Insights into Jujube domestication could revolutionize fruit breeding techniques, study reveals

05 Aug 2024 --- Due to the economic importance of Chinese jujube, scientists want to unlock further secrets surrounding the genetic mechanisms underlying its domestication from its wild ancestor.

Therefore, a research team from Northwest A&F University and Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences did a deep dive into its genetic evolution and found large-scale inversions and translocations on chromosomes 1, 3, 4 and 12.

Comparative genomic analyses showed that these variations affect numerous genes involved in starch and sucrose metabolism, affecting the fruit’s sweetness. The research also identified new selection signals affecting tissue development and pollination. This identifies the genetic pathways influenced by domestication.

Junzao jujube cultivar
Chinese jujube was domesticated from its wild ancestor, Suanzao. According to the current study’s researchers, previous studies merely shed light on some aspects of its domestication, but many genetic details remain unexplored.

The findings of the study experiment, published in Horticulture Research, assembled the genomes of the contemporary cultivated jujube cultivar, Junzao, and Suanzao, using a sequencing technology that achieves high-quality, haplotype-resolved assemblies.

“The haplotype-resolved genomes provide unprecedented clarity on the genetic underpinnings of jujube domestication. These high-quality genomes will be instrumental in breeding programs aimed at improving jujube fruit quality and resilience,” explains Dr. Jian Huang, Ph.D., associate professor, College of Forestry, Northwest A&F University.

Buttoned up genetic map
The scientists report the assembly of haplotype-resolved genomes for the cultivated Junzao jujube and its wild ancestor, revealing significant genetic variations that have shaped jujube’s domestication. In addition, the findings can be used as a genetic map for research into the evolutionary processes of jujube.

The study’s data not only enhance the understanding of jujube’s genetic diversity but also pave the way for targeted breeding strategies to improve fruit quality and other agronomic traits. According to the researchers, the study’s insights have significant implications for jujube breeding and agriculture. 

The identified genetic markers and structural variations can guide breeding strategies to enhance desirable traits such as sweetness and drought resistance. Furthermore, the comprehensive genomic data can be used for future research about jujube and related fruit trees.

By Inga de Jong