Identification and Characterization of ABCG15—A Gene Required for Exocarp Color Differentiation in Pear

Abstract

Exocarp color is a commercially essential quality for pear which can be divided into two types: green and russet. The occurrence of russet color is associated with deficiencies and defects in the cuticular and epidermal layers, which affect the structure of the cell wall and the deposition of suberin. Until now, the genetic basics triggering this trait have not been well understood, and limited genes have been identified for the trait. To figure out the gene controlling the trait of exocarp color, we perform a comprehensive genome-wide association study, and we describe the candidate genes. One gene encoding the ABCG protein has been verified to be associated with the trait, using an integrative analysis of the metabolomic and transcriptomic data. This review covers a variety of omics resources, which provide a valuable resource for identifying gene-controlled traits of interest. The findings in this study help to elucidate the genetic components responsible for the trait of exocarp color in pear, and the implications of these findings for future pear breeding are evaluated.