and subsequently choose genetically superior individuals among their progeny, is one of the most difficult tasks still facing tree fruit geneticists. The availability of updated sequencing techniques and powerful software tools offered the opportunity to mine tens of fruit genomes to find out sequence variants potentially useful as molecular markers. This review is devoted to analysing what has been the role of molecular markers in assisting breeders in selection processes, with an emphasis on the fruit traits of the most important fruit crops for which examples of trustworthy molecular markers have been developed, such as the MDo.chr9.4 marker for red skin colour in apples, the CCD4-based marker CPRFC1, and LG3_13.146 marker for flesh colour in peaches, papayas, and cherries, respectively.

Comparative network analysis reveals the dynamics of organic acid diversity during fruit ripening in peach (Prunus persica L. Batsch)

BACKGROUND

Organic acids are important components that determine the fruit flavor of peach (Prunus persica L. Batsch). However, the dynamics of organic acid diversity during fruit ripening and the key genes that modulate the organic acids metabolism remain largely unknown in this kind of fruit tree which yield ranks sixth in the world.

RESULTS

In this study, we used 3D transcriptome data containing three dimensions of information, namely time, phenotype and gene expression, from 5 different varieties of peach to construct gene co-expression networks throughout fruit ripening of peach. With the network inferred, the time-ordered network comparative analysis was performed to select high-acid specific gene co-expression network and then clarify the regulatory factors controlling organic acid accumulation. As a result, network modules related to organic acid synthesis and metabolism under high-acid and low-acid comparison conditions were identified for our following research. In addition, we obtained 20 candidate genes as regulatory factors related to organic acid metabolism in peach.

CONCLUSIONS

The study provides new insights into the dynamics of organic acid accumulation during fruit ripening, complements the results of classical co-expression network analysis and establishes a foundation for key genes discovery from time-series multiple species transcriptome data.

Integration of genomics, transcriptomics and metabolomics identifies candidate loci underlying fruit weight in loquat

Fruit weight is an integral part of fruit-quality traits and directly influences commodity values and economic returns of fruit crops. Despite its importance, the molecular mechanisms underlying fruit weight remain understudied, especially for perennial fruit tree crops such as cultivated loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.). Auxin is known to regulate fruit development, whereas its role and metabolism in fruit development remain obscure in loquat. In this study, we applied a multi-omics approach, integrating whole-genome resequencing-based quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping with an F1 population, population genomics analysis using germplasm accessions, transcriptome analysis, and metabolic profiling to identify the genomic regions potentially associated with fruit weight in loquat. We identified three major loci associated with fruit weight, supported by both QTL mapping and comparative genomic analysis between small- and big-fruited loquat cultivars. Comparison between two genotypes with contrasting fruit weight performance through transcriptomic and metabolic profiling revealed an important role of auxin in regulating fruit development, especially at the fruit enlarging stage. The multi-omics approach identified two homologs of ETHYLENE INSENSITIVE 4 (EjEIN4) and TORNADO 1 (EjTRN1) as promising candidates controlling fruit weight. Moreover, three single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers were closely associated with fruit weight. Results from this study provided insights from multiple perspectives into the genetic and metabolic controls of fruit weight in loquat. The candidate genomic regions, genes, and sequence variants will facilitate understanding the molecular basis of fruit weight and lay a foundation for future breeding and manipulation of fruit weight in loquat.

Construction of a High-Density Genetic Map and Identification of Quantitative Trait Loci Linked to Fruit Quality Traits in Apricots Using Specific-Locus Amplified Fragment Sequencing

Improving fruit quality is one of the main tasks in modern commercial apricot breeding. Because of the lack of high-density linkage maps and fine mapping, it is difficult to obtain molecular markers that can assist in breeding for quantitative inheritance of fruit quality traits. In this study, specific-locus amplified fragment sequencing was used to genotype 169 seedlings of F1 apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) progenies derived from crossing "Chuanzhihong" (H) with "Saimaiti" (S). After aligning to the Prunus armeniaca reference genome and filtering out low-quality variants, 6,012 high-quality single nucleotide polymorphisms were obtained and employed to construct a genetic map for each parent. The genetic linkage maps showed eight linkage groups of apricot, covering a distance of 809.6 cM in "H" and 1076.4 cM in "S". The average distance between markers in "H" and "S" was 0.62 and 0.95 cM, respectively. To map quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for fruit quality, we investigated fruit quality traits, including fruit weight (FW), fruit height (FH), fruit lateral width (FL), fruit ventral width (FV), soluble solids content (SSC), and fruit firmness (FF) for all seedlings genotyped in 2018 and 2019. Eleven and nine QTLs linked to fruit quality traits were anchored on the "H" and "S" maps, respectively, and 1,138 putative candidate genes for 16 most significant regions on the corresponding chromosome were identified based on gene annotation. Among them, fruit size contained 648 genes in 11 intervals on the reference genome, SSC contained 372 genes in 3 intervals, and FF contained 117 genes in 2 intervals. Our findings uncovered the genetic basis of apricot fruit quality, and provided candidate genes for further molecular genetic studies on fruit quality and QTL targets for future marker-assisted selection of apricot quality improvement breeding.

Multi-Locus Genome-Wide Association Studies Reveal Fruit Quality Hotspots in Peach Genome

Peach is one of the most important fruit crops in the world, with the global annual production about 24.6 million tons. The United States is the fourth-largest producer after China, Spain, and Italy. Peach consumption has decreased over the last decade, most likely due to inconsistent quality of the fruit on the market. Thus, marker-assisted selection for fruit quality traits is highly desired in fresh market peach breeding programs and one of the major goals of the RosBREED project. The ability to use DNA information to select for desirable traits would enable peach breeders to efficiently plan crosses and select seedlings with desired quality traits early in the selection process before fruiting. Therefore, we assembled a multi-locus genome wide association study (GWAS) of 620 individuals from three public fresh market peach breeding programs (Arkansas, Texas, and South Carolina). The material was genotyped using 9K SNP array and the traits were phenotyped for three phenological (bloom date, ripening date, and days after bloom) and 11 fruit quality-related traits (blush, fruit diameter, fruit weight, adherence, fruit firmness, redness around pit, fruit texture, pit weight, soluble solid concentration, titratable acidity, and pH) over three seasons (2010, 2011, and 2012). Multi-locus association analyses, carried out using mrMLM 4.0 and FarmCPU R packages, revealed a total of 967 and 180 quantitative trait nucleotides (QTNs), respectively. Among the 88 consistently reliable QTNs detected using multiple multi-locus GWAS methods and/or at least two seasons, 44 were detected for the first time. Fruit quality hotspots were identified on chromosomes 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8. Out of 566 candidate genes detected in the genomic regions harboring the QTN clusters, 435 were functionally annotated. Gene enrichment analyses revealed 68 different gene ontology (GO) terms associated with fruit quality traits. Data reported here advance our understanding of genetic mechanisms underlying important fruit quality traits and further support the development of DNA tools for breeding.

Molecular Bases of Fruit Quality in Prunus Species: An Integrated Genomic, Transcriptomic, and Metabolic Review with a Breeding Perspective

In plants, fruit ripening is a coordinated developmental process that requires the change in expression of hundreds to thousands of genes to modify many biochemical and physiological signal cascades such as carbohydrate and organic acid metabolism, cell wall restructuring, ethylene production, stress response, and organoleptic compound formation. In Prunus species (including peaches, apricots, plums, and cherries), fruit ripening leads to the breakdown of complex carbohydrates into sugars, fruit firmness reductions (softening by cell wall degradation and cuticle properties alteration), color changes (loss of green color by chlorophylls degradation and increase in non-photosynthetic pigments like anthocyanins and carotenoids), acidity decreases, and aroma increases (the production and release of organic volatile compounds). Actually, the level of information of molecular events at the transcriptional, biochemical, hormonal, and metabolite levels underlying ripening in Prunus fruits has increased considerably. However, we still poorly understand the molecular switch that occurs during the transition from unripe to ripe fruits. The objective of this review was to analyze of the molecular bases of fruit quality in Prunus species through an integrated metabolic, genomic, transcriptomic, and epigenetic approach to better understand the molecular switch involved in the ripening process with important consequences from a breeding point of view.