Tree Genetics and Molecular Breeding 2024, Vol.14, No.4, 177-184 http://genbreedpublisher.com/index.php/tgmb 177 Research Article Open Access Functional Genomics of Key Traits in Dragon Fruit for Breeding Applications Zhen Li, Shaomin Yang, Xingzhu Feng Hainan Institute of Biotechnology, Haikou, 570206, Hainan, China Corresponding email: xingzhu.feng@hibio.org Tree Genetics and Molecular Breeding, 2024, Vol.14, No.4 doi: 10.5376/tgmb.2024.14.0017 Received: 19 Jun., 2024 Accepted: 22 Jul., 2024 Published: 30 Jul., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Li et al., This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Li Z., Yang S.M., and Feng X.Z., 2024, Functional genomics of key traits in dragon fruit for breeding applications, Tree Genetics and Molecular Breeding, 14(4): 177-184 (doi: 10.5376/tgmb.2024.14.0017) Abstract Dragon fruit, belonging to the Hylocereus species, is gaining attention for its economic value and nutritional benefits, as well as its resilience to drought conditions. Recent advancements in functional genomics have opened new avenues for breeding applications aimed at enhancing key traits in dragon fruit. The characterization of genetic relationships among dragon fruit accessions using morphological traits and ISSR markers has revealed significant genetic diversity, which is crucial for breeding programs. The draft genome of Hylocereus undatus has provided insights into whole-genome duplication events and the co-localization of betacyanin biosynthetic genes, which are important for fruit coloration and antioxidant properties. Additionally, the evaluation of genetic variability in interspecific dragon fruit hybrids through morphological traits has identified promising candidates for breeding. These genomic resources and analyses are instrumental in developing improved dragon fruit varieties with enhanced traits such as drought resistance, fruit quality, and nutritional content. The integration of genomic data into breeding strategies promises to accelerate the development of superior dragon fruit cultivars, meeting both agricultural and consumer demands. Keywords Dragon fruit; Functional genomics; Breeding applications; Genetic diversity; Betacyanin biosynthesis 1 Introduction Dragon fruit, belonging to the Hylocereus species, holds significant importance in agriculture and economics due to its high nutritional value and adaptability to arid environments. This tropical fruit is not only a source of essential nutrients but also a valuable crop for agricultural industries, particularly in regions like China and Brazil where its cultivation is expanding (Zhang et al., 2020; Zheng et al., 2021). The economic value of dragon fruit is further enhanced by its drought tolerance, making it a resilient crop in the face of climate change (Tao et al., 2014). Despite its economic potential, breeding dragon fruit presents several challenges and opportunities. The genetic diversity within dragon fruit species is substantial, as evidenced by the high polymorphism observed in genetic studies using morphological traits and ISSR markers (Tao et al., 2014). This diversity offers a rich resource for breeding programs aimed at improving traits such as fruit quality, yield, and stress resistance. However, the lack of commercial varieties and the need for selection of promising materials, especially in new cultivation areas like Brazil, highlight the challenges breeders face (Silva et al., 2017). Functional genomics plays a crucial role in overcoming these breeding challenges by enabling the identification and manipulation of key traits. The draft genome of Hylocereus undatus, for instance, provides insights into the genetic basis of important traits such as drought resistance and fruit flavor. The co-localization of betacyanin biosynthetic genes on a single chromosome suggests potential for enhancing pigment production through targeted breeding strategies. By leveraging genomic information, breeders can more effectively select for desirable traits, ultimately improving the quality and resilience of dragon fruit crops. 2 Key Traits in Dragon Fruit 2.1 Fruit quality traits Dragon fruit, particularly Hylocereus undatus, is noted for its unique flavor profile, which is significantly influenced by its sugar content. The genome of H. undatus reveals an overrepresentation of fruit flavor-related functions in orthologous gene clusters, suggesting a genetic basis for its distinct taste. This genetic enrichment
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