International Journal of Molecular Ecology and Conservation, 2025, Vol.15, No.2, 83-90 http://ecoevopublisher.com/index.php/ijmec 84 testing how different environments affect tuber traits, and constructing predictive models using genetic and phenotypic data. These findings can assist potato breeding projects in designing new varieties with ideal tuber shapes to meet the diverse market demands. 2 Case Background and Research Methods 2.1 Selection criteria and characteristics of commercial varieties In this study, the screening criteria for commercial potato varieties mainly include market value, genetic differences and tuber shape. Varieties such as Van Gogh, Yukon Gold, Bellona, Lady Rosetta, Pito and Sabina were selected due to significant differences in tuber shapes and large market demand. Some materials carry known tuber shape markers, such as the Ro locus located on chromosome 10 (Hasan et al., 2021). The study also supplemented several varieties that demonstrated high yields and stability in different environments, such as Twister, Alouette, Kokra, Levante and Gardena. 2.2 Description of the study area and environmental conditions Experiments were conducted in multiple regions to capture different environmental conditions. Organic farms in Poland have demonstrated a strong genotype-environmental interaction (GEI) in terms of yield and quality traits. Soil, climate and farming methods and other conditions vary, all of which can affect the shape of the tubers (Goldman et al., 2023). Other research sites include research farms in Woxhall, Alberta, Canada and Umuddik, Umuahia County, Abia State, Nigeria, where there are a wide variety of soil and climate factors. 2.3 Data collection methods: genetic data, environmental data, and tuber shape evaluation Genetic data are derived from high-density linkage maps and QTL-seq. The Ro locus on chromosome 10 was located in a diploid isolated population, in which the main QTL controlling the shape of the tuber was identified. DNA methylation and transcriptome analysis are helpful for locating candidate genes related to shape differences. Researchers collected environmental data from all locations over the years, covering soil, climate and farming methods. The GEI was analyzed and studied using AMMI and GGE bilayer maps to examine how the environment affects yield and tuber shape. The recording of tuber shapes was carried out by combining manual measurement with imaging tools. The aspect ratio (L/W) is the main measurement index, supplemented by 3D modeling and RGB imaging techniques to display detailed surface properties and growth defects (Neilson et al., 2021). In addition, feedback from agronomists and potato growers is also used to assess the shape of tubers to meet the demands of the processing market. 2.4 Research design: experimental setup and analytical framework The experiment used a random block design. It took place at several sites over multiple years. Similar methods were used in yam tuber studies. These tests mixed different varieties and shapes. The study used three types of data: genetic, environmental, and physical traits. This helped find the main factors that shape tuber form. Researchers used linkage mapping and QTL-seq to precisely locate related genes (Tatarowska et al., 2024). Gene activity data and chemical tags on DNA showed how these affect tuber growth. Later, imaging tools and two statistical methods (AMMI and GGE biplots) helped see how environments changed tuber shape. 3 Role of Genetic Factors in Tuber Shape 3.1 Major genes controlling tuber shape and QTL analysis The shape of potato tubers is an important trait, controlled by multiple major genes and quantitative trait loci (QTL). The Ro locus located on chromosome 10 is one of the key genetic loci. The round allele (Ro) is dominant relative to the long allele (ro) (Zhao et al., 2023). QTL studies have also reported other loci, such as TScha6 on chromosome 6 of diploid potatoes and QTL on chromosomes 2, 4 and 10 of tetraploid potatoes. These loci together explain most of the variations in the shape of the tubers. The Ro locus alone can account for up to 75% of genetic differences. 3.2 Distribution of genetic variation and functional annotation of candidate genes The genetic variation of tuber shape is distributed on multiple chromosomes, mainly on chromosomes 2, 4, 5, 6 and 10. The candidate genes in these regions have been studied through annotation. For example, the Ro locus
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