Phenotypic diversity and relationships of fruit quality traits in peach and nectarine [<Emphasis Type="Italic">Prunus persica</Emphasis> (L.) Batsch] breeding progenies

Agronomic and fruit quality traits were evaluated and compared for three consecutive years on 1,111 seedlings coming from 15 peach and nectarine breeding crosses, grown under a Mediterranean climate. Significant differences among and within the different progenies were found for most of the traits analyzed. The breeding population segregated for several Mendelian characters such as peach or nectarine fruit, round or flat fruit, yellow or white flesh and freestone or clingstone. In addition, aborting fruit and flat fruit trees were found in our progeny, and our data seem to support multi-allelic control of both flat shape and aborting fruit. The variation within the progenies of some traits such as blooming and harvesting date, yield, fruit weight and SSC was continuous, suggesting a polygenic inheritance. Relationships between qualitative pomological traits and these agronomic and fruit quality parameters were also found. Valuable correlations among agronomic and fruit quality parameters were found, although coefficients of variation depending on the progeny should be considered. In addition, principal component analysis (PCA) revealed several relationships among quality traits in the evaluated progenies. Based on this evaluation, 26 outstanding genotypes were pre-selected from the initial breeding population for further studies.     

Genetic analysis and QTL mapping of fruit-related traits in wax gourd (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Benincasa hispida</Emphasis>)

As an important fruit vegetable, fruit-related traits have become one of the breeding hotspots of wax gourd (Benincasa hispida). The fruit traits have an important role on the quality and yield of wax gourd, and QTL mapping of these traits will provide solid basis for fruit character improvement as well as high-yield breeding. In this study, the inheritance of four fruit-related traits, including fruit weight (FW), fruit length (FL), fruit diameter (FD) and flesh thickness (FT), was analyzed. All the frequency distribution of the four traits in an F₂ population showed a single peak skewed distribution, which proved them to be quantitative. Subsequently, based on the high-density genetic map using 140 F₂ individuals, nine QTLs associated with the four traits were detected on chromosome 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10 and 11. Four of the nine QTLs had major effect, which were responsible for more than 10.0% of phenotypic variance. Furthermore, the major QTLs of FW, FD and FT shared similar location intervals, which implied that this location might contain some pleiotropic genes. This is the first report on QTL mapping of quantitative trait in wax gourd, which plays an important role for fine mapping of these important fruit traits.     

Interrelations among vegetative,yield and bunch quality traits in short-tem oil palm progenies

Summary Breeders usually obtain information on a large number of traits in their breeding and selection programmes. However, since some or many of these traits could be related, it is desirable to reduce the number being handled to the barest minimum without sacrificing efficiency. Breeders often use correlations, stepwise multiple regressions and path coefficient analyses to determine the nature of relationships among such characteristics. The objective of this study was to use these statistical methods to determine traits that could be useful in predicting number of bunches (NB), fresh fruit bunch yield (FFB) and mean bunch weight (MBW) for 13 backcross progenies of oil palm (Elaeis sp.) grown in four replications with 12 palms per replication. Data were collected over a period of 3 or 11 years, depending on the trait. Progeny means and individual palm data, averaged across replications and years, were used for each of these analyses.Results showed that correlations involving individual palm data were similar to the progeny mean correlations. Five to seven traits accounted for about 70–90% of the variations in the dependent variables. Traits that showed the highest correlations with the dependent variables always accounted for the largest proportion of the variation (r²) in multiple regression models, but did not always have the highest direct effect (i.e. path coefficients) in path analysis of the dependent trait. Number of leaves per palm had the highest correlation (r=0.729) with, and accounted for 53.2% of the variation in NB. Path analysis however showed that percentage fruit per bunch (% F/B) was the most important determinant of NB. It exerted the highest direct effect of 0.537. The highest correlation with FFB involved number of leaves (r=0.660), which, in multiple regression models also accounted for the largest proportion (44.0%) of the variation in FFB. Path analysis showed that percentage mesocarp per fruit gave the highest direct effect (p=–0.974) for this trait. It was concluded that various combinations of number of leaves per palm, sex-ratio, percentage fruit per bunch and percentage mesocarp per fruit would be effective as indirect selection criteria for NB, FFB and MBW in this set of material.     

光子陆地棉种质资源主要性状的遗传评价

以102份光子陆地棉材料为母本,分别与遗传标准系TM-1杂交,获得102个F₁群体。采用随机区组设计,设置3个重复,对光子陆地棉材料主要性状进行遗传评价。结果表明,调查的11个性状表型差异均较大,材料间产量性状(株高、果枝数、铃数、铃重、衣分和子指)差异大于纤维品质性状(纤维长度、纤维强度、马克隆值、整齐度和伸长率),特别是衣分、铃数等性状差异更明显; 除果枝数、马克隆值、伸长率以外,光子亲本群体其他性状的平均值都小于F₁群体。而亲本群体所有性状的变异系数均大于F₁,不同光子材料的杂种优势有很大差别,中亲优势和超亲优势也有很大的差别,有些种质某些性状的中亲、超亲优势为负值,其后代性状表现劣势; 纤维品质性状的中亲、超亲优势与毛子程度均呈负相关,而产量性状的中亲、超亲优势与毛子程度均呈正相关,说明可利用光子材料杂种优势改良纤维品质,而其后代产量性状的杂种优势利用受到限制; SSR分子标记遗传相似系数与各个性状的中亲、超亲优势的相关都不显著,说明在光子材料的育种中,杂种优势是不能通过亲本之间的遗传背景相似程度来预测的。     

Genetic mapping and QTL analysis of fruit and flower related traits in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) using recombinant inbred lines

A set of 224 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from a narrow cross between two fresh eaten types (S94 (Northern China type) × S06 (Northern European type)) (Cucumis sativus L.) was used to construct a genetic linkage map. With the RILs a 257-point genetic map was constructed including 206 SRAPs, 22 SSRs, 25 SCARs, 1 STS, and three economically important morphological markers (small spines (ss), uniform immature fruit color (u), dull fruit skin (D)). The seven linkage groups covered 1005.9 cM with a mean marker interval of 3.9 cM. The ss locus was linked to D and u, and they were all on Linkage group 6. The RIL map contained a total of 51 sequence-specific markers, which made possible the comparison of molecular linkage maps developed in different laboratories. Using the F_6:7 derived families, a total of 78 QTLs were detected with relatively high LOD scores (2.9–84.4) for nine fruit-related traits (fruit weight, length, and diameter, fruit flesh thickness, seed-cavity diameter, fruit-stalk length, fruit pedicel length, length/diameter and length/stalk ratio) and three flower-related traits (first flower node, first female flower node and female flower ratios). Several sequence-anchor markers (CSWCT25, CS30, CMBR41, CS08 etc.) were closely linked with some QTLs for fruit weight, fruit length, fruit flesh thickness and sex expression, which can be used for the future marker-assisted selection to improve the fruit traits in cucumber breeding. Electronic supplementary material  The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users. X. J. Yuan and J. S. Pan contributed equally to this investigation.     

Natural variation in fruit abscission-related traits in apple (Malus)

Abscission or retention of ripening fruit is a major component of seed dispersal strategies and also has important implications for horticultural production. Abscission-related traits have generally not been targeted in breeding efforts, and their genetic bases remain mostly unknown. We evaluated 144 Malus accessions representing wild species, domestic cultivars, and hybrids for abscission-related traits. We found that seasonal timing of fruit abscission in wild species and hybrids showed a broad distribution similar to that seen for domestic cultivars, and that internal ethylene concentration at the time of abscission varied by over three orders of magnitude. Wild species, domestic cultivars, and hybrids all included representatives that showed abscission of fruit prior to substantial production of ethylene, as well as accessions that retained fruit for a significant period of time following ethylene production. For all accessions that retained fruit, fruit removal resulted in abscission of the pedicel, and exogenous ethylene promoted abscission, suggesting that the abscission zone was functional. Our results suggest important roles for mechanisms independent of fruit ethylene production in abscission.     

普通玉米主要营养品质性状的遗传效应分析

用13个普通玉米自交系按NCⅡ设计（7×6）研究了普通玉米主要营养品质性状的遗传效应。结果表明，普通玉米主要营养品质性状的遗传受种子二倍体胚、三倍体胚乳、细胞质和二倍体母体植株4套遗传体系的控制；主要品质性状4套遗传体系的效应值之间无太大的差异，蛋白质、淀粉和赖氨酸含量的胚遗传效应全部体现为胚加性遗传效应，而4种品质性状的胚乳遗传效应则全部由胚乳显性遗传效应构成；母体遗传效应主要表现为母体加性效应；遗传效应预测值表明亲本9636、99S2041-1-1-1和478在普通玉米品质改良中可能有一定的应用潜力。结果还发现，不同品质性状间存在不同程度的遗传相关，因此对这些性状进行间接选择或杂种优势利用均可取得一定的效果。     

Estimation of genetic parameters and prediction of breeding values in an autotetraploid blueberry breeding population with extensive pedigree data

The strategy for breeding blueberries has been based on phenotypic selection without accounting for pedigree correlation information. A central premise of classical quantitative genetics is that through knowledge of the relationships among individuals in a population, we can make inferences about breeding values (BVs), estimate genetic parameters, and support phenotypic selection. Genetic evaluations using best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) and restricted maximum likelihood (REML) are founded on pedigree information and have been the standard method used in livestock and forest breeding. Despite theoretical and practical benefits, their application in blueberry breeding programs remains unexploited. The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of REML/BLUP in the University of Florida blueberry breeding program in order to estimate genetic parameters and predict BVs of primary selection traits. To do this, we collected phenotypic data for eight selectable traits (yield, flower bud density, fruit weight, fruit firmness, fruit diameter, fruit soluble solids, fruit pH, and fruit scar diameter) from 1996 individuals. The highest narrow-sense heritabilities were found for fruit weight, scar diameter, and yield. The majority of genetic correlations between traits were under 0.20. The largest genetic gain was achieved when selections from early stages were used as parents and the top 5% of the population was selected. Compared to traditional phenotypic selection, our results are evidencing of the importance of implementing REML/BLUP to estimate genetic parameters that help and support the breeding strategy and maximize genetic gains.     

Genetic variation in drought resilience-related traits among wheat multiple synthetic derivative lines: insights for climate resilience breeding

Twenty-four wheat lines, developed by Aegilops tauschii Coss. introgressions and previously selected for heat or salinity stress tolerance, were evaluated under a drought-rewatering-drought cycle for two years. The objective was to select breeding lines that are resilient to more than one abiotic stress. The experiment was designed in alpha lattice with three replications. Drought was imposed by withholding water during flowering. The results revealed considerable genetic variability in physio-agronomic traits, reflecting the variation in the introgressed segments. High heritability estimates (above 47%) were recorded for most traits, including days to 50% heading, plant height, and thousand-grain weight, indicating the genetic control of these traits which may be useful for cultivar development. The trait-trait correlations within and between water regimes highlighted a strong association among the genetic factors controlling these traits. Some lines exhibited superior performance in terms of stress tolerance index and mean productivity compared with their backcross parent and elite cultivars commonly grown in hot and dry areas. Graphical genotyping revealed unique introgressed segments on chromosomes 4B, 6B, 2D, and 3D in some drought-resilient lines which may be linked to drought resilience. Therefore, we recommend these lines for further breeding to develop climate-resilient wheat varieties.     

软枣猕猴桃种质资源果实品质、表型性状多样性及主成分分析

为更好的分析、评价软枣猕猴桃种质资源多样性,对70份种质资源果实的15个性状指标进行了相关性及主成分分析。结果表明,种质间各性状变异幅度较大,类型丰富。相关性分析结果表明,一些果实性状间存在显著或极显著相关;主成分分析结果表明各性状的贡献率分散,性状变异具有多向性。其中,第1主成分主要由果实质量、果实纵径、横径、侧径及果梗长决定,第2主成分主要由果皮颜色、表皮光滑度及果形指数决定,第3主成分主要代表可溶性糖含量、可溶性固形物及维生素C含量,第4主成分反映了果实可滴定酸含量情况。因此在软枣猕猴桃育种改良过程中,第1主成分增大时有利于增大果实大小,第3主成分增大时有利于提高果实品质。     

Variability and inheritance of flowering time and duration in Actinidia chinensis (kiwifruit)

We investigated the variability and inheritance of flowering in a seedling population of diploid Actinidia chinensis Planch. We found considerable variation in time to reach 50% flowering (D50) and flowering duration (FD). D50 was highly heritable (h ² > 0.85) suggesting that this trait would respond well to selection in this population, whereas FD was greatly affected by the environment (h ² < 0.20). The results also showed that the flowering times of male vines were more sensitive to the environment than those of female vines. However, significant specific combining ability (SCA) effects could be achieved by targeting specific bi-parental combinations for breeding and selection of flowering time. The diversity in flowering traits among males will facilitate the selection of male pollinizers that coincide in flowering time with present or future female cultivars. The possibility of breeding female cultivars with a short flowering period to improve the consistency of fruit maturity at harvest is discussed.     

Inheritance mode of fruit traits in melon: Heterosis for fruit shape and its correlation with genetic distance

Fruit quality traits were studied in 12 exotic accessions and their hybrids with a “Piel de Sapo” inodorus melon cultivar. The genetic relationships among these genotypes were assessed with 16 microsatellite markers, which agreed with the classification of Cucumis callosus, C. pubescens and C. trigonus as accessions within C. melo. There were very large differences between all the exotic accessions and “Piel de Sapo” genotype for fruit traits. When the hybrids were analysed, three different situations regarding mid parent heterosis were found, depending on the trait: no heterosis (soluble solid concentration), highly variable, from negative to positive (fruit weight and fruit diameter) and general positive heterosis (ovary shape, fruit length and fruit shape). Best parent heterosis for fruit shape was also common among hybrids. A highly significant correlation (r = 0.81) was detected between fruit shape and fruit length heterosis, suggesting that fruit shape heterosis is caused mainly by the enlargement of the fruit longitudinally. A highly significant correlation (r = 0.84) between heterosis for fruit shape and genetic distance, as estimated with microsatellites, was also found. These results, together with the previously reported observation that melon fruit shape is polygenic and highly heritable, makes the genetics of melon fruit shape a suitable system for dissecting the genetic and molecular basis of heterosis.     

Genotype by environment interactions and combining ability for strawberry families grown in diverse environments

Ten seedlings from 36 crosses representing eastern and western North American short day and remontant genotypes were evaluated in 2011 and 2012 in California, Michigan, New Hampshire and Oregon, for phenology, flower related traits, plant characteristics, fruit characteristics and fruit chemistry traits. There was significant variability among genotypes, locations and evaluation year for most of the characteristics; however, few genotype × location and genotype × year interactions were detected. General combining ability variance components were significant for all traits and greater than SCA variance components for peduncle length, total flowering weeks, flowering cycles, truss size, growing degree days for harvest data, remontancy, achene position, ease of capping, fruit weight, percent soluble solids, titratable acidity and soluble solids/titratable acidity. ‘Sarian’ was identified as the best contributing parent for remontancy. Narrow-sense heritability estimates were moderate to high (0.33–0.78) for total flowering weeks, flowering cycle, truss size, remontancy, number of runners, fruit weight, pH, and titratable acidity. Having a better understanding of these attributes will provide breeders guidance on the most effective breeding strategies for incorporating superior traits from this germplasm into their programs.     

The breeding system of rubber (Hevea brasiliensis): an evaluation of controlled hand pollination methods

Summary Controlled hand pollinated pistils of rubber were observed using fluorescence microscopy to assess the efficiency of the universally-employed method for the production of progeny for plant breeding. The controlled hand pollination method conducted in the morning resulted in the deposition of a mean of 15.6 pollen grains on the stigma, with no stray pollination observed. Over 36% of the pistils had the potential to set fruit.Pollinations conducted in the afternoon at the normal time of anthesis, had double the fruit set potential of morning pollinations as measured by penetration of ovules by pollen tubes. Pollinator efficiency also varied, with excessive damage to stigmas resulting in reduced pollen germination and tube growth. There were differences between clones in both female and male fertility, in the proportion of pistils with more than three carpels and in the production of small abnormal stigmas. There was no difference in pollen tube growth following self- or cross-pollination, indicating that the self-sterility mechanism of rubber operates in the ovary. Pollen could be stored for 5 days at 5°C and 75% RH with a 22% loss of fertility.     

Phenotypic diversity and relationships of fruit quality traits in inter-specific almond × peach backcrosses breeding progenies

Nineteen agrochemical traits of 20 almond inter-specific backcrosses progenies were evaluated and compared for three consequence years to find out their phenotypic diversity and determine the relationships of fruit quality traits in almond × peach backcrosses breeding progenies. The variation was observed for traits of phenology parameters (blooming time, ripening time), Physical parameters (fruit weight, width, height, shape, thickness, skin pubescences, colour and flower type), chemical parameters (total sugar content, soluble solids content and acidity) and sensory parameters (attractiveness, taste, and flavor) and yield. Many fruit characteristics that are important to breeders are present in this collection. A high variability was found in the evaluated almond progenies and significant differences were found among them in all studied quality attributes. Year-by-year variations were observed for majority of traits. A significant correlation was found among the fruit height, fruit width, skin pubescences and yield. Fruit height showed a significant positive correlation with fruit weight and fruit thickness and some other traits and a negative correlation with the titratable acidity, skin pubescences and fruit flavour. A high negative correlation was found between the fruit weight and titratable acidity (?0.8). Low coefficients were got between the flower colour and skin pubescences. In addition, principal component analysis it possible to established similar groups of genotypes depending on their quality characteristics and to study relationships among pomological traits in almond progenies evaluated.     

番茄亲本完全双列杂交后主要品质性状配合力及遗传力分析

为提高番茄的优势组合的选配概率,对番茄6个亲本和30个杂交组合果实中4个品质性状的配合力及遗传力进行研究。试验采用6个性状不同的番茄材料作为亲本（编号分别为42、43、44、50、63、69）,按照Griffing完全双列杂交(p2),配成30个杂交组合。对供试亲本的果实厚度、果实硬度、维生素C和总糖的F测验值做差异性分析,发现各性状均达到显著或极显著水平,可以得出所选择的亲本在果实厚度、果实硬度、维生素C和总糖几个性状中的差异有统计学意义。根据各亲本4个品质性状的一般配合力效应值和特殊配合力效应值的表现,可以得出亲本43的总糖和果实硬度的一般配合力最高或较高,分别为0.1557、0.0917,亲本69的番茄维生素C的一般配合力效应值最高,为80.8132。在选育优良品质性状综合表现中,组合50×43在4个品质性状的特殊配合力均较高,是较好的选育品种。     

茄子花培后代的观察与应用

对从长茄杂交种“牟尼卡”（编号06-1001）进行花药培养获得的花培品系二代（DH2）和三代（DH3）的主要植物学性状进行了观察与比较。结果表明,从同一接种材料可以获得不同类型的花培品系,其始花节位、果形指数和单果重变异幅度很大,15个二代品系中,有46.7%的品系始花节位与接种材料达到显著或极显著差异标准,有40.0%的品系果形指数与接种材料达到显著或极显著差异标准,有33.3%的品系单果重与接种材料达到显著或极显著差异标准。同一品系不同世代间始花节位、果实横径、果实纵径、果形指数和单果重能稳定遗传;品系内个体间始花节位、果实横径、果实纵径、果形指数和单果重变异系数较小(<10%),系内整齐一致。此外,初步选育的花培品系“06-139”和以花培品系为亲本的杂交组合“05-203”开始在农业生产中应用。     

八棱海棠自然实生后代人工种群表型性状的变异研究

为研究表型性状在八棱海棠种子实生后代中的分离变异特征,探索种质早期预选择的时期和方法,以人工定植的200株八棱海棠自然实生植株群体为材料,调查不同样本植株的19个表型性状。变异系数和相关性分析表明,八棱海棠自然实生后代各表型性状均分离明显,果实性状的分离最大,其次为枝条性状,花性状分离最小。相关性分析表明,不同表型性状间存在一定的相关性,枝、叶、果实各表型性状间呈显著或极显著相关,其中果实纵径、横径、果重间呈极显著相关,相关系数分别为0.960、0.945和0.965,树高、干径与其他表型性状间相关性不显著。     

41个肉用老南瓜品种主要植物学性状分析

为科学评价国内肉用老南瓜品种,对参展的41个肉用老南瓜品种的始花期、第一坐瓜节位、果长、把长、茎粗、节间长、最大叶纵横径、单果重、果肉厚、可溶性固形物含量等主要植物学性状进行了多样性、相关性和聚类分析。结果表明:41个肉用老南瓜品种在把长、单果重、果长、肉厚等性状上变异幅度较大,在始花期性状上变异幅度较小;各性状之间均存在显著或者极显著的相关性。聚类分析表明41个老南瓜品种可以分为3组,其中第1组在多个性状上优于第2、3组群,但各组间及组内品种间的相似性较高。研究结果为老南瓜育种的优良性状选择和亲本选用提供了依据。     

Inheritance and relationships of important agronomic traits in almond

The inheritance of 16 important agronomic traits and its relationship were studied for four years in a population of 167 almond [P. dulcis (Mill.) D.A. Webb] seedlings obtained from a cross between the French selection ‘R1000’ (‘Tardy Nonpareil’ × ‘Tuono’) and the Spanish cultivar ‘Desmayo Largueta’. For some traits (blooming and leafing date) descendants segregated between the value of both progenitors, meanwhile for others the mean of the offspring was lower (bloom density, productivity and ripening date) or higher (in-shell/kernel ratio and double kernels). As expected, kernel bitterness and self-incompatibility behaved as monogenic traits. Some important correlations between traits were detected. The implications of the transmission and the correlation of these traits in the breeding programmes are discussed.