ARS | Publication request: ESTIMATION OF QUANTITATIVE TRAIT LOCI CONTROLLING SOLID CONTENT, PUNGENCY, AND ANTIPLATELET ACTIVITY OF ONION (ALLIUM CEPA L)

Submitted to: Onion Research National Conference Proceedings
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: February 25, 2000
Publication Date: N/A

Technical Abstract: A 138-point genetic map is being used to identify and estimate the magnitude of quantitative trait loci controlling, solids content, pungency, and antiplatelet activity of onion. Solid content is an important characteristic related to onion flavor, texture and storability and has practical importance for the dehydration industry. Among the salutary effects of Allium vegetables on the cardiovascular system is the inhibitio of platelet activity. Platelets play a key role in thrombosis and acute coronary syndromes because they facilitate blood coagulation. Pungency is an important commercial trait. Significant correlations have been shown between enzymatically produced pyruvic acid and sensory evaluations of onion pungency, indicating that the pyruvic acid analysis is useful selection parameter for pungency. QTL controlling pungency, total solids, soluble solids, and antiplatelet activity are being estimated using 54 F3 families derived from the cross between Brigham Yellow Globe 15-23 (BYG15-23) and Alisa Craig (AC43). This study should determine if correlated the same chromosome regions condition traits and, over the long term, if marker-facilitated selection can be used to develop value-added onion cultivars with enhanced flavor and defined medicinal benefits.