How crossing with East-Asian raspberry-relative species affects fruit color and shoot pigmentation in the seedlings of cultivated raspberry (Rubus idaeusL.)

Abstract

This research work represents the evaluation of fruit colour and red pigmentation of vegetative shoots of selected raspberry hybrid species. The selected hybrids are derived from the crossing of Rubus idaeus and Rubus parvifolius. The aim of the experiment was to integrate the vitality and resistance of wild raspberry and the fruit quality of the cultivated one with several backcrossings. In fruit quality, colour plays an important role by influencing market demand. During the analysis of colour inheritance, we assumed the presence of a second yellow gene (Y2), due to the significantly higher rate of segregation at the yellow fruit colour hybrids. A wide range of shades of yellow can be identified from light yellow to apricot. Several other genes are involved in the regulation of the production of yellow and red colour. Identification of these genes requires further research work. The C gene determines the shoot colour of raspberry. During the observation of wild raspberries we have revealed the role of a dominant Pr gene. The linkage of the Y and Pr genes are descended. The value of the crossing over is approximately 15%. The anthocyanin production inhibitory effect - caused by the Y gene - extends only for the fruit. By observing the shoots of yellow fruit plants, we have noticed strong anthocyanin production.