High-density linkage map construction in an autotetraploid blueberry population and detection of quantitative trait loci for anthocyanin content

Abstract

Highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum, 2n = 4x = 48) is the most cultivated type of blueberry, both in New Zealand and overseas. Its perceived nutritional value is conferred by phytonutrients, particularly anthocyanins. Identifying the genetic mechanisms that control the biosynthesis of these metabolites would enable faster development of cultivars with improved fruit qualities. Here, we used recently released tools for genetic mapping in autotetraploids to build a high-density linkage map in highbush blueberry and to detect quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for fruit anthocyanin content. Genotyping was performed by target sequencing, with ∼18,000 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers being mapped into 12 phased linkage groups (LGs). Fruits were harvested when ripe for two seasons and analyzed with high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS): 25 different anthocyanin compounds were identified and quantified. Two major QTLs that were stable across years were discovered, one on LG2 and one on LG4, and the underlying candidate genes were identified. Interestingly, the presence of anthocyanins containing acylated sugars appeared to be under strong genetic control. Information gained in this study will enable the design of molecular markers for marker-assisted selection and will help build a better understanding of the genetic control of anthocyanin biosynthesis in this crop.

Cuticular waxes affect fruit surface color in blueberries

“…Similarly in this study, ‘Chippewa’ is the only cultivar that has the pedigree of lowbush blueberries, and its anthocyanin profile was characterized by 58.3% of the glucosides. Recent studies also reported relatively high proportions of anthocyanin glucosides (30%–40%) and acetyl‐glycosides (10–20%) in northern highbush genotypes (Günther et al, 2020; Montanari et al, 2022). The distinct anthocyanin profiles are likely to be related to the differences in genetic background and breeding heritage of the genotypes investigated (Yan et al, 2023).…”

Unveiling the evolutionary history of lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaeaL.) through genome sequencing and assembly of European and North American subspecies

“…2022), the genetic basis for anthocyanin biosynthesis in lingonberry is relatively understudied. The QTL study that specifically targeted the increased anthocyanin production in blueberry suggested candidate genes including BADH acyltransferase and UFGT to be highly correlated with the increased anthocyanin profile (Montanari et al . 2022).…”

“…While anthocyanins and the related flavonoids are the major targets of breeding due to their health benefits (Edger et al 2022) and there has been efforts to build QTL maps associating genomic regions to increased anthocyanin production in commercial blueberry and cranberry (Diaz-Garcia et al 2018;Montanari et al 2022), the genetic basis for anthocyanin biosynthesis in lingonberry is relatively understudied. The QTL study that specifically targeted the increased anthocyanin production in blueberry suggested candidate genes including BADH acyltransferase and UFGT to be highly correlated with the increased anthocyanin profile (Montanari et al 2022). We were able to annotate four copies of UFGT in lingonberry genome, one of which was highly expressed in red berries (STRG.15162 on chromosome 4; Supplementary Figure 4).…”

Unveiling the evolutionary history of lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.) through genome sequencing and assembly of European and North American subspecies

“…2022 ) and there has been efforts to build QTL maps associating genomic regions to increased anthocyanin production in commercial blueberry and cranberry ( Diaz-Garcia et al . 2018 ; Montanari et al . 2022 ), the genetic basis for anthocyanin biosynthesis in lingonberry is relatively understudied.…”

“…2022 ), the genetic basis for anthocyanin biosynthesis in lingonberry is relatively understudied. The QTL study that specifically targeted the increased anthocyanin production in blueberry suggested candidate genes including BAHD acyltransferase and UFGT to be highly correlated with the increased anthocyanin profile ( Montanari et al . 2022 ).…”