Fine mapping and identification of the candidate gene BoPur for purple head trait in cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata)

Abstract

AbstractAlthough purple cabbage becomes more and more popular in recent years, the genetic basis of purple head trait in cabbage has not been well studied. Here, we report the fine mapping and candidate screening of the gene underlying the purple head trait in a cabbage inbred line named G279. Genetic analysis indicated that a single dominant gene, BoPur, controlled the purple head trait. Through fine mapping, the BoPur gene was delimited to a 199.5‐kb region in chromosome 6 between InDel markers BoC06ID48 and BoC06ID53. The InDel marker BoC06ID22 co‐segregated with the purple head trait and can be used for marker‐assisted selection. Bol012528, which shows high homology to Arabidopsis MYB113, appeared to be the best candidate for the BoPur gene. Sequence analysis identified multiple variations in the coding and promoter regions of Bol012528 in G279. Furthermore, transcriptome analysis indicated that the up‐regulation of Bol012528 might enhance the expression of a series of anthocyanin biosynthetic genes. Taken together, these results contribute to a better understanding of the genetic basis underlying purple head trait in cabbage.