Inheritance analysis of fruit-related traits in Chinese cherry [Cerasus pseudocerasus (Lindl.) G.Don] breeding progenies

Chinese cherry [Cerasus pseudocerasus (Lindl.) G.Don] is one of the important stone fruits in China. To explore the heredity variation of fruit-related traits, we investigated 18 fruit-related traits of the F-1 segregating population around 700 individuals derived from 'Hongfei' x 'Pujianghonghua' of Chinese cherry for two years. The mixed major gene and polygene inheritance model method was also evaluated for their fitness in relating to the traits. The results showed that the main fruit traits had different degrees of variation, with the coefficient of variation ranging from 4.76 to 26.71% (72.23% for anthocyanin content) in 2021, and from 4.71 to 21.57% in 2022. Significant levels of transgressive heterosis were observed for fruit stalk length, total soluble solid and anthocyanin content, whereas negative heterosis was detected in fruit weight and size. The most suitable genetic model for fruit maturity date and fruit development period was 2MG-ADI and 2MG-AD, respectively, and the heritability of major gene was greater than 90%. The optimal genetic model for ten fruit size and flavor related traits was 2MG-AD or 2MG-EA, which were controlled by two pairs of major genes with additive-dominant effect or equal-additive effect, with the major gene heritability being less than 45%. The additive effects of the fruit -related traits were mostly positive, while the dominant effects were mainly negative. These results provide a theoretical basis for quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping and marker-assisted breeding of fruit-related traits in Chinese cherry.

Automated summary

Chinese cherry is an important stone fruit in China. The variation of fruit-related traits was investigated in an F-1 segregating population derived from 'Hongfei' x 'Pujianghonghua' of Chinese cherry. Different degrees of variation were observed in the main fruit traits, and transgressive heterosis and negative heterosis were found in certain traits. The optimal genetic models for fruit maturity date and fruit development period were identified, and the heritability of major genes was high. The best genetic models for fruit size and flavor traits were also determined.