Identification of SNP markers linked to the weeping trait in Prunus mume

Abstract

Prunus mume is a traditional ornamental tree with a graceful architecture that blossoms early in spring and presents beautiful flowers with a pleasant fragrance. Recently, the weeping trait has received increasing attention for its ornamental appeal and potential application to agriculture. In this study, we identified the SNPs tightly linked to the weeping trait using a linkage population based on specific-locus amplified fragment sequencing (SLAF-Seq). Six SLAF-derived SNP markers (Marker446598, Marker353041, Marker315769, Marker334902, Marker301243 and Marker311414) were validated as being tightly associated with the weeping phenotype using Sanger sequencing. The Sanger sequencing results of Marker353041 indicated that 100% of the weeping individuals and 73.3% of the upright individuals were homozygous (AA) and heterozygous (AT), respectively. Two genotypes were identified using Marker301243 with allele-specific polymerase chain reaction. All upright individuals were heterozygous (TA) and only 16.7% of the weeping individuals heterozygous (TA) in the F1 segregated population. Two marker combinations led to 89.13% predictability in the cultivars. The results suggest the application of this approach for marker-assisted breeding of P. mume and lay the foundation for the molecular breeding process of the weeping trait in woody ornamental plants.