Quantitative trait loci pyramiding for fruit quality traits in tomato

Area of Science:

• Plant genetics and breeding
• Food science and nutrition

Background:

• Tomatoes are a globally significant dietary source of antioxidants.
• Previous research identified Solanum pennellii introgression lines (IL7-3 and IL12-4) with QTLs enhancing fruit ascorbic acid (AsA), phenols, and soluble solids (°Bx).

Purpose of the Study:

• To pyramid selected QTLs into cultivated tomato varieties for improved antioxidant and °Bx content.
• To understand the genetic architecture of these QTLs.

Main Methods:

• Crossed introgression lines (IL7-3, IL12-4) with the recurrent parent M82 and between themselves.
• Obtained F3 progenies from selfed F1 hybrids to stabilize favorable traits.
• Utilized species-specific molecular markers to select homozygous F2 genotypes carrying both introgressions.
• Analyzed AsA, total phenols, and °Bx content in F3 double homozygous plants.

Main Results:

• F3 double homozygous plants exhibited significantly higher AsA, total phenols, and °Bx content compared to the M82 parent.
• Successfully selected genotypes with pyramided QTLs for enhanced fruit quality traits.

Conclusions:

• The developed F3 double homozygous lines are valuable genetic resources for breeding programs.
• These lines can be utilized to increase antioxidant and soluble solids content in tomato fruit.
• This research contributes to developing tomatoes with improved nutritional and quality attributes.