Mapping yield-associated QTL in globe artichoke

Globe artichoke (Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus), whose immature inflorescences (capitula) are consumed as a vegetable all over the world, contributes significantly to the agricultural economy of the Mediterranean basin. Here, we describe a QTL (quantitative trait loci) analysis aimed at elucidating the mode of inheritance of seven main and first-order capitulum traits. Mapping was carried out in an F1 population obtained by crossing a globe artichoke with a cultivated cardoon (C. cardunculus var. altilis). A total of 100 QTL associated with the seven capitulum traits were mapped to 23 chromosomal regions, scattered over 12 of the 17 linkage groups. Among these, 73 were expressed in both growing seasons, while the others were only detected in one season. Up to nine QTL per trait were identified, and major QTL, responsible for some 20 % of the phenotypic variation, were detected for capitulum length, diameter, shape index and fresh weight. The QTL for correlated traits frequently co-localized, most likely due to pleiotropy. This study represents the first report on yield traits QTL in globe artichoke. The QTL identified, along with linked markers, particularly those located in four hot-spot QTL regions are of practical interest for crop improvement based on marker-assisted breeding.