Detection of Reproducible Major Effect QTL for Petal Traits in Garden Roses

Area of Science:

• Plant genetics
• Genomics
• Horticultural science

Background:

• Quantitative trait loci (QTL) detection relies on population size, genetic architecture, and data quality.
• Previous work showed major QTL are detectable in small rose association panels.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detect major QTL for petal number, petal size, and fragrance in a small panel of garden roses.
• To validate identified QTL markers in independent populations for marker-assisted breeding.

Main Methods:

• Genotyping of 95 tetraploid garden rose genotypes using the 68K Axiom WagRhSNP chip.
• Association analysis to detect QTL for petal traits and fragrance.
• KASP marker conversion and validation in independent rose populations.

Main Results:

• Major QTL significantly influencing petal number, petal size, and fragrance were detected.
• Several QTL regions contain candidate genes, suggesting potential functional links.
• Validated KASP markers confirmed the robustness of detected QTL effects across different populations.

Conclusions:

• Association genetics is effective for detecting major QTL in small rose panels.
• Identified markers are robust and suitable for marker-assisted breeding in garden roses.
• These markers can facilitate future research into the isolation of genes controlling important rose traits.