Project Number: 5350-43000-005-08
Project Type: Specific Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: Sep 21, 2007
End Date: Jul 22, 2012

Objective:
Apply tested ethylene molecular markers for ACS1 and AC01 in segregation populations in the WSU Apple Breeding Program to select for low ethylene production. Test and apply a reported apple fruit peel red color marker in the existing WSU segregation population for selection of red color development capacity. Identify potential candidate genes regulating apple firmness and crispness. Elucidate relationships between expression of apple AAT (alcohol acyl transferase) genes and cultivar differences in volatile ester production.

Approach:
Genomic, genetic and physiological methods will be employed to identify the genes and pathways regulating apple fruit firmness and crispness, using existing apple cultivars exhibiting distinct phenotype on these traits. Further validation and detailed functional analysis will be conducted by RT-PCR, real-time PCR, and/or RNA gel blot analysis. Candidate gene approach will be used to examine the alcohol acyl transferase gene family to understand the contribution of each member to the varietal difference on volatile ester production from ripening apple fruit. Current available molecular markers on ethylene production and peel red color will be applied in current apple breeding project. Documents SCA with WSU-Pullman.