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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Corvallis, Oregon » National Clonal Germplasm Repository » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #334412
Title: DNA tests for strawberry: ¿-decalactone "fruity" aroma - qFaFAD1

Author
item Zurn, Jason
item PIASKOWSKI, JULIA L - Washington State University
item AMAYA, IRAIDA - Ifapa Centro Alameda Del Obispo
item PEACE, CAMERON - Washington State University
item Bassil, Nahla

Submitted to: Extension Publications
Publication Type: Other
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/1/2016
Publication Date: 9/1/2016
Citation: Zurn, J.D., Piaskowski, J., Amaya, I., Peace, C., Bassil, N.V. 2016. DNA tests for strawberry: ¿-decalactone "fruity" aroma - qFaFAD1. Extension Publications. https://www.rosbreed.org/breeding/strawberry, 1:1-2.

Interpretive Summary: Strawberry fruit produce hundreds of volatile compounds that contribute to the characteristic flavor of the fruit that many enjoy. One of these compounds is believed to impart a “peachy fruity” aroma in strawberry and is known to contribute to the characteristic flavor of peach. We describe a DNA test that can predict the presence of the gene responsible for production of this volatile component in strawberry.

Technical Abstract: Strawberry fruit produce hundreds of volatile compounds that contribute to the characteristic flavor of the fruit that many enjoy. One important compound is gamma-decalactone. This compound has been described as “peachy” and is indeed a very valuable compound contributing to the characteristic flavor of peach. In strawberry, when mixed with other desirable volatiles, '-decalactone contributes to a “fruity” aroma in strawberries where present. The presence or absence of '-decalactone is determined by a single locus, FaFAD1. The gene encodes an omega-6 fatty acid desaturase, an enzyme important to the biosynthesis of the compound. The entire gene is absent in individuals that do not produce '-decalactone and present in individuals that produce '-decalactone . To determine if the gene is present in an individual, the marker qFaFAD1 was developed within the sequence of FaFAD1. Unfortunately, qFaFAD1 is not able to distinguish between heterozygous and homozygous individuals.