Abstract:In this study,we mapped and characterized quantitative trait loci (QTL) affecting apple leaf traits.A total of 110 F1 individuals obtained by crossing between a good quality cultivar ‘Red Fuji’of Malus domestica and an accession ‘Hongrou Apple’of Malus sieversii were used to construct a 280-markers map in apple.By using interval mapping,3 QTLs for leaf length,1 QTLs for leaf width,3 QTLs for leaf thickness,5 QTLs for leafstalk length,1 QTL for leaf area,1 QTL for chlorophyl a content,2 QTLs for chlorophyl b content,2 QTLs for chlorophyl content,2 QTLs for carotenoid content were identified.These QTLs were mapped on chromosome 1,2,3,4,5,7,8,10,11,12,16 and 17,respectively.The phenotypic variations explained by each QTL ranged from 11.63% to 16.36%,and their LOD values varied from 2.58 to 3.55,of which two QTLs were major gene(LOD values≥3.5).The tight linkage markers (CH05d11-435m and CH04c06-201m) can be used in fine mapping of leaf length and chlorophyl b content in apple.
