Tree Genetics and Molecular Breeding 2024, Vol.14, No.4, 177-184 http://genbreedpublisher.com/index.php/tgmb 178 may contribute to the high sugar content and complex flavor profiles that are characteristic of dragon fruit, making it a desirable trait for breeding programs aimed at enhancing fruit quality (Tang et al., 2021; Zheng et al., 2021). The vibrant coloration of dragon fruit pulp, particularly the red-violet hue, is primarily due to the presence of betacyanins. In H. undatus, genes involved in the betacyanin biosynthetic pathway are co-localized on a specific chromosomal region, which may enhance the efficiency of pigment production. This co-localization is a significant finding as it provides a potential target for genetic manipulation to improve or modify pulp coloration in breeding applications (Zheng et al., 2021). Textural attributes and shelf life are critical quality traits for dragon fruit, affecting consumer preference and marketability. The genome of H. undatus has shown functional enrichment in carbohydrate and plant cell wall-related genes, which are crucial for maintaining fruit texture and extending shelf life. These genetic insights can be leveraged to develop dragon fruit varieties with improved textural qualities and longer shelf life, addressing key concerns in post-harvest handling and storage (Zheng et al., 2021). 2.2 Stress resistance traits Dragon fruit exhibits remarkable tolerance to drought, a trait that is vital for its survival in arid environments. Genetic studies have identified significantly enriched orthologous gene clusters associated with drought resistance in H. undatus, highlighting the plant's evolutionary adaptations to water scarcity. This genetic information is invaluable for breeding programs focused on enhancing drought and salinity tolerance in dragon fruit, ensuring its resilience in changing climatic conditions (Iwata et al., 2016; Abirami et al., 2021). Resistance to pathogens is a crucial trait for maintaining the health and productivity of dragon fruit plants. While specific genomic regions associated with pathogen resistance have not been detailed in the current data, the high genetic diversity observed among dragon fruit accessions suggests potential for selecting and breeding resistant varieties. This diversity, characterized by significant polymorphism in genetic markers, provides a rich resource for identifying and enhancing disease resistance traits (Muranty et al., 2015; Rifat et al., 2019). Temperature adaptation is another critical trait for dragon fruit, enabling it to thrive in various climatic conditions. Although specific genomic insights into temperature adaptation mechanisms are not explicitly detailed, the overall genetic diversity and adaptability of dragon fruit suggest inherent mechanisms that allow it to cope with temperature fluctuations. This adaptability can be further explored and harnessed in breeding programs to develop varieties suited to diverse environmental conditions (Tao et al., 2014). 2.3 Yield-related traits Flowering time and pollination biology are key determinants of yield in dragon fruit. The genetic diversity among dragon fruit hybrids, as evidenced by morphological and genetic marker analyses, indicates variability in flowering and pollination traits. This variability can be exploited to select for optimal flowering times and efficient pollination strategies, ultimately enhancing fruit yield (Kumar et al., 2012). Fruit set and size are critical yield-related traits that directly impact the commercial value of dragon fruit. The genetic basis for these traits can be inferred from the high genetic variability observed in dragon fruit accessions. This variability provides a foundation for selecting and breeding varieties with improved fruit set and larger fruit size, contributing to higher overall yields (Minamikawa et al., 2017; Zhang et al., 2019). Identifying genomic regions associated with high yield is essential for targeted breeding efforts. While specific regions have not been pinpointed in the current data, the comprehensive genomic resources available for H. undatus, including its annotated genome, offer a valuable tool for future research. These resources can facilitate the identification of yield-related genomic regions, enabling the development of high-yielding dragon fruit varieties (Kostick et al., 2023).
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODYzMg==