Almond population genomics and non-additive GWAS reveal new insights into almond dissemination history and candidate genes for nut traits and blooming time

Domestication drastically changed crop genomes,fixing alleles of interest and creating different genetic populations.Genome-wide association studies(GWASs)are a powerful tool to detect these alleles of interest(and so QTLs).In this study,we explored the genetic structure as well as additive and non-additive genotype-phenotype associations in a collection of 243 almond accessions.Our genetic structure analysis strongly supported the subdivision of the accessions into five ancestral groups,all formed by accessions with a common origin.One of these groups was formed exclusively by Spanish accessions,while the rest were mainly formed by accessions from China,Italy,France,and the USA.These results agree with archaeological and historical evidence that separate modern almond dissemination into four phases:Asiatic,Mediterranean,Californian,and southern hemisphere.In total,we found 13 independent QTLs for nut weight,crack-out percentage,double kernels percentage,and blooming time.Of the 13 QTLs found,only one had an additive effect.Through candidate gene analysis,we proposed Prudul26A013473 as a candidate gene responsible for the main QTL found in crack-out percentage,Prudul26A012082 and Prudul26A017782 as candidate genes for the QTLs found in double kernels percentage,and Prudul26A000954 as a candidate gene for the QTL found in blooming time.Our study enhances our knowledge of almond dissemination history and will have a great impact on almond breeding.

Pedigree analysis of 220 almond genotypes reveals two world mainstream breeding lines based on only three different cultivars

Loss of genetic variability is an increasing challenge in tree breeding programs due to the repeated use of a reduced number of founder genotypes.However,in almond,little is known about the genetic variability in current breeding stocks,although several cases of inbreeding depression have been reported.To gain insights into the genetic structure in modern breeding programs worldwide,marker-verified pedigree data of 220 almond cultivars and breeding selections were analyzed.Inbreeding coefficients,pairwise relatedness,and genetic contribution were calculated for these genotypes.The results reveal two mainstream breeding lines based on three cultivars:“Tuono”,“Cristomorto”,and“Nonpareil”.Descendants from“Tuono”or“Cristomorto”number 76(sharing 34 descendants),while“Nonpareil”has 71 descendants.The mean inbreeding coefficient of the analyzed genotypes was 0.041,with 14 genotypes presenting a high inbreeding coefficient,over 0.250.Breeding programs from France,the USA,and Spain showed inbreeding coefficients of 0.075,0.070,and 0.037,respectively.According to their genetic contribution,modern cultivars from Israel,France,the USA,Spain,and Australia trace back to a maximum of six main founding genotypes.Among the group of 65 genotypes carrying the S f allele for self-compatibility,the mean relatedness coefficient was 0.125,with“Tuono”as the main founding genotype(24.7%of total genetic contribution).The results broaden our understanding about the tendencies followed in almond breeding over the last 50 years and will have a large impact into breeding decision-making process worldwide.Increasing current genetic variability is required in almond breeding programs to assure genetic gain and continuing breeding progress.