Molecular Plant Breeding 2025, Vol.16, No.1, 1-12 http://genbreedpublisher.com/index.php/mpb 5 Xishuangbanna cucumber, with FT6.2 and FS5.2 playing significant roles in photoperiod-dependent flowering time and round-fruit shape, respectively (Pan et al., 2017). Another study identified QTLs for plant architecture traits like lateral branching and main stem length, which are crucial for optimizing plant growth (Serquén et al., 1997). The QTLs related to growth and development traits are essential for optimizing crop management and field adaptability. For instance, QTLs influencing flowering time can be used to develop varieties that are better suited to different growing seasons and climatic conditions (Pan et al., 2017). Similarly, QTLs affecting plant architecture can help in breeding compact plants with optimal branching patterns, improving field management and harvesting efficiency (Serquén et al., 1997). These genetic insights enable the development of cucumber varieties that are more adaptable to diverse agricultural environments, enhancing overall productivity and sustainability. 5 Comparative Analysis of QTL Studies 5.1 Consistency of QTLs across different studies and populations The consistency of QTLs across different studies and populations is a critical aspect of QTL mapping in cucumbers. Several studies have identified overlapping QTLs for similar traits, suggesting a degree of consistency. For instance, the study by Wang et al. (2020b) documented 322 QTLs for 42 quantitative traits, including disease resistance, which were aligned on the latest cucumber draft genomes to infer consensus QTLs across multiple studies. Similarly, Gao et al. (2020) identified major QTLs for fruit size and shape, with some QTLs being consistent across different developmental stages and populations (Figure 2; Table 1). The identification of consensus regions on chromosomes, as seen in Gao et al. (2020), further supports the consistency of QTLs. Additionally, Zhang et al. (2019) found five consensus QTLs for fruit shape traits, indicating a level of reproducibility in different genetic backgrounds. Figure 2 Phenotype of CNS21 and RNS7 (Adopted from Gao et al., 2020) Image caption: A, B: Plant; C: Leaf; D: Ovary; E: The commercial fruit; F: The mature fruit, and the transverse cavities of CNS21 (high) and RNS7 (low), yellow mature skin and white spine of CNS21 and reddish brown mature skin and black spine of RNS7; G: F1 of maternal inheritance (Adopted from Gao et al., 2020)
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