Tree Genetics and Molecular Breeding 2024, Vol.14, No.6, 295-303 http://genbreedpublisher.com/index.php/tgmb 295 Meta-analysis Open Access Meta-analysis of Genetic Markers for Yield and Quality Traits in Dragon Fruit Zhongmei Hong, Wenzhong Huang CRO Service Station, Sanya Tihitar SciTech Breeding Service Inc., Sanya, 572025, Hainan, China Corresponding email: wenzhong.huang@hitar.org Tree Genetics and Molecular Breeding, 2024, Vol.14, No.6 doi: 10.5376/tgmb.2024.14.0029 Received: 05 Nov., 2024 Accepted: 13 Dec., 2024 Published: 21 Dec., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Hong and Huang, 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: Hong Z.M., and Huang W.Z., 2024, Meta-analysis of genetic markers for yield and quality traits in dragon fruit, Tree Genetics and Molecular Breeding, 14(6): 295-303 (doi: 10.5376/tgmb.2024.14.0029) Abstract This study conducted a meta-analysis of genetic markers associated with yield and quality traits in dragon fruit, revealing significant genetic diversity among different genotypes and their potential applications. Dragon fruit has gained increasing attention in the global market due to its nutritional value and economic benefits; however, breeding efforts still face challenges in balancing yield and quality. By integrating existing genetic data, this study highlights the potential of genetic markers such as simple sequence repeats (SSR) and inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSR) in identifying key loci associated with yield and quality traits. These markers facilitate the dissection of the genetic architecture of complex traits, providing a scientific basis for molecular breeding of dragon fruit. Furthermore, a detailed case study compared the antioxidant capacity and nutritional characteristics of specific genotypes, offering valuable references for cultivar selection. Keywords Genetic diversity; Marker-assisted selection (MAS); Yield traits; Quality traits; Simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers 1 Introduction Dragon fruit, belonging to the Hylocereus species, has garnered significant attention due to its economic value and nutritional benefits, as well as its remarkable drought tolerance (Tao et al., 2014). This fruit is not only a staple in tropical regions but also a growing favorite in global markets, thanks to its rich content of essential nutrients, antioxidants, and bioactive components (Morillo et al., 2020; Zaman et al., 2023). Despite its popularity, breeding dragon fruit for enhanced yield and quality remains a challenge. The genetic diversity within dragon fruit species is vast, yet underexplored, particularly in regions like Colombia where genetic studies are limited. This diversity presents both an opportunity and a challenge for breeders aiming to improve traits such as yield, fruit quality, and resistance to environmental stresses. Current breeding efforts face several challenges, including the need to balance yield and quality traits while maintaining genetic diversity. The complexity of these traits, often influenced by multiple genetic and environmental factors, complicates the breeding process. Moreover, the lack of comprehensive genetic studies and the limited understanding of the genetic architecture of these traits hinder the development of effective breeding strategies (Kumar et al., 2022; Zaman et al., 2024). The use of genetic markers, such as Inter-Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) markers, has shown promise in characterizing genetic diversity and identifying potential breeding lines (Tao et al., 2014). However, the integration of these markers into breeding programs is still in its nascent stages. Genetic markers play a crucial role in the improvement of yield and quality traits in dragon fruit. They provide a means to dissect the genetic architecture of complex traits, allowing breeders to identify and select for desirable traits more efficiently. Meta-QTL analysis, for instance, has been successfully used in other crops to identify stable quantitative trait loci (QTLs) that can be targeted in breeding programs (Lin et al., 2024). By leveraging genetic markers, breeders can enhance the precision of selection processes, ultimately leading to the development of superior dragon fruit varieties with improved yield and quality (Maan et al., 2023). The objective of this meta-analysis is to synthesize existing genetic data to identify key genetic markers associated with yield and quality traits in dragon fruit. By consolidating findings from various studies, this analysis aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the genetic factors influencing these traits. The scope of this study
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