Defining strawberry shape uniformity using 3D imaging and genetic mapping.

Abstract

Strawberry shape uniformity is a complex trait, influenced by multiple genetic and environmental components. To complicate matters further, the phenotypic assessment of strawberry uniformity is confounded by the difficulty of quantifying geometric parameters 'by eye' and variation between assessors. An in-depth genetic analysis of strawberry uniformity has not been undertaken to date, due to the lack of accurate and objective data. Nonetheless, uniformity remains one of the most important fruit quality selection criteria for the development of a new variety. In this study, a 3D-imaging approach was developed to characterise berry shape uniformity. We show that circularity of the maximum circumference had the closest predictive relationship with the manual uniformity score. Combining five or six automated metrics provided the best predictive model, indicating that human assessment of uniformity is highly complex. Furthermore, visual assessment of strawberry fruit quality in a multi-parental QTL mapping population has allowed the identification of genetic components controlling uniformity. A "regular shape" QTL was identified and found to be associated with three uniformity metrics. The QTL was present across a wide array of germplasm, indicating a potential candidate for marker-assisted breeding, while the potential to implement genomic selection is explored. A greater understanding of berry uniformity has been achieved through the study of the relative impact of automated metrics on human perceived uniformity. Furthermore, the comprehensive definition of strawberry shape uniformity using 3D imaging tools has allowed precision phenotyping, which has improved the accuracy of trait quantification and unlocked the ability to accurately select for uniform berries.

Plant phenotyping relevance

イチゴ果実の形状均一性を対象に3D画像法を開発し、自動指標と手動評価を比較して形質定量の精度を検証しているため、フェノタイピング手法が中心です。

Code and data availability

The paper's phenotyping datasets (3D point clouds, uniformity trait measurements, manual scores) and analysis software are not publicly deposited; the Data Availability Statement states they are available only from the corresponding author on reasonable request. No public repository or URL is provided in the supplied.

No evidence-backed public reproduction asset is currently recorded.