Overview
Genome Size
221.2 Mb
Date performed
2024
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Publication
Abstract
Background: Fruit acidity and color are important quality attributes in peaches. Blood-fleshed peaches typically have a sour taste, but the genetic variations linking organic acid and color regulation in peaches remain poorly understood.
Results: A high-quality genome assembly of peach cultivar HJML was generated, with a total size of 221.2 Mb. Using this and 15 other genome assemblies, a graph-based pangenome of cultivated peach was constructed, capturing 82.3 Mb of sequences absent in the HJML genome. A long terminal repeat retrotransposon insertion in the promoter of NAC transcription factor PpBL was identified in blood-fleshed peaches, enhancing PpBL expression. GWAS linked PpBL to malate content. Silencing PpBL in peach and ectopic overexpression in tomatoes confirmed its role as a positive regulator of malate accumulation. PpBL synergizes with PpNAC1 to activate PpALMT4 transcription, increasing malate content.
Conclusions: PpBL, with enhanced expression due to a retrotransposon insertion in its promoter, is key for malate accumulation in peach. These findings clarify the genetic basis of important traits in peach, aiding future research and breeding.
