Linkage and Correlation Analysis of Some Traits in Peach

Abstract

Segregating F ₂peach populations in the University of Florida breeding program were analyzed to determine linkage relationships among five qualitative traits: non-showy/showy flower ( Sh), melting/non-melting fruit flesh ( M), white/yellow fruit flesh color ( Y), reniform/globose/absent leaf gland ( E), and pubescent/glabrous fruit surface ( G). Independent segregation was confirmed between the loci for fruit flesh color and leaf gland type, pubescence and flesh color, and flower type and pubescence. Independent segregation was found between the loci for leaf gland type and fruit flesh type and between the loci for pubescence and leaf gland type in our populations. The comparisons between the last two pairs have not been documented previously and should be investigated in other breeding populations. No reliable correlation was found between fruit development period and fruit flesh type. No correlation was found between chilling requirement and fruit flesh type nor between fruit flesh color and chilling requirement.