This study investigates the genetic basis of fruit traits in European hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.), with a focus on identifying the genetic determinants that influence nut and kernel traits as well as the genes associated with flowering time. The research aims to shorten hazelnut breeding cycles and understand the genetic interplay affecting these traits. Using a mapping population from 'Tonda Gentile delle Langhe' (TGdL) and 'Merveille de Bollwiller' (MB) cultivars (175 F1 progeny), extensive phenotyping and genotypic analysis were conducted. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis identified 131 QTLs (52 major) associated with 12 nut and kernel traits were identified across the 11 LGs with 68 on the TGdL map and 63 on the MB map. Among them stable QTLs over the three years were detected on TGdL map (nine QTLs on five LGs) and MB map (13 QTLs on four LGs). The most interesting were on MB_04 and MB_05 LGs for fruit size traits, on TGdL_04 and TGdL_11 for fruit shape traits and on MB_02 for cluster traits. Through exploration of candidate genes within these regions a linkage between nut and kernel traits and flowering time were identified, along with candidate genes involved in key developmental processes such as cell proliferation and circadian clock regulation. Notably, genes affecting flowering time were also linked to fruit development traits, suggesting a genetic connection. Our findings highlight a significant genetic overlap between nut and kernel traits and flowering time, providing valuable genetic markers for use in hazelnut breeding programs. This research underlines the potential for using molecular breeding techniques to enhance trait selection efficiency, thereby supporting the development of new hazelnut varieties with improved quality and adaptability to changing environmental conditions. These insights are crucial for advancing sustainable agricultural practices and meeting the increasing global demand for hazelnuts.

中文翻译：

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欧洲榛子全同胞种群中与坚果和果仁相关的性状的基因组调查


本研究调查了欧洲榛子 （Corylus avellana L.） 果实性状的遗传基础，重点是确定影响坚果和果仁性状的遗传决定因素以及与开花时间相关的基因。该研究旨在缩短榛子育种周期并了解影响这些性状的遗传相互作用。使用来自 'Tonda Gentile delle Langhe' （TGdL） 和 'Merveille de Bollwiller' （MB） 品种 （175 个 F1 后代） 的作图种群，进行了广泛的表型分析和基因型分析。数量性状位点 （QTL） 分析发现，在 11 个 LG 中鉴定出 131 个 QTL （52 个主要），与 12 个坚果和果仁性状相关，其中 68 个在 TGdL 图谱上，63 个在 MB 图谱上。其中，在 TGdL 图谱 （5 个 LGs 上 9 个 QTL） 和 MB 图谱 （4 个 LGs 上 13 个 QTL） 上检测到 3 年稳定的 QTL。最有趣的是果实大小性状的 MB_04 和 MB_05 LGs、果实形状性状的 TGdL_04 和 TGdL_11 以及簇状性状的 MB_02。通过探索这些区域内的候选基因，确定了坚果和果仁性状与开花时间之间的联系，以及参与细胞增殖和昼夜节律调节等关键发育过程的候选基因。值得注意的是，影响开花时间的基因也与果实发育性状有关，这表明存在遗传联系。我们的研究结果强调了坚果和果仁性状与开花时间之间的显着遗传重叠，为用于榛子育种计划提供了有价值的遗传标记。 这项研究强调了使用分子育种技术提高性状选择效率的潜力，从而支持开发质量更高、适应性更强的新榛子品种。这些见解对于推进可持续农业实践和满足全球对榛子日益增长的需求至关重要。