Dispersion of Cf-4 in Lycopersicon germplasm

In the past, numerous Cf genes have been reported in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) that confer resistance against leaf mould (Cladosporium fulvum Cke.). We are interested in genetic variation at Cf loci. Therefore, previously uncharacterized Cf genes were further analysed. Recognition of the AVR4 elicitor, DNA gel blot analysis, PCR analysis and sequencing of part of the Cf-4 locus showed that a large proportion of the accessions tested harboured the Cf-4 resistance gene. We concluded that despite differences in nomenclature, all these accessions harbour the same Cf-4 locus, probably introgressed from the same donor. The origin of the Cf-4 locus and the reasons for discrepancies with earlier reports are discusse

Characterization of volatile and non-volatile compounds of fresh pepper (Capsicum annuum)

In this study volatile and non-volatile compounds and several agronomical important parameters were measured in mature fruits of elite sweet pepper breeding lines and hybrids and several genebank accessions from different Capsicum species. The sweet pepper breeding lines and hybrids were chosen to roughly represent the expected variation in flavor of Capsicum annuum in the Rijk Zwaan germplasm. The genebank accessions were either chosen because they were expected to have unique combinations of aromas and flavors, according to experience and/or literature, or were parents of mapping populations. The biochemical profiling allowed visualization of between- and within-species metabolic variation and stability during the year. In general, total soluble solids content (Brix) was genotype-dependent and fluctuated only slightly throughout the growing season, with uncultivated genotypes showing the largest changes. The species C. chinense, C. baccatum var. pendulum and C. annuum could be clearly separated by principle component analysis based on profiles of 391 volatile compounds. Especially for breeding purposes it seems to be interesting to study this variation in more detail, trying to unravel the complex genetics of the different pepper flavor aspects

A taste of sweet pepper: Volatile and non-volatile chemical composition of fresh sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum) in relation to sensory evaluation of taste

In this study volatile and non-volatile compounds, as well as some breeding parameters, were measured in mature fruits of elite sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum) lines and hybrids from a commercial breeding program, several cultivated genotypes and one gene bank accession. In addition, all genotypes were evaluated for taste by a trained descriptive sensory expert panel. Metabolic contrasts between genotypes were caused by clusters of volatile and non-volatile compounds, which could be related to metabolic pathways and common biochemical precursors. Clusters of phenolic derivatives, higher alkanes, sesquiterpenes and lipid derived volatiles formed the major determinants of the genotypic differences. Flavour was described with the use of 14 taste attributes, of which the texture related attributes and the sweet-sour contrast were the most discriminatory factors. The attributes juiciness, toughness, crunchiness, stickiness, sweetness, aroma, sourness and fruity/apple taste could be significantly predicted with combined volatile and non-volatile data. Fructose and (E)-2-hexen-1-ol were highly correlated with aroma, fruity/apple taste and sweetness. New relations were found for fruity/apple taste and sweetness with the compounds p-menth-1-en-9-al, (E)-beta-ocimene, (Z)-2-penten-1-ol and (E)-geranylacetone. Based on the overall biochemical and sensory results, the perspectives for flavour improvement by breeding are discussed

An integrated high-density RFLP-AFLP map of tomato based on two Lycopersicon esculentum x L. pennellii F2 populations

Two independent F2 populations of Lycopersicon esculentum×L. pennellii which have previously been investigated in RFLP mapping studies were used for construction of a highly saturated integrated AFLP map. This map spanned 1482 cM and contained 67 RFLP markers, 1078 AFLP markers obtained with 22 EcoRI+MseI primer combinations and 97 AFLP markers obtained with five PstI+MseI primer combinations, 231 AFLP markers being common to both populations. The EcoRI+MseI AFLP markers were not evenly distributed over the chromosomes. Around the centromeric region, 848 EcoRI+ MseI AFLP markers were clustered and covered a genetic distance of 199 cM, corresponding to one EcoRI+ MseI AFLP marker per 0.23 cM; on the distal parts 1283 cM were covered by 230 EcoRI+MseI AFLP markers, corresponding to one marker per 5.6 cM. The PstI/MseI AFLP markers showed a more even distribution with 16 PstI/MseI AFLP markers covering a genetic distance of 199 cM around the centromeric regions and 81 PstI/MseI AFLP markers covering a genetic distance of 1283 cM on the more distal parts, corresponding to one marker per 12 and 16 cM respectively. In both populations a large number of loci showed a significant skewed segregation, but only chromosome 10 loci showed skewness that was similar for both populations. This ultra-dense molecular-marker map provides good perspectives for genetic and breeding purposes and map-based cloning.<br/