ARS | Publication request: The Identification of Genomic Regions Associated with Carotenoid Synthesis in Melon

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: June 10, 2007
Publication Date: October 11, 2007
Citation: Cuevas, H., Staub, J.E. 2007. The Identification of Genomic Regions Associated with Carotenoid Synthesis in Melon [abstract]. Meeting Abstract. p. 3.

Technical Abstract: Carotenoids play indispensable roles in plants which includes phyto-hormone precursor and modulation for environmental adaptation. In addition, they are important for human health and nutrition. Vertebrates do not synthesize carotenoids, and thus they are depending on dietary carotenoid sources for production of retinol compound, such as retinal (the main visual pigment), retinol (vitamin A), and ritenoic acid (a substance involved in morphogenesis). It is estimated that 124 million children worldwide are deficient in vitamin A. The main precursor of retinoids is beta-carotene (synom., pro-vitamin A), which in deficiency in the human diet causes detrimental medical symptoms ranging from night-blindness to xerophthalmia and keratomalacia. Melon (Cucumis melo L.) is a source of beta-carotene with more than 80% of the carotenoids being produced in the fruit. However, this trait has not been adequately exploited for commercial production. An understanding of the genetics related to the inheritance of carotenoid in melons will aid in the development of varieties with increased carotene content. Therefore, experiments were designed to identify genes carotenoid synthesis in melon by determining quantitative trait loci (QTL) linked with this trait, and assessing associated QTL epistatic interactions. Differing genomic regions conditioning carotenoid syntheses were identified in California and Wisconsin to allow for the development of strategies to increase vitamin A in commercial melon.