Quantitative trait loci (QTL) affecting sugars, organic acids and other biochemical properties possibly contributing to flavor, identified in four advanced backcross populations of tomato

• Published in: Euphytica 2002-01, Vol.127 (2), p.163-177
• Main Authors: FULTON, T. M, BUCHELI, P, VOIROL, E, LOPEZ, J, PETIARD, V, TANKSLEY, S. D
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Agronomy. Soil science and plant productions; Biochemistry; Biological and medical sciences; Flavor; Flavors; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Gene mapping; Genetics and breeding of economic plants; Genomics; Genotype & phenotype; Glutamic acid; Interspecific and intergeneric hybridization, introgressions; Organic acids; Plant breeding: fundamental aspects and methodology; Populations; Quantitative trait loci; Sugar; Tomatoes
• ISSN: 0014-2336; 1573-5060
• DOI: 10.1023/A:1020209930031

Although the Advanced Backcross strategy has proven very useful for QTL detection in tomato, it has been used mainly in identifying QTL for agronomic traits such as yield, color, etc. Tomato flavor is an important quality characteristic, yet it has been difficult to assess flavor or traits that affect it. In this study the AB-QTL strategy was applied to four advanced backcross populations to identify QTL for biochemical properties that may contribute to the flavor of processed tomatoes, such as sugars and organic acids. A total of 222 QTL were identified for 15 traits, including flavor as assessed by a taste panel. Correlations of certain biochemicals with flavor and possible methods of assessing and improving flavor are discussed. In particular, QTL with very significant effects associated with the ratio of sugars/glutamic acid, a trait highly correlated with improved flavor, have been identified as good targets for future work in improving the flavor of tomatoes.