QTL mapping for pumpkin fruit traits using a GBS-based high-density genetic map

Pumpkin is a popular vegetable crop and exhibits broad diversity in fruit shape size. Fruit-related traits are the decisive factors determining consumer acceptance market value of pumpkin cultivar. As result, deciphering genetic basis fruit-related great importance for breeding. To address this problem, F2 population was generated by two Cucurbita moschata inbred lines with contrasting shapes, genotyping sequencing approach used to construct map localize QTLs underlying study. The results showed that high-quality constructed pumpkin, which comprised 2413 bins spanned total length 2252.10 cM an average distance 0.94 cM. Thirty significant moderate or small effects were identified seven traits, including length, diameter, index, weight, flesh thickness, seed cavity size, soluble solids content. Co-locations observed between different demonstrating pleiotropic effect plays important role control traits. provide valuable information further fine mapping related genes breeding programs aim improving quality.