Genome re-sequencing reveals the history of apple and supports a two-stage model for fruit enlargement.

ABSTRACT: Human selection has reshaped crop genomes. Here we report an apple genome variation map generated through genome sequencing of 117 diverse accessions. A comprehensive model of apple speciation and domestication along the Silk Road is proposed based on evidence from diverse genomic analyses. Cultivated apples likely originate from Malus sieversii in Kazakhstan, followed by intensive introgressions from M. sylvestris. M. sieversii in Xinjiang of China turns out to be an "ancient" isolated ecotype not directly contributing to apple domestication. We have identified selective sweeps underlying quantitative trait loci/genes of important fruit quality traits including fruit texture and flavor, and provide evidences supporting a model of apple fruit size evolution comprising two major events with

SUBMITTER: Duan N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5557836 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature