Data_Sheet_1_High-density linkage map construction in an autotetraploid blueberry population and detection of quantitative trait loci for anthocyanin content.PDF

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.

高丛蓝莓（Vaccinium corymbosum，2n=4x=48）是新西兰乃至全球范围内种植最广泛的蓝莓品种类型。其公认的营养价值由植物营养素赋予，尤以花青素最为突出。解析调控这类代谢物生物合成的遗传机制，将有助于加速培育果实品质更优的蓝莓栽培品种。本研究借助近期发布的同源四倍体（autotetraploids）遗传作图工具，构建了高丛蓝莓的高密度连锁图谱，并检测了果实花青素含量的数量性状位点（quantitative trait loci, QTLs）。本研究通过靶向测序（target sequencing）开展基因分型，将约18000个单核苷酸多态性（single nucleotide polymorphism, SNP）标记定位到12个已定相的连锁群（linkage groups, LGs）中。本研究在两个生长季分别采收成熟果实，并采用高效液相色谱-质谱联用法（high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, HPLC-MS）进行分析，共鉴定并定量了25种不同的花青素类化合物。研究发现了两个在不同年份均稳定存在的主效QTLs，分别位于连锁群2（LG2）和连锁群4（LG4），并鉴定出了其潜在的候选基因。有趣的是，含酰化糖基的花青素的存在似乎受到极强的遗传调控。本研究获得的相关信息，将有助于开发用于标记辅助选择的分子标记，并增进人们对该作物花青素生物合成遗传调控机制的深入认知。