title: Genetic analysis of strawberry fruit aroma and identification of O-methyltransferase FaOMT as the locus controlling natural variation in mesifurane content.
abstract: Improvement of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) fruit flavor is an important goal in breeding programs. To investigate genetic factors controlling this complex trait, a strawberry mapping population derived from genotype '1392', selected for its superior flavor, and '232' was profiled for volatile compounds over 4 years by headspace solid phase microextraction coupled to gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. More than 300 volatile compounds were detected, of which 87 were identified by comparison of mass spectrum and retention time to those of pure standards. Parental line '1392' displayed higher volatile levels than '232', and these and many other compounds with similar levels in both parents segregated in the progeny. Cluster analysis grouped the volatiles into distinct chemically related families and revealed a complex metabolic network underlying volatile production in strawberry fruit. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) detection was carried out over 3 years based on a double pseudo-testcross strategy. Seventy QTLs covering 48 different volatiles were detected, with several of them being stable over time and mapped as major QTLs. Loci controlling γ-decalactone and mesifurane content were mapped as qualitative traits. Using a candidate gene approach we have assigned genes that are likely responsible for several of the QTLs. As a proof of concept we show that one homoeolog of the O-methyltransferase gene (FaOMT) is the locus responsible for the natural variation of mesifurane content. Sequence analysis identified 30 bp in the promoter of this FaOMT homoeolog containing putative binding sites for basic/helix-loop-helix, MYB, and BZIP transcription factors. This polymorphism fully cosegregates with both the presence of mesifurane and the high expression of FaOMT during ripening.
authors.affiliation: Instituto Andaluz de Investigación y Formación Agraria y Pesquera, Centro de Churriana, 29140 Málaga, Spain.
authors.forename: Yasmín
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Zorrilla-Fontanesi
authors.forename: José-Luis
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Rambla
authors.forename: Amalia
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Cabeza
authors.forename: Juan J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Medina
authors.forename: José F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Sánchez-Sevilla
authors.forename: Victoriano
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Valpuesta
authors.forename: Miguel A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Botella
authors.forename: Antonio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Granell
authors.forename: Iraida
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Amaya
mesh_terms: D015107:4-Butyrolactone / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000737:chemistry; D000483:Alleles; D001483:Base Sequence; D002874:Chromosome Mapping; D005421:Flavoring Agents / Q000737:chemistry*; D031985:Fragaria / Q000201:enzymology / Q000235:genetics*; D005638:Fruit / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000235:genetics; D005663:Furans / Q000737:chemistry*; D017343:Genes, Plant; D014644:Genetic Variation; D042822:Genomic Instability; D008780:Methyltransferases / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D025341:Principal Component Analysis; D011401:Promoter Regions, Genetic; D040641:Quantitative Trait Loci; D012045:Regulatory Sequences, Nucleic Acid; D055549:Volatile Organic Compounds / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D005421:Flavoring Agents; D005663:Furans; D055549:Volatile Organic Compounds; C514184:4-methoxy-2,5-dimethyl-3(2H)-furanone; D008780:Methyltransferases; D015107:4-Butyrolactone