Thornless, disease-resistant, and tastier blackberries could be on the horizon thanks to new genetic research from the University of Florida.
"Overall, this study not only advances our understanding of blackberry genetics, but it sets the stage for significant improvements in blackberry breeding techniques," said UF/IFAS researcher Zhanao Deng, who led the study, which was recently published in the journal Horticulture Research. "The result could be better, more robust blackberry varieties that benefit both growers and consumers worldwide."
Deng says the result of the study could lead to better, more robust blackberry varieties that benefit both growers and consumers worldwide.
Deng and his colleagues have been developing new blackberry varieties using insights gained from genome sequencing. Using a collection of DNA sequences from an experimental blackberry BL1, the team computationally pieced them together, rebuilding the original sequence of the entire genome of this tetraploid blackberry.
Over the past 20 years, consumer demand for blackberries has increased, leading to farmers growing more of the flavorful fruit in the United States and across the globe.
The United States produces 37 million pounds of processed blackberries and almost 3 million pounds of fresh fruit annually. In Florida, growers produced blackberries on 277 farms and 702 acres, according to the 2022 U.S. Department of Agriculture Census of Agriculture
When assembling a genome, scientists take a large collection of DNA sequences from an organism and computationally piece them together. This rebuilds the original sequence of the entire genome.
Over the past 20 years, consumer demand for blackberries has increased.
The study delves into the genetic makeup of blackberries, said Deng, a professor of environmental horticulture at the UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center.
It starts with understanding that BL1 is a tetraploid fruit, one that comes from a plant with four copies of each chromosome in its cells. That means it has twice the normal number of chromosomes as a typical diploid plant, like a raspberry. Working with a tetraploid is more complex than a diploid.
"The release of this tetraploid blackberry genome can contribute to more efficient and targeted breeding, ultimately leading to the development of new cultivars with enhanced fruit quality, and resistance to important diseases," Deng said. "The reference genome created from this research can be a powerful tool for anyone working with blackberries."
The genome assembly also uncovers the secrets behind key traits like growing blackberry plants with no thorns and the production of anthocyanin production, which affects the color and health benefits of the fruit.
"This finding can help us understand why blackberries develop their characteristic deep purple/black color over time and how to potentially enhance this process for more nutritious berries," he said.
For more information:
Brad Buck
UF/IFAS
Tel: +1 (656) 347-8422
[email protected]
www.ifas.ufl.edu