High-density genetic map and genome-wide associaation studies of floral color traits in Phalaenopsis orchids

The F1 population of Phalaenopsis Intermedia, which established from the cross between P. equestris and P. aphrodite was applied to build a high-density genetic map based on SSRs and SNPs from GBS methodology, with the digestion of by Hinp1 I and Hae III. In addition, another GBS was performed with enzymes ApeK I and Hae II to increase the SNP number for the GWAS analysis. We identified 10 SNPs highly associated with floral aesthetic trait, and among them, 4 were associated with flower color related. Genes with function related to anthocyanin biosynthesis were identified as the candidate genes. In addition, the flowering time-related gene SOC1 may contribute to flower color regulation in our discovery. A cross between P. equestris and P. aphrodite gave rise to F1 population for two different GBS sequencings.