Massive phenotyping of multiple cranberry populations reveals novel QTLs for fruit anthocyanin content and other important chemical traits

Authors: DIAZ-GARCIA, LUIS - University Of Wisconsin; SCHLAUTMAN, BRANDON - University Of Wisconsin; COVARRUBIAS-PAZARAN, GIOVANNY - University Of Wisconsin; MAULE, ANDREW - University Of Wisconsin; JOHNSON-CICALESE, JENNIFER - Rutgers University; GRYGLESKI, EDWARD - Valley Corporation; VORSA, NICHOLI - Rutgers University; Zalapa, Juan

Submitted to: Molecular Genetics and Genomics
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/19/2018
Publication Date: 7/2/2018
Citation: Diaz-Garcia, L., Schlautman, B., Covarrubias-Pazaran, G., Maule, A., Johnson-Cicalese, J., Grygleski, E., Vorsa, N., Zalapa, J.E. 2018. Massive phenotyping of multiple cranberry populations reveals novel QTLs for fruit anthocyanin content and other important chemical traits. Molecular Genetics and Genomics. 293:1379-1392. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00438-018-1464-z.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00438-018-1464-z

Interpretive Summary: Because of its known nutritional benefits for human health, cranberry production and commercialization around the world has gained importance in recent years. Pigment compounds as well as the balance of sugars and acids are key quality characteristics of fresh and processed cranberry products. In this study, we identified novel genes that influence pigments, acidity, sugar, and fruit size in cranberry fruits. We studied the fruit ripening period and identified genes at specific time points that coincide with known chemical changes during fruit development and maturation. Some genes appear to be regulating more than one trait. In addition, we demonstrate the utility of digital imaging as a reliable, inexpensive and high-throughput strategy for the quantification of pigment content in cranberry fruits. To fully exploit the current cranberry supply, fill niche markets (e.g., organic, fresh, and specialty products such as sweetened and dried fruit) and allow further industry expansion into health-oriented products, this research will be useful for cranberry breeding programs to focus on novel cranberry characteristics and chemical constituents that provide value-added incentives to growers and processors.

Technical Abstract: Because of its known phytochemical activity and benefits for human health, American cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon L.) production and commercialization around the world has gained importance in recent years. Flavonoid compounds as well as the balance of sugars and acids are key quality characteristics of fresh and processed cranberry products. In this study, we identified novel QTL that influence total anthocyanin content (TAcy), titratable acidity (TA), proanthocyanidin content (PAC), Brix, and mean fruit weight (MFW) in cranberry fruits. Using repeated measurements over the fruit ripening period, different QTL were identified at specific time points that coincide with known chemical changes during fruit development and maturation. Some genetic regions appear to be regulating more than one trait. In addition, we demonstrate the utility of digital imaging as a reliable, inexpensive and high-throughput strategy for the quantification of anthocyanin content in cranberry fruits. Using this imaging approach, we identified a set of QTL across three different breeding populations which collocated with anthocyanin QTL identified using wet lab approaches.