A Study on the Genetic Effects on Fruit Quality Traits and Selection of Promising Individuals from a Mapping Population of Litchi

Based on the construction of a high density molecular genetics map, several fruit quality traits were investigated in the F-1 mapping population of 'MaguilixJiaohesanyuehong' in order to understand the separation patterns and genetic variation tendencies of these traits. The results showed a continuous variation and wide separation in each trait, which displayed a quantitative genetic pattern. Some fruit qualities such as fruit weight, flesh thickness, pericarp thickness, sucrose content and total sugar/acid ratio showed an obvious transgressive inheritance. Though the seed weight of the hybrids was generally larger than those of the parents, individuals with large fruit, thick flesh, shriveled or smaller seeds, high flesh recovery and high total sugar/acid ratio could be selected. The above results provided preferable data and materials for QTL location and breeding of new cultivars. The mapping population is of important value for theoretical research and breeding.