CpARF6 Controls Lobed Leaf Formation in Zucchini.

Area of Science:

• Plant Genetics
• Crop Science
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Lobed leaves in zucchini improve light capture and photosynthesis, enhancing crop productivity.
• The genetic underpinnings of leaf morphology in zucchini are not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the genetic basis of lobed leaf development in zucchini.
• To identify candidate genes controlling leaf shape in zucchini.

Main Methods:

• Developed an F2 population from a cross between entire-leaf and deeply lobed zucchini cultivars.
• Utilized bulked segregant analysis sequencing (BSA-seq) and Kompetitive Allele-Specific PCR (KASP) marker analysis.
• Performed gene expression profiling and sequencing analysis of candidate genes.

Main Results:

• Digenic inheritance controls leaf lobing, with specific F2 segregation ratios observed.
• A major effect locus was identified on chromosome 10, containing the candidate gene CpARF6.
• Nonsynonymous mutations in CpARF6, including a critical substitution, suggest a loss-of-function mechanism impacting leaf shape.

Conclusions:

• CpARF6 is identified as a critical regulator of lobed leaf formation in zucchini.
• These findings provide valuable genetic insights for zucchini breeding and leaf development research.