Researchers Identify Genetic Secrets of High-Yield Fuji Apple

An international team of researchers created the first "fully phased" genome of the popular Fuji apple, a complete genetic blueprint that distinguishes between genes inherited from each of the two parents. From this blueprint, the team studied 74 Fuji clonal varieties and identified significant somatic variations.

Somatic mutations occur during the plant's lifetime rather than being inherited, and could lead to new traits. In apples, this is the reason behind trees with unique characteristics such as early maturation or the spur-type growth habit. The Fuji apple is a cross between the Red Delicious and Ralls Janet varieties. It originated in 1979 and known for its sweet flavor and crisp texture.

The study's key discovery focused on the gene called MdTCP11, which acts like a growth control switch. The researchers found that compact apple trees have a small but significant deletion in the DNA near this gene, which causes it to become more active and results in shorter branches and a more compact tree structure. The researchers also discovered that the DNA methylation levels, a process that can turn genes on or off, were lower in spur-type varieties compared to standard types. This lower methylation level allows MdTCP11 to be more active and further enhance the spur-type characteristics.

For more details, read the article in BTI News.