Identifying Genetic Traits Linked to Self-Compatibility in Goji Berries

Jenn Hoskins
23rd May, 2024

Identifying Genetic Traits Linked to Self-Compatibility in Goji Berries

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • Researchers from North Minzu University studied the genetic basis of self-compatibility in goji berries
  • They created a detailed genetic map using 229 F1 individuals from two goji varieties, identifying 43 significant QTLs related to self-incompatibility traits
  • A specific QTL on chromosome 2, containing the S-RNase gene, was consistently linked to self-compatibility, offering insights for breeding programs
Goji berries (Lycium barbarum L.) are highly valued for their medicinal and functional properties, but their natural self-incompatibility poses significant challenges for breeding and cultivation. Self-incompatibility (SI) is a genetic mechanism that prevents self-fertilization, promoting genetic diversity and reducing inbreeding depression. However, this trait complicates the breeding process, especially in crops like goji berries. To address this, researchers from North Minzu University conducted a comprehensive study to unravel the genetic basis of self-compatibility in goji berries through genome resequencing and quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis[1]. The study focused on two goji varieties: the self-compatible '13-19' and the self-incompatible 'new 9'. Researchers created a high-resolution genetic map using 229 F1 individuals derived from these varieties. This map included 249,327 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) distributed across 12 linkage groups, covering a total distance of 1243.74 centiMorgans (cM) with an average interval of 0.002 cM. By analyzing phenotypic data related to self-incompatibility, such as average fruit weight and compatibility indices collected over two years (2021-2022), the researchers identified 43 significant QTLs associated with multiple traits, explaining more than 11% of the observed phenotypic variation. One of the key findings was the consistent appearance of a specific QTL on chromosome 2 across different years, regardless of the relationship between self-pollination and geitonogamy (pollination between different flowers of the same plant). Within this QTL region, 1180 genes were annotated, including the S-RNase gene Lba02g01102, which exhibited pistil-specific expression. Cloning of S-RNase genes revealed that the parent plants had two different S-RNase alleles (S1S11 and S2S8). The segregation of these alleles in the F1 population was significantly associated with self-compatibility, providing valuable insights into the genetic mechanisms underlying this trait. This study builds on previous research on self-incompatibility mechanisms in other plant families like Brassicaceae, Papaveraceae, Solanaceae, Rosaceae, and Plantaginaceae. These studies have identified specific S-determinants and modifier factors controlling SI and have explored the molecular mechanisms underlying SI, UI (unilateral incompatibility), SC (self-compatibility), and UC (unilateral compatibility)[2][3][4]. The current study on goji berries adds to this body of knowledge by identifying key genetic loci and alleles associated with self-compatibility, which can be leveraged for breeding programs. The findings from this study have significant implications for goji berry breeding. By integrating marker-assisted selection (MAS) based on the identified QTLs and S-RNase alleles, breeders can develop new goji varieties with improved self-compatibility. This approach can enhance crop yield and quality by overcoming the limitations imposed by natural self-incompatibility. Moreover, the high-resolution genetic map and identified QTLs provide a solid foundation for further positional cloning investigations, which could lead to the discovery of additional genes and molecular mechanisms involved in self-compatibility. In conclusion, the study by North Minzu University provides valuable insights into the genetic mechanisms underlying self-compatibility in goji berries. By identifying key QTLs and S-RNase alleles, the research highlights the potential for marker-assisted selection in goji breeding programs, paving the way for the development of new varieties with enhanced self-compatibility and improved agricultural performance.

FruitsGeneticsPlant Science

References

Main Study

1) Mapping quantitative trait loci associated with self-(in)compatibility in goji berries (Lycium barbarum).

Published 23rd May, 2024

Journal: BMC plant biology

Issue: Vol 24, Issue 1, May 2024

Related Studies

2) Cell-cell signaling during the Brassicaceae self-incompatibility response.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tplants.2021.10.011

3) Self-(In)compatibility Systems: Target Traits for Crop-Production, Plant Breeding, and Biotechnology.

https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2020.00195

4) Stigma receptors control intraspecies and interspecies barriers in Brassicaceae.

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-022-05640-x


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