Quantitative trait loci mapping of polyphenol metabolites from a ‘Latham’ x ‘Glen Moy’ red raspberry ( Rubus idaeus L) cross

Objective The objective of this study was to investigate the genetic control of polyphenol accumulation in red raspberry ( Rubus idaeus L). Methods The levels of total anthocyanins and 37 individual polyphenol metabolites were measured over three years in a raspberry biparental mapping population. Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for these traits were mapped onto a high-density SNP linkage map. Results At least one QTL was detected for each trait, with good consistency among the years. On four linkage groups (LG), there were major QTLs affecting several metabolites. On LG1, a QTL had large effects on anthocyanins and flavonols containing a rutinoside or rhamnose group. On LG4, a QTL had large effects on several flavonols and on LG5 and LG6 QTLs had large effects on ellagic acid derivatives. Smaller QTLs were found on LG2 and LG3. Conclusion The identification of robust QTLs for key polyphenols in raspberry provides great potential for marker-assisted breeding for improved levels of potentially health beneficial components.