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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Madison, Wisconsin » Vegetable Crops Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #315720
Title: QTL mapping in multiple populations and development stages reveals dynamic quantitative trait loci for fruit size in cucumbers of different market classes

Author
item Weng, Yiqun
item COLLE, MARIVI - Michigan State University
item WANG, YUHUI - University Of Wisconsin
item YANG, LUMING - University Of Wisconsin
item RUBINSTEIN, MOR - Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Center
item SHERMAN, AMIR - Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Center
item OPHIR, RON - Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Center
item GRUMET, REBECCA - Michigan State University

Submitted to: Theoretical and Applied Genetics
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/18/2015
Publication Date: 6/6/2015
Publication URL: http://handle.nal.usda.gov/10113/61374
Citation: Weng, Y., Colle, M., Wang, Y., Yang, L., Rubinstein, M., Sherman, A., Ophir, R., Grumet, R. 2015. QTL mapping in multiple populations and development stages reveals dynamic quantitative trait loci for fruit size in cucumbers of different market classes. Theoretical and Applied Genetics. 128(9):1747-1763.

Interpretive Summary: Fruit size is an important quality trait in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) of different market classes. However, the genetic and molecular basis of fruit size variations in cucumber is not well understood. In this study, we conducted QTL mapping of fruit size in cucumber using F2, F2-derived F3 families and recombinant inbred lines (RILs) from a cross between two inbred lines Gy14 (North American picking cucumber) and 9930 (North China fresh market cucumber). Phenotypic data of fruit length and diameter were collected at three development stages (anthesis, immature and mature fruits) in six environments over four years. QTL analysis was performed with three QTL models including composite interval mapping (CIM), Bayesian interval mapping (BIM), and multiple QTL mapping (MQM). Twenty-nine consistent and distinct QTLs were detected for nine traits from multiple mapping populations and QTL models. Synthesis of information from available fruit size QTLs allowed establishment of 12 consensus QTLs underlying fruit elongation and radial growth, which presented a dynamic view of genetic control of cucumber fruit development. Results from this study highlighted the benefits of QTL analysis with multiple QTL models and different mapping populations in improving the power of QTL detection. Discussion was presented in the context of domestication and diversifying selection of fruit length and diameter, marker-assisted selection of fruit size, as well as identification of candidate genes for fruit size QTLs in cucumber.

Technical Abstract: Fruit size is an important quality trait in cucumber of different market classes. The genetic and molecular basis of fruit size variations in cucumber is not well understood. In this study, we conducted QTL mapping of fruit size in cucumber using three mapping populations developed from cross between a between a North American picking cucumber line Gy14 and a North China fresh market cucumber line 9930. Phenotypic data of fruit length and diameter were collected at three development stages (anthesis, immature and mature fruits) in three locations over four years. QTL analysis was performed with three QTL models including composite interval mapping, Bayesian interval mapping, and multiple QTL mapping. Twenty-nine consistent and distinct QTLs were detected for nine traits. Synthesis of information from available fruit size QTLs allowed establishment of 12 consensus QTLs for fruit elongation and radial growth, which presented a dynamic view of genetic control of cucumber fruit development. Results from this study highlighted the benefits of QTL analysis with multiple QTL models and different mapping populations in improving the power of QTL detection. Discussion was presented in the context of domestication and diversifying selection of fruit length and diameter, marker-assisted selection of fruit size, as well as identification of candidate genes for fruit size QTLs in cucumber.