Abstract
Jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) is an important perennial fruit tree with a range of interesting horticultural traits. It was domesticated from wild jujube (Ziziphus acidojujuba), but the genomic variation dynamics and genetic changes underlying its horticultural traits during domestication are poorly understood. Here, we report a comprehensive genome variation map based on the resequencing of 350 accessions, including wild, semi-wild and cultivated jujube plants, at a >15× depth. Using the combination of a genome-wide association study (GWAS) and selective sweep analysis, we identified several candidate genes potentially involved in regulating seven domestication traits in jujube. For fruit shape and kernel shape, we integrated the GWAS approach with transcriptome profiling data, expression analysis and the transgenic validation of a candidate gene to identify a causal gene, ZjFS3, which encodes an ethylene-responsive transcription factor. Similarly, we identified a candidate gene for bearing-shoot length and the number of leaves per bearing shoot and two candidate genes for the seed-setting rate using GWAS. In the selective sweep analysis, we also discovered several putative genes for the presence of prickles on bearing shoots and the postharvest shelf life of fleshy fruits. This study outlines the genetic basis of jujube domestication and evolution and provides a rich genomic resource for mining other horticulturally important genes in jujube.
Highlights
Introduction TheChinese jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) (2n = 2x =24), a member of the Rhamnaceae family, is an important fruit tree with immense economic, ecological, and nutritional value
When we detected grain size and grain shape, we found that the grain lengths of the three OE lines were increased by 4.13%, 5.57% and 10.27%, respectively, compared to ‘Kongyu131’ (CK) (Fig. 2j, l)
We identified a strong genome-wide association study (GWAS) peak on chromosome 8 for bearing-shoot length (BSL) (Fig. 3b), which overlapped with the peak for number of leaves per bearing shoot (NLBS) (Fig. 3c)
Summary
24), a member of the Rhamnaceae family, is an important fruit tree with immense economic, ecological, and nutritional value. It has traditionally been used as an herbal medicine. Chinese jujube has been dispersed to at least 47 countries on five continents[2]. It is a major fruit crop with an estimated planting area of 3.25 million ha, and the total yield. Several genes responsible for fruit shape or grain shape have been identified in crops. GW75, WTG16, and GS97 regulate grain shape in rice; Guo et al Horticulture Research (2020)7:89
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
