Genome-wide association analysis and validation with KASP markers for nut and shell traits in almond (Prunus dulcis [Mill.] D.A.Webb)

Abstract Almond shell hardness is an economically important quality trait that protects the integrity of kernel. It directly related with shelling or crack-out percent. In U.S. and Australian markets, soft to semi-hard shells varieties have been used in industry, while European market, hard are dominantly sold distributed. The origin a from wild almond species. Soft USA Australia selected for higher percent larger kernel ease processing. Here, we examined breeding populations totaling 264 trees were genotyped genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) where was measured texture analyzer, weight, in-shell weights thickness calculated. genome-wide association, seven genetic loci found be associated hardness, percent, weight. Of these seven, one shared between multiple traits. Kompetitive allele-specific PCR (KASP) assays developed tested unrelated lines Australia, Spain, France Italy. One KASP assay highly predictive this diverse panel can applied use marker-assisted breeding.