The progress in sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) breeding has been marked by the identification of molecular markers for crucial traits, utilizing genome sequencing for marker-assisted selection (MAS). Despite these achievements, quantitative trait locus (QTL) analyses have often lacked resolution, leading to missed gene associations.
Traditional breeding methods face challenges related to low efficiency and high costs. Recent developments in whole-genome sequencing have uncovered nearly 2 million single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), promising higher marker density for genome-wide association studies (GWAS). However, uneven SNP distribution remains an obstacle, hindering the identification of candidate genes. The current hurdle is to leverage GWAS potential for high-resolution mapping to expedite the breeding of improved sweet cherry varieties.
Researchers employed paired-end sequencing on the Illumina NovaSeq 6000 platform, generating a 4.15-Tb sequence with samples contributing 7.6–36.8 Gb each. The extensive genome coverage allowed the identification of 1,767,106 high-quality SNPs distributed across the accessions. Principal component analysis (PCA) and Bayesian information criterion (BIC) indicated a homogeneous population without distinct genetic subgroups.
Phenotypic diversity assessed from 2012 to 2020 revealed significant variability across traits, with Collection of Genetic Resources (CGR) accessions displaying more pronounced diversity than breeding materials (BM). Notable differences in color traits and fruit size were observed, aligning with the goals of selective breeding.
Collection of Genetic Resources population structure analysis. A) Principal component (PC) analysis plot of the first two PCs identified from 235 accessions based on 1,767,106 single nucleotide polymorphisms. B) Heat map of a kinship matrix estimated using the VanRaden algorithm. Both plots were generated with GAPIT.
Source: EurekAlert!
Image: High-resolution genome-wide association study of a large Czech collection of sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) on fruit maturity and quality traits - Scientific Figure on ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Collection-of-Genetic-Resources-population-structure-analysis-A-Principal-component_fig1_364394570.
17 Jul 2024
Since the 1990s, the growth of the Canadian industry has focused mainly on working with foreign countries to conclude agreements for the purchase of our fruit. Canadian cherries are exported to more than 20 countries, including Japan and South Korea.
13 Dec 2024
We inform our readers that the proceedings of the 9th ISHS International Cherry Symposium, held in China in 2023, have been published. To view the abstracts of the presentations or purchase the volume in print or as an ebook, you can visit the ISHS website.
30 Jan 2025
For an in-depth look at the topics of varietal innovation and modern commercial development strategies for new cherry varieties, Stefano Lugli of Cherry Times interviewed James Calissi, owner of Calissi Farm, a company specialising in nursery and management of new varieties.
30 Jan 2025
Specialists agree that the new varieties have great potential. However, ‘we have to keep working,’ says Walter Masman. ‘It is essential that growers know the specific characteristics of each variety and handle them appropriately.’
