Quantitative Trait Locus Mapping and Analysis of Traits Related to Flower,Fruit,and Leaf in Loquat
The study focused on an F1 population of 130 individuals from the cross between'Ninghaibai'×'Oobusa'loquat cultivars.Based on a well-constructed high-density genetic map of loquat,QTL mapping was performed for 17 fruit-,leaf-and floral-related traits,and candidate genes were screened from the key QTL intervals.The results showed significant correlations exceeding the significance level among multiple traits.A total of 153 QTLs were identified for the 17 traits.Nine traits,including transverse diameter,flesh thickness,seed number,seed weight,fruit shape index,width of leaf blade,length of leaf blade,width of leaf blade,and shape of leaf base,had QTLs with phenotypic variance explained rates of above 25%.Notably,six QTL intervals on LG4(13.500-14.276 cM and 23.646-24.804 cM),LG8(0-8.851 cM),LG12(41.198-45.852 cM and 65.246-66.407 cM),and LG 15(92.921-95.244 cM),were shared among six or more traits,with phenotypic variance explained rates above 35%for multiple traits.Furthermore,a total of 13 candidate genes related to plant growth and development,cell division,cell expansion,and plant hormone regulation were obtained from the overlapping intervals of LG12(41.198-45.852 cM)andLG15(92.921-95.244 cM).