From genome to harvest: Unraveling the mysteries of peach flesh
image: Schematic diagram of proposed model presenting effects of blood TE on peach fruit flesh color and maturity date. The thin and thick lines with arrows indicate low and high level of PpBL, PpACO1, or PpACS1 expression, respectively. The black and gray spot indicates the PpBL and Prupe.4G186800 (without 9 bp insertion) expression product, respectively. The dotted line pointing to 497 bp sequence indicates PpWRKY70 may down-regulate PpBL expression. The thick dotted black arrow pointing to PpACO1 and ACS1 indicates that PpBL may strongly up-regulate the expression of PpACO1 and ACS1. The thick dotted arrow pointing to the upside of fruits indicates that a series of upstream reactions may have a strong promoting effect on the maturity of fruit carrying blood TE and Prupe.4G186800 (without 9 bp insertion). The thin dotted arrow pointing to PpACO1 and ACS1 indicates that Prupe.4G186800 (without 9 bp insertion) slightly up-regulates the transcription of PpACO1 and ACS1. A thin dotted arrow pointing to the downside of fruits indicates that a series of upstream reactions have a weak promoting effect on the maturity of fruit carrying Prupe.4G186800 (without 9 bp insertion).
Credit: Horticulture Research
A recent study study has unveiled the genetic secrets behind the vivid red flesh and early ripening of ancient peach varieties. By assembling the genome of an ancient Chinese peach landrace, Tianjin ShuiMi (TJSM), researchers have identified structural variants and long terminal repeat-retrotransposons (LTR-RTs) that influence blood-flesh color and accelerated fruit maturity. This discovery offers a genetic blueprint that could transform peach breeding, paving the way for fruits with enhanced quality, nutrition, and adaptability.
Peaches, with their storied history in agriculture, have long challenged breeders seeking to improve their nutritional content and adaptability. The rich anthocyanins in red-fleshed varieties not only contribute to their striking appearance but also promote health. Simultaneously, controlling ripening periods is crucial for growers and consumers alike. Unlocking the genetic mechanisms behind these traits is key to developing superior peach varieties that balance aesthetic appeal with nutritional excellence.
In an announcement, researchers from the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences have revealed a major advance in peach genetics. Published (DOI: 10.1093/hr/uhad265) in the December 2023 issue of Horticulture Research, their study employs de novo genome assembly to decode the genetics of Tianjin ShuiMi (TJSM), an ancient Chinese peach landrace. The findings highlight critical genetic variations linked to the fruit’s unique red flesh and early maturity, offering fresh opportunities to enhance peach breeding practices.
The study, led by the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, delves deeply into the genome of TJSM. Among the most notable discoveries is a 6,688-bp long terminal repeat-retrotransposons (LTR-RTs) named "blood TE," located in the promoter region of the PpBL gene, a NAC transcription factor regulating blood-flesh color. This genetic element was found to co-segregate with the blood-flesh phenotype and accelerate fruit ripening. The findings provide a clear molecular understanding of these traits, offering a valuable resource for breeding peaches with superior commercial and nutritional qualities. The study’s innovative approach and its implications for targeted breeding mark a turning point in horticultural genetics, promising to reshape peach cultivation.
Lead researcher Dr. Lirong Wang emphasized the significance of these discoveries, stating, “Our work provides novel insights into the genetic basis of blood-flesh color and fruit maturity in peaches. Understanding these mechanisms is pivotal for breeding programs aimed at enhancing fruit quality and nutritional content.” Wang further underscored the potential for this research to drive advancements in peach cultivation strategies, focusing on both agronomic performance and nutritional benefits.
Looking ahead, this pioneering research lays the foundation for the development of peach varieties that captivate with their vibrant red flesh and deliver superior ripening traits. Leveraging the genetic insights from the "blood TE" element, breeders can create fruits that not only satisfy consumer demands for appearance and flavor but also contribute to health through elevated anthocyanin levels. Furthermore, preserving the genetic diversity of ancient cultivars ensures the resilience and adaptability of peach crops in a changing climate, contributing to the global goals of sustainable agriculture.
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References
DOI
Original Source URL
https://doi.org/10.1093/hr/uhad265
Funding information
This work was financially supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China (No.2023YFE0105400), and the Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Program of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS-ASTIP-2020-ZFRI-01).
About Horticulture Research
Horticulture Research is an open access journal of Nanjing Agricultural University and ranked number one in the Horticulture category of the Journal Citation Reports ™ from Clarivate, 2022. The journal is committed to publishing original research articles, reviews, perspectives, comments, correspondence articles and letters to the editor related to all major horticultural plants and disciplines, including biotechnology, breeding, cellular and molecular biology, evolution, genetics, inter-species interactions, physiology, and the origination and domestication of crops.