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Theor Appl Genet (2010) 121:931940 DOI 10.1007/s00122-010-1361-2
ORIGINAL PAPER
Shaping melons: agronomic and genetic characterization of QTLs that modify melon fruit morphology
Iria Fernandez-Silva Eduard Moreno Ali Essa Mohamed Fergany
Jordi Garcia-Mas Ana Montserrat Martn-Hernandez
Jose Maralvarez Antonio J. Monforte
Received: 29 January 2010 / Accepted: 12 May 2010 / Published online: 27 May 2010 Springer-Verlag 2010
Abstract The consistency of quantitative trait locus (QTL) effects among genetic backgrounds is a key factor for introgressing QTLs from initial mapping experiments into applied breeding programs. We have selected four QTLs (fs6.4, fw4.3, fw4.4 and fw8.1) involved in melon fruit morphology that had previously been detected in a collection of introgression lines derived from the cross between a Spanish cultivar, Piel de Sapo, and the Korean accession PI161375 (Songwan Charmi). Introgression lines harboring these QTLs were crossed with an array of melon inbred lines representative of the most important cultivar types. Hybrids of the introgression and inbred lines, with the appropriate controls, were evaluated in replicated agronomic trials. The effects of the QTLs
were consistent among the different genetic backgrounds, demonstrating the utility of these QTLs for applied breeding programs in modifying melon fruit morphology. Three QTLs, fw4.4, fs6.4 and fs12.1 were subjected to further study in order to map them more accurately by substitution mapping using a new set of introgression lines with recombination events within the QTL chromosome region. The position of the QTLs was narrowed down to 365 cM, depending on the QTL. The results presented in the current study set the basis for the use of these QTLs in applied breeding programs and for the molecular characterization of the genes underlying them.
Introduction
Melon (Cucumis melo L.) fruit are remarkably variable among cultivars, landraces and wild accessions. Melon fruit size ranges from a few tens of grams to several kilograms, and the fruit shape varies from globular to extremely elongated (Stepansky et al. 1999; Monforte et al. 2005). Melon fruit morphology is an important quality trait as it is one of the rst characteristics noted by consumers. The fruit of cultivars belonging to different market classes should t within a range of morphology parameters. For example, cantaloupes should be medium size and round, whereas Piel de Sapo cultivars should be oval and larger.