Non-Mendelian inheritance of SNP markers reveals extensive chromosomal translocations in dioecious hops (Humulus lupulus L.)

Genome-wide meiotic recombination structures, sex chromosomes, and candidate genes for sex determination were discovered among Humulus spp. by application of a novel, high-density molecular marker system: ~1.2M single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were profiled with genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) among 4512 worldwide accessions, including 4396 cultivars and landraces and 116 wild accessions of hops. Pre-qualified GBS markers were validated by inferences on families, population structures and phylogeny. Candidate genes discovered for several traits, including sex and drought stress-resistance, demonstrate the quality and utility of GBS SNPs for genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and Fst analysis in hops. Most importantly, pseudo-testcross mappings in F1 families delineated non-random linkage of Mendelian and non-Mendelian markers: structures that are indicative of unusual meiotic events which may have driven the evolution and cultivation of hops.