Mapping quantitative trait loci for kernel composition in almond

Background Almond breeding is increasingly taking into account kernel quality as a breeding objective. Information on the parameters to be considered in evaluating almond quality, such as protein and oil content, as well as oleic acid and tocopherol concentration, has been recently compiled. The genetic control of these traits has not yet been studied in almond, although this information would improve the efficiency of almond breeding programs. Results A map with 56 simple sequence repeat or microsatellite (SSR) markers was constructed for an almond population showing a wide range of variability for the chemical components of the almond kernel. A total of 12 putative quantitative trait loci (QTL) controlling these chemical traits have been detected in this analysis, corresponding to seven genomic regions of the eight almond linkage groups (LG). Some QTL were clustered in the same region or shared the same molecular markers, according to the correlations already found between the chemical traits. The logarithm of the odds (LOD) values for any given trait ranged from 2.12 to 4.87, explaining from 11.0 to 33.1 % of the phenotypic variance of the trait. Conclusions The results produced in the study offer the opportunity to include the new genetic information in almond breeding programs. Increases in the positive traits of kernel quality may be looked for simultaneously whenever they are genetically independent, even if they are negatively correlated. We have provided the first genetic framework for the chemical components of the almond kernel, with twelve QTL in agreement with the large number of genes controlling their metabolism

Influencia de diversos patrones ciruelo sobre las características agronómicas y la calidad del fruto en la variedad de melocotonero ‘Catherina’

4 Pags.- 2 Tabls. Contribución de los autores originalmente presentada, como comunicación,en el XIV Congreso Nacional de Ciencias Hortícolas (SECH 2015): Retos de la Nueva Agricultura Mediterránea (Orihuela, 3-5 junio 2015).En este trabajo se estudia la influencia de ocho patrones ciruelo (Adesoto 101, Constantí 1, PM 105 AD, Puebla de Soto 67 AD, Monpol, Montizo y San Julián GF 655-2) y un franco de melocotonero (Benasque), sobre el vigor y supervivencia de los árboles, productividad y calidad del fruto en la variedad de melocotonero ‘Catherina’. Entre los parámetros de calidad se determinaron tamaño del fruto, firmeza, sólidos solubles (ºBrix), acidez valorable e índice de madurez, así como otros parámetros bioquímicos: azúcares y distintos compuestos antioxidantes. El contenido en azúcares (sacarosa, glucosa, fructosa y sorbitol) se determinó mediante cromatografía líquida de alta resolución (HPLC). A los doce años de la plantación, se observaron diferencias significativas entre patrones, tanto en los parámetros agronómicos como de calidad del fruto de la variedad injertada.Este trabajo ha sido financiado por el Ministerio de Ciencia y Innovación (MICINN) AGL-2005-05533 y AGL-2008-00283, con cofinanciación FEDER, y el gobierno de Aragón (A44). C. Font es beneficiaria de una beca JAE-Pre del CSIC.Peer reviewe

Genetic Diversity in Local Spanish Olive Cultivars Assessed by Molecular Characterization with : abstract

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Association mapping for kernel phytosterol content in almond

Almond kernels are a rich source of phytosterols, which are important compounds for human nutrition. The genetic control of phytosterol content has not yet been documented in almond. Association mapping (AM), also known as linkage disequilibrium (LD), was applied to an almond germplasm collection in order to provide new insight into the genetic control of total and individual sterol contents in kernels. Population structure analysis grouped the accessions into two principal groups, the Mediterranean and the non-Mediterranean. There was a strong subpopulation structure with LD decaying with increasing genetic distance, resulting in lower levels of LD between more distant markers. A significant impact of population structure on LD in the almond cultivar groups was observed. The mean r2-value for all intra-chromosomal loci pairs was 0.040, whereas, the r2 for the inter-chromosomal loci pairs was 0.036. For analysis of association between the markers and phenotypic traits five models were tested. The mixed linear model (MLM) approach using co-ancestry values from population structure and kinship estimates (K model) as covariates identified a maximum of 13 significant associations. Most of the associations found appeared to map within the interval where many candidate genes involved in the sterol biosynthesis pathway are predicted in the peach genome. These findings provide a valuable foundation for quality gene identification and molecular marker assisted breeding in almond.Publishe

Qualité du fruit chez les amandes : aspects chimiques pour les stratégies d'amélioration génétique

Almond (Prunus amygdalus Batsch) kernel composition is a basic aspect for almond quality evaluation, but, with the exception of kernel taste, only nut and kernel physical traits have been considered so far in almond evaluation. Kernel bitterness, due to the presence of amygdalin, has been thoroughly studied from the physiological and genetic points of view, but not the other chemical traits, which, however, have a great importance in the organoleptic appreciation of the kernel, in its industrial utilization, in its keeping performance, and in its nutritional and healthy value. The major component of almond kernels is the lipid fraction, ranging from 35 to 70% of the total kernel dry weight. More important is the different proportion of the main fatty acids, with a predominant role of oleic acid, the most interesting from the nutritional and health point of view, ranging from 62 to 78% of the total fatty acids. Some confectioneries, such as nougat, require a high proportion of fatty acids whereas others, such as marzipan and almond flour, require a low proportion. Protein content ranges between 13 and 29%, being inversely proportional to the percentage of fatty acids. Soluble sugars range from 3 to 8%, with a predominant presence of sucrose. Ash residue ranges from 3 to 4.5%, with K, Ca and Mg as predominant elements. Fibre content ranges from 2 to 6%. Mostly interesting is the presence of tocopherols, due to their antioxidant activity. They are the source of vitamin E and also avoid, or retard, the rancidity process in almond kernels. Large differences in tocopherol content have been found between cultivars and selections, allowing an effective selection process for this trait in breeding programmes because of their implication in the industrial, nutritional and healthy value of the almond kernels. All these parameters are more or less heritable and must be considered in the design of crosses and in the evaluation during a breeding programmeLa composition de l'amandon est un aspect de base pour l'évaluation de la qualité chez l'amandier (Prunus amygdalus Batsch). Pourtant, à l'exception du goût de l'amandon, seulement les caractères physiques de la coque et de l'amandon ont été considérés pour le moment dans l'évaluation des cultivars d'amandier. Le goût amer, dû à la présence d'amygdaline, a été profondément étudié du point de vue physiologique et génétique, mais pas les autres caractères chimiques, qui ont malgré tout une grande importance pour l'appréciation organoleptique de l'amandon, pour son utilisation industrielle, pour son stockage, et pour sa valeur nutritive et favorable à la santé. La composante majeure de l'amandon est la fraction lipidique, qui va de 35 à 70% du total du poids sec de l'amandon. Plus importante est la différente proportion des acides gras les plus présents, avec un rôle prédominant de l'acide oléique, le plus intéressant du point de vue nutritif et de la santé, qui va de 62 à 78% du total des acides gras. Quelques produits, comme le nougat, demandent une proportion élevée d'acides gras, mais d'autres, comme le massepain et la farine d'amande, en nécessitent une proportion faible. La teneur en protéine va de 13 à 29%, étant inversement proportionnelle à la teneur en acides gras. Les sucres solubles vont de 3 à 8%, avec une présence prédominante du saccharose. Le résidu de cendres va de 3 à 4,5%, avec K, Ca et Mg comme éléments prédominants. La teneur en fibre va de 2 à 6%. Très intéressante est la présence de tocophérols, étant donné leur activité anti-oxydante. Ils sont la source de la vitamine E et aussi évitent, ou retardent, le processus de rancissement des amandons. De grandes différences dans la teneur en tocophérols ont été trouvées parmi les cultivars et les sélections, ce qui permet un processus de sélection effectif pour ce caractère dans les programmes d'amélioration génétique à cause de son implication pour la valeur industrielle, nutritive et de santé des amandons. Il faut considérer tous ces paramètres, qui sont plus ou moins héritables, dans la conception des croisements et dans l'évaluation pendant un programme d'amélioratio

La composición de la almendra como criterio de mejora para la calidad

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Phenotypic diversity among local Spanish and foreign peach and nectarine [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch] accessions

17 Pags., 7 Tabls., 1 Fig. The definitive version is available at: http://link.springer.com/journal/10681Phenotypic data for tree and fruit characteristics was collected over three consecutive years from a germplasm collection of 94 peach and nectarine accessions representing both traditional Spanish as well as foreign cultivars with widespread global plantings. All accessions were grown at the Experimental Station of Aula Dei located in the Ebro Valley (Northern Spain, Zaragoza) under a Mediterranean climate. Tree traits evaluated included bloom and harvest date, vigor, yield, yield efficiency and flower and leaf characteristics. Fruit traits included fresh weight, firmness, soluble solids, titratable acidity, levels of individual soluble sugars (sucrose, glucose, fructose and sorbitol), vitamin C, total phenolics, flavonoids, anthocyanins, relative antioxidant capacity and ripening index. Extensive variability was observed for most qualitative and quantitative traits with significant correlations identified between many traits. While the traditional Spanish accessions demonstrated good adaptability to the northern Spain evaluation site, opportunities for continued improvement in tree and fruit quality traits were demonstrated by an extensive phenotypic variability within the germplasm collection.This study was funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (MICINN) grants AGL2005-05533, AGL2008-00283 and AGL2011-24576, and RFP 2009-00016 cofunded by FEDER and the Regional Government of Aragon (A44). C. Font was supported by a JAE fellowship from Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC).Peer reviewe

Phenotypic diversity among local Spanish and foreign peach and nectarine [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch] accessions

17 Pags., 7 Tabls., 1 Fig. The definitive version is available at: http://link.springer.com/journal/10681Phenotypic data for tree and fruit characteristics was collected over three consecutive years from a germplasm collection of 94 peach and nectarine accessions representing both traditional Spanish as well as foreign cultivars with widespread global plantings. All accessions were grown at the Experimental Station of Aula Dei located in the Ebro Valley (Northern Spain, Zaragoza) under a Mediterranean climate. Tree traits evaluated included bloom and harvest date, vigor, yield, yield efficiency and flower and leaf characteristics. Fruit traits included fresh weight, firmness, soluble solids, titratable acidity, levels of individual soluble sugars (sucrose, glucose, fructose and sorbitol), vitamin C, total phenolics, flavonoids, anthocyanins, relative antioxidant capacity and ripening index. Extensive variability was observed for most qualitative and quantitative traits with significant correlations identified between many traits. While the traditional Spanish accessions demonstrated good adaptability to the northern Spain evaluation site, opportunities for continued improvement in tree and fruit quality traits were demonstrated by an extensive phenotypic variability within the germplasm collection.This study was funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (MICINN) grants AGL2005-05533, AGL2008-00283 and AGL2011-24576, and RFP 2009-00016 cofunded by FEDER and the Regional Government of Aragon (A44). C. Font was supported by a JAE fellowship from Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC).Peer reviewe

Effect of Genetics and Climate on Apple Sugars and Organic Acids Profiles

Apple is widely cultivated in temperate regions. The beneficial properties of apple for preventing several illnesses are widely known. Nevertheless, qualitative variables such as sweetness or sourness may influence consumer satisfaction; they are critical factors for fruit consumption and essential in plant breeding. In the present work, 155 apple accessions were assessed during five consecutive years (2014–2018). Four individual sugars and seven organic acids were analysed by HPLC. A mixed-effects model was fitted with accessions and the years’ climatic features as independent variables. A cluster analysis was applied on the mixed-effects model coefficients. Four groups were considered as optimum. Genetics seemed to have the strongest effect and showed clear differences between accession groups, while climate effects were strong only for certain compounds and had a more horizontal behaviour equally affecting the different accession groups. In fact, nonSpanish cultivars tended to concentrate, while autochthone accessions had a much wider spread. Individual sugars and acids concentrations correlated negatively with precipitation and positively with temperature range and solar radiation in all accession groups. The geographic region where the orchard is grown is thus very important in the resulting metabolites profiles. Moreover, apple genetics would also play a decisive role as highlighted in the cluster analysis.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio