Department of Plant Breeding, Centro de Edafología y Biología Aplicada del Segura-Consejo Superior de Inbvestigaciones Científicas (CEBAS-CSIC), Campus Universitario Espinardo, E-30100 Murcia, Spain.
Int J Mol Sci. 2024 Aug 21;25(16):9081. doi: 10.3390/ijms25169081.
The main objective of this study was to monitor apricot development and ripening through gene expression analysis of key candidate genes using the RT-qPCR technique. Eight apricot cultivars were selected to analyze phenological and genetic patterns from pre-ripening stages through to postharvest. In addition, 19 selected genes were analyzed in the contrasting cultivars 'Cebas Red' and 'Rojo Pasión' in different stages (two preharvest stages S1 and S2, one harvest stage S3, and two postharvest stages S4 and S5). This pool of genes included genes related to fruit growth and ripening, genes associated with fruit color, and genes linked to the fruit's nutraceutical aspects. Among the studied genes, (), (), (), and () were directly related to fruit maturation and quality. Significant differential expression was observed between the cultivars, which correlated with variations in firmness, shelf life, and sensory characteristics of the apricots. 'Rojo Pasión' displayed high levels of , associated with rapid maturation and shorter postharvest shelf life, whereas 'Cebas Red' exhibited lower levels of this gene, resulting in greater firmness and extended shelf life. Genes , , and , related to carotenoids, showed varied expression patterns during growth and postharvest stages, with higher levels in 'Rojo Pasión'. On the other hand, () and () were prominent during the postharvest and growth stages, respectively. Additionally, () was linked to better postharvest performance. This research provides valuable insights for future breeding initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality and sustainability of apricot cultivation.
本研究的主要目的是通过 RT-qPCR 技术分析关键候选基因的表达，监测巴旦杏的发育和成熟过程。选择了 8 个巴旦杏品种，从预成熟阶段到采后阶段分析物候和遗传模式。此外，在不同阶段（2 个采前阶段 S1 和 S2、1 个收获阶段 S3 以及 2 个采后阶段 S4 和 S5）分析了对比品种“Cebas Red”和“Rojo Pasión”中 19 个选定的基因。这些基因包括与果实生长和成熟相关的基因、与果实颜色相关的基因以及与果实营养方面相关的基因。在所研究的基因中，()、()、()和()与果实成熟和品质直接相关。品种之间观察到显著的差异表达，与果实硬度、货架期和感官特性的变化相关。“Rojo Pasión”表现出高水平的()，与快速成熟和较短的货架期相关，而“Cebas Red”表现出较低水平的该基因，导致更高的硬度和更长的货架期。与类胡萝卜素相关的基因()、()和()在生长和采后阶段表现出不同的表达模式，在“Rojo Pasión”中表达水平较高。另一方面，()和()在采后和生长阶段分别表现突出。此外，()与更好的采后性能相关。这项研究为未来旨在提高巴旦杏种植质量和可持续性的育种计划提供了有价值的见解。
