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QTL mapping in multiple populations and development stages reveals dynamic quantitative trait loci for fruit size in cucumbers of different market classes

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QTL analysis in multi-development stages with different QTL models identified 12 consensus QTLs underlying fruit elongation and radial growth presenting a dynamic view of genetic control of cucumber fruit development.

Abstract

Fruit size is an important quality trait in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) of different market classes. However, the genetic and molecular basis of fruit size variations in cucumber is not well understood. In this study, we conducted QTL mapping of fruit size in cucumber using F2, F2-derived F3 families and recombinant inbred lines (RILs) from a cross between two inbred lines Gy14 (North American picking cucumber) and 9930 (North China fresh market cucumber). Phenotypic data of fruit length and diameter were collected at three development stages (anthesis, immature and mature fruits) in six environments over 4 years. QTL analysis was performed with three QTL models including composite interval mapping (CIM), Bayesian interval mapping (BIM), and multiple QTL mapping (MQM). Twenty-nine consistent and distinct QTLs were detected for nine traits from multiple mapping populations and QTL models. Synthesis of information from available fruit size QTLs allowed establishment of 12 consensus QTLs underlying fruit elongation and radial growth, which presented a dynamic view of genetic control of cucumber fruit development. Results from this study highlighted the benefits of QTL analysis with multiple QTL models and different mapping populations in improving the power of QTL detection. Discussion was presented in the context of domestication and diversifying selection of fruit length and diameter, marker-assisted selection of fruit size, as well as identification of candidate genes for fruit size QTLs in cucumber.

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Acknowledgments

The authors thank Linda Crubaugh and Kristin Haider for technical assistance. This research was supported by US–Israel Binational Agricultural Research and Development (BARD) fund (Grant number IS-4341-10). Relevant work in Y. Weng’s lab was also partially supported by a US Department of Agriculture Specialty Crop Research Initiative grant (project number 2011-51181-30661).

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Horticulture, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 53706, USA

    Yiqun Weng, Yuhui Wang & Luming Yang

  2. USDA-ARS Vegetable Crops Research Unit, Horticulture Department, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 53706, USA

    Yiqun Weng

  3. Horticulture Department, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA

    Marivi Colle & Rebecca Grumet

  4. Department of Fruit Trees Sciences, Institute of Plant Sciences, Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Center, Rishon Lezion, Israel

    Mor Rubinstein, Amir Sherman & Ron Ophir

Authors
  1. Yiqun Weng
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  2. Marivi Colle
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  3. Yuhui Wang
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  4. Luming Yang
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  5. Mor Rubinstein
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  6. Amir Sherman
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  7. Ron Ophir
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  8. Rebecca Grumet
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Corresponding authors

Correspondence to Yiqun Weng or Rebecca Grumet.

Additional information

Communicated by S. Huang.

Electronic supplementary material

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122_2015_2544_MOESM1_ESM.pdf

Supplementary material 1. Fig. S1 Frequency distribution of plants or families of fruit size-related traits in F2, F3 (A, B) and RIL populations (C to K). (PDF 332 kb)

Supplementary material 2 (PDF 236 kb)

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Weng, Y., Colle, M., Wang, Y. et al. QTL mapping in multiple populations and development stages reveals dynamic quantitative trait loci for fruit size in cucumbers of different market classes. Theor Appl Genet 128, 1747–1763 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00122-015-2544-7

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