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International audience; Intense research efforts over the last two decades have renewed our understand-ing of plant phylogeography and domestication in the Mediterranean basin. Here we aim to investigate the evolutionary history and the origin of domestication of the carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua), which has been cultivated for millennia for food and fodder. We used >1000 microsatellite genotypes to delimit seven carob evolutionary units (CEUs). We investigated genome-wide diversity and evolutionary patterns of the CEUs with 3557 single nucleotide polymorphisms generated by restriction-site asso-ciated DNA sequencing (RADseq). To address the complex wild vs. cultivated status of sampled trees, we classified 56 sampled populations across the Mediterranean basin as wild, seminatural or cultivated. Nuclear and cytoplasmic loci were identified from RADseq data and separated for analyses. Phylogenetic analyses of these genomic- wide data allowed us to resolve west-to- east expansions from a single long-term refu-gium probably located in the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains near the Atlantic coast. Our findings support multiple origins of domestication with a low impact on the genetic diversity at range-wide level. The carob was mostly domesticated from locally selected wild genotypes and scattered long-distance westward dispersals of domesticated varieties by humans, concomitant with major historical migrations by Romans, Greeks and Arabs. Ex situ efforts to preserve carob genetic resources should prioritize accessions from both western and eastern populations, with emphasis on the most differentiated CEUs situated in southwest Morocco, south Spain and eastern Mediterranean. Our study highlights the relevance of wild and seminatural habitats in the conservation of genetic resources for cultivated trees

Among Citrus species, lemon is one of the most susceptible to mal secco disease, a tracheomycosis caused by the mitosporic fungus Plenodomus tracheiphilus, which induces chlorosis followed by leaf drop and progressive desiccation of twigs and branches. Severe infection can cause the death of the plant. Since no effective control strategies are available to efficiently control the pathogen spread, host tolerance is the most desirable goal in the struggle against mal secco disease. To date, both traditional breeding programs and biotechnological techniques were not efficient in developing novel varieties coupling tolerance to mal secco with optimal fruit quality. Furthermore, the genetic basis of host resistance has not been fully deciphered yet, hampering the set-up of marker-assisted selection (MAS) schemes. This paper provides an overview of the biotechnological approaches adopted so far for the selection of mal secco tolerant lemon varieties and emphasizes the promising contribution of marker-trait association analysis techniques for both unraveling the genetic determinism of the resistance to mal secco and detecting molecular markers that can be readily used for MAS. Such an approach has already proved its efficiency in several crops and could represent a valuable tool to select novel lemon varieties coupling superior fruit quality traits and resistance to mal secco.

Lemon (Citrus limon (L.) Burm. f.) is an evergreen tree belonging to the genus Citrus. The fruits are particularly prized for the organoleptic and nutraceutical properties of the juice and for the quality of the essential oils in the peel. Herein, we report, for the first time, the release of a high-quality reference genome of the two haplotypes of lemon. The sequencing has been carried out coupling Illumina short reads and Oxford Nanopore data leading to the definition of a primary and an alternative assembly characterized by a genome size of 312.8 Mb and 324.74 Mb respectively, which agree well with an estimated genome size of 312 Mb. The analysis of the transposable element (TE) allowed the identification of 2878 regions on the primary and 2897 on the alternative assembly distributed across the nine chromosomes. Furthermore, an in silico analysis of the microRNA genes was carried out using 246 mature miRNA and the respective pre-miRNA hairpin sequences of Citrus sinensis. Such analysis highlighted a high conservation between the two species with 233 mature miRNAs and 51 pre-miRNA stem-loops aligning with perfect match on the lemon genome. In parallel, total RNA was extracted from fruit, flower, leaf, and root enabling the detection of 35,020 and 34,577 predicted transcripts on primary and alternative assemblies respectively. To further characterize the annotated transcripts based on their function, a gene ontology and a gene orthology analysis with other Citrus and Citrus-related species were carried out. The availability of a reference genome is an important prerequisite both for the setup of high-throughput genotyping analysis and for functional genomic approaches toward the characterization of the genetic determinism of traits of agronomic interest.

The genus Pyrus is characterized by an S-RNase-based gametophytic self-incompatibility (GSI) system, a mechanism that promotes outbreeding and prevents self-fertilization. While the S-genotype of the most widely known pear cultivars was already described, little is known on the S-allele variability within local accessions. The study was conducted on 86 accessions encompassing most of the local Sicilian varieties selected for their traits of agronomic interest and complemented with some accessions of related wild species (P. pyrifolia Nakai, P. amygdaliformis Vill.) and some national and international cultivars used as references. The employment of consensus and specific primers enabled the detection of 24 S-alleles combined in 48 S-genotypes. Results shed light on the distribution of the S-alleles among accessions, with wild species and international cultivars characterized by a high diversity and local accessions showing a more heterogeneous distribution of the S-alleles, likely reflecting a more complex history of hybridization. The S-allele distribution was largely in agreement with the genetic structure of the studied collection. In particular, the &ldquo, wild&rdquo, genetic background was often characterized by the same S-alleles detected in P. pyrifolia and P. amygdaliformis. The analysis of the S-allele distribution provided novel insight into the contribution of the wild and international cultivars to the genetic background of the local Sicilian or national accessions. Furthermore, these results provide information that can be readily employed by breeders for the set-up of novel mating schemes.

Solid evidence underlines the pivotal role played by inflammation regarding atherosclerosis. Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is one of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), it is highly frequently diagnosed in older individuals. In the present study we carried out an investigation on the association between platelet‑to‑lymphocytes ratio (PLR), neutrophil‑to‑lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocyte‑to‑HDL cholesterol ratio (MHR) with PAD as favourable markers. We identified 300 subjects aged over 70 years, without any concomitant CVDs. The PLR, NLR and MHR were assessed from peripheral venous blood routinely drawn in the ward during hospitalization. Patients were divided in groups according to ankle brachial index (ABI) value (0.9; 0.9‑0.99; 1‑1.4; 1.4). Higher PLR (P=0.007), NLR (P=0.0001) and MHR (P=0.0001) were associated with 0.9 ABI. Patients with a1.4 ABI showed NLR values higher compared to 0.9l ABI (P0.01). Univariate linear regression analysis demonstrated the direct correlation between increase in PLR (P=0.0023)and MHR (P0.0001) with the decrease in ABI value. In multivariate linear regression analysis including main cardiovascular risk factors we found that PLR, NLR and MHR were independently associated with lower ABI (P=0.0011). Results show and suggest that the elevated PLR, NLR and MHR are related to PAD evaluated with ABI measurement. PLR and MHR seem to be more reliable markers than NLR in PAD. NLR seems to be more related to incompressibility of arterial wall. It is hypothesized that these three indexes may play a role as simple and repetitive markers of PAD.

The development of genetically modified (GM) crops speeds up the obtainment of novel varieties with improved agronomic characteristics. However, the risk evaluation of the use of GMs is mandatory before their release in the market. In this paper, an untargeted and comprehensive nuclear magnetic resonance-based metabolomic study was carried out on the peel and flesh of a transgenic lemon clone (E23) expressing the chit42 gene and exhibiting an increased tolerance to some pathogenic fungi and on its wild type. Results highlighted a substantial equivalence of the metabolomics profile of the transgenic clone compared to the wild type. In addition, an enhanced response of the E23 clone toward fungal pathogens affecting the postharvest management in lemon was evidenced. These results confirm the potential of genetic engineering for the punctual modification of specific agronomic traits without altering the whole pattern of metabolites and open new perspectives for a more sustainable and effective management of specific postharvest diseases in citrus.

In fruit crops, tree rootstock plays a relevant role in the tolerance of biotic and abiotic factors, various qualitative traits and biochemical profiles of the juice. In this work, the fruit quality characteristics of sweet orange Tarocco Scire grafted onto ten rootstocks were evaluated. Analyses were performed on the fruit juice, coupling the quantification of phenolic compounds (anthocyanins, flavanones, flavones and hydroxycinnamic acids) through hyphenated chromatographic techniques and the assessment of antioxidant potential (measured in vitro). The study was conducted for two consecutive years in which the different minimum temperatures recorded during fruit ripening determined a higher accumulation of polyphenols, especially anthocyanins (63.6 %), and higher levels of antioxidant activity (48.92) in the colder year. The analyses allowed the identification and quantification of 24 phenolic compounds (6 anthocyanins, 5 flavanones, 1 flavone and 12 hydroxycinnamic acids). The results highlighted a significant effect of both rootstocks and the environment (and their interaction) on the metabolic profile of the juice, with low temperatures being directly involved in juice pigmentation and significant differences among the rootstocks within each year of analysis. In addition to temperature, a significant effect of rootstocks on the metabolic profile of the juice was revealed, with C35 and Bitters being the most effective in enhancing anthocyanin accumulation in the fruit of the grafted variety. Altogether, the data presented shed light on the significant role exerted by the rootstock on fruit quality, providing useful insights to guide the selection of rootstocks in novel implants.

Texture is a complex trait and a major component of fruit quality in apple. While the major effect of MdPG1, a gene controlling firmness, has already been exploited in elite cultivars, the genetic basis of crispness remains poorly understood. To further improve fruit texture, harnessing loci with minor effects via genomic selection is therefore necessary. In this study, we measured acoustic and mechanical features in 537 genotypes to dissect the firmness and crispness components of fruit texture. Predictions of across-year phenotypic values for these components were calculated using a model calibrated with 8,294 SNP markers. The best prediction accuracies following cross-validations within the training set of 259 genotypes were obtained for the acoustic linear distance (0.64). Predictions for biparental families using the entire training set varied from low to high accuracy, depending on the family considered. While adding siblings or half-siblings into the training set did not clearly improve predictions, we performed an optimization of the training set size and composition for each validation set. This allowed us to increase prediction accuracies by 0.17 on average, with a maximal accuracy of 0.81 when predicting firmness in the ‘Gala’ × ‘Pink Lady’ family. Our results therefore identified key genetic parameters to consider when deploying genomic selection for texture in apple. In particular, we advise to rely on a large training population, with high phenotypic variability from which a ‘tailored training population’ can be extracted using a priori information on genetic relatedness, in order to predict a specific target population.

Texture plays a major role in the determination of fruit quality in apple. Due to its physiological and economic relevance, this trait has been largely investigated, leading to the fixation of the major gene PG1 controlling firmness in elite cultivars. To further improve fruit texture, the targeting of an undisclosed reservoir of loci with minor effects is compelling. In this work, we aimed to unlock this potential with a genomic selection approach by predicting fruit acoustic and mechanical features as obtained with a TA.XTplus texture analyzer in 537 individuals genotyped with 8,294 SNP markers. The best prediction accuracies following cross-validations within the training set (TRS) of 259 individuals were obtained for the acoustic linear distance (0.64). Prediction accuracy was further improved through the optimization of TRS size and composition according to the test set. With this strategy, a maximal accuracy of 0.81 was obtained when predicting the synthetic trait PC1 in the family ‘Gala × Pink Lady’. We discuss the impact of genetic relatedness and clustering on trait variability and predictability. Moreover, we demonstrated the need for a comprehensive dissection of the complex texture phenotype and the potentiality of using genomic selection to improve fruit quality in apple.HighlightA genomic selection study, together with the optimization of the training set, demonstrated the possibility to accurately predict texture sub-traits valuable for the amelioration of fruit quality in apple.

One of the leading goals in novel breeding programs on table grapevine is the set-up of novel seedless varieties. Seedlessness has a strong impact on consumers’ choices representing an important added economic value compared to traditional cultivars. Breeding in tree crops greatly benefits from the use of molecular markers associated to a trait of interest. Nevertheless, one of the main limitations hampering marker assisted breeding is the lack of marker validation on multiple genetic backgrounds. To this extent, we evaluated the efficiency of four markers linked to seedlessness on 97 F1 genotypes derived from 16 cross combinations obtained through in vitro embryo rescue. Our results confirmed that the four markers were associated to seedlessness even though all, to a different extent, showed marker-trait inconsistencies. Marker efficiency was then tested on the different genetic backgrounds composing the entire germplasm providing a more acurate overview of the marker performances when the genetic background changes. Overall, the most efficient markers were VMC7f2 and p3_VvAGL11 even though their effectiveness changed remarkably from one genetic background to another. This work reports a marker validation assay on a germplasm created to encompass the actual allelic variability employed by breeders. The results could represent a valuable tool to guide the choice of the best markers to assist selection, a choice that should be based, more than on the absolute efficiency of the marker, on a careful evaluation of its performance on the genetic backgrounds in analysis.

The pear (genus Pyrus) is one of the most ancient and widely cultivated tree fruit crops in temperate climates. The Mount Etna area claims a large number of pear varieties differentiated due to a long history of cultivation and environmental variability, making this area particularly suitable for genetic studies. Ninety-five pear individuals were genotyped using the simple sequence repeat (SSR) methodology interrogating both the nuclear (nDNA) and chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) to combine an investigation of maternal inheritance of chloroplast SSRs (cpSSRs) with the high informativity of nuclear SSRs (nSSRs). The germplasm was selected ad hoc to include wild genotypes, local varieties, and national and international cultivated varieties. The objectives of this study were as follows: (i) estimate the level of differentiation within local varieties; (ii) elucidate the phylogenetic relationships between the cultivated genotypes and wild accessions; and (iii) estimate the potential genetic flow and the relationship among the germplasms in our analysis. Eight nSSRs detected a total of 136 alleles with an average minor allelic frequency and observed heterozygosity of 0.29 and 0.65, respectively, whereas cpSSRs allowed identification of eight haplotypes (S4 Table). These results shed light on the genetic relatedness between Italian varieties and wild genotypes. Among the wild species, compared with P. amygdaliformis, few P. pyraster genotypes exhibited higher genetic similarity to local pear varieties. Our analysis revealed the presence of genetic stratification with a 'wild' subpopulation characterizing the genetic makeup of wild species and the international cultivated varieties exhibiting the predominance of the 'cultivated' subpopulation.

The authors are grateful to A. Peil (JKI Dresden, Germany), S. Tartarini (DCA Bologna, Italy) and G. Fazio of the USDA-ARS Plant Genetic Resources Unit at Geneva (NY, USA) for providing part of, respectively, the budwood of the individuals used in this study and freeze-dried leaves of a series of individuals that allowed the reconstruction of the pedigree of ‘Enterprise’. H. Muranty (INRA-Angers, France) is acknowledged for tracing the true historic pedigree data of the INRA selection X-6398. The authors also thank the INRA Experimental Unit (UE Horticole) for maintaining the IW populations in the field.; International audience; Most cultivated apple cultivars are highly susceptible to fire blight, caused by Erwinia amylovora. However, differences in resistance levels are observed among cultivars and could be used in breeding. In this paper, we investigated the genetic basis of fire blight resistance of the cultivar ‘Enterprise’ and the advanced breeding selection X-6398. Genotyped pedigrees were used for validating and curating historic pedigree records. Various quantitative trait locus (QTL) discovery approaches were applied on the full-sib families ‘Gala’ × ‘Enterprise’ (GaEn) and X-6398 × X-6683 (IW) with the software FlexQTL™ and MapQTL®. The paternal lineage of ‘Enterprise’ was reconstructed and showed to include ‘Cox’s Orange Pippin’. The QTLs found varied with the software used. Using FlexQTL™, two were found on linkage groups (LGs) 7 and 13, favourable alleles inherited by Enterprise from ‘Cox’s Orange Pippin’ and ‘Golden Delicious’, respectively. The former was identical to the previously named FB_F7 allele from ‘Fiesta’, while the latter is new and has been named FB_13GD. X-6398 had a QTL at the same position as FB_F7. Its favourable allele was new, originating from the unknown grandfather of X-4598, and was named FB_7X-6398. Using MapQTL® on GaEn, FB_F7 was also identified. Performing the same analysis on the subset of offspring that carried the favourable allele of FB_F7, two putative QTLs on LG8 and on top of LG13 were identified, which showed interactions with FB_F7. Implication of the findings for breeding for fire blight-resistant apples is discussed. Single nucleotide polymorphism data on Enterprise and its ancestors are provided.

Highlight VOC production and fruit texture, assessed by multiple factor analysis, showed a contrasting behavior in apple. A GWAS approach dissected regulation of the volatilome and identified QTLs co-locating with important candidate genes., Fruit quality represents a fundamental factor guiding consumers’ preferences. Among apple quality traits, volatile organic compounds and texture features play a major role. Proton Transfer Reaction-Time of Flight-Mass Spectrometry (PTR-ToF-MS), coupled with an artificial chewing device, was used to profile the entire apple volatilome of 162 apple accessions, while the fruit texture was dissected with a TAXT-AED texture analyzer. The array of volatile compounds was classed into seven major groups and used in a genome-wide association analysis carried out with 9142 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Marker–trait associations were identified on seven chromosomes co-locating with important candidate genes for aroma, such as MdAAT1 and MdIGS. The integration of volatilome and fruit texture data conducted with a multiple factor analysis unraveled contrasting behavior, underlying opposite regulation of the two fruit quality aspects. The association analysis using the first two principal components identified two QTLs located on chromosomes 10 and 2, respectively. The distinction of the apple accessions on the basis of the allelic configuration of two functional markers, MdPG1 and MdACO1, shed light on the type of interplay existing between fruit texture and the production of volatile organic compounds.

Although varying with context, quality of fresh fruits includes several properties such as color, texture, flavor and health promoting compounds. This thesis focused on two important quality aspects, namely texture and aroma in apple, and defining the genomic regions involved in the control of these two features. The genetic control of texture and VOCs production have been investigated using two marker-trait association analysis approaches: Pedigree Based Analysis (PBA) and Genome Wide Association Study (GWAS). In chapter 2, ASSIsT (Automatic SNP ScorIng Tool), a software dedicated for the efficient calling and filtering of SNPs from Illumina InfiniumÒ arrays is presented. ASSIsT builds on GenomeStudio® derived data and identifies markers showing reliable genotype calls (bi-allelic segregation pattern). In addition, ASSIsT identifies and re-edits SNP calls of markers showing additional alleles (null alleles or additional SNPs in the probe annealing site). Chapter 3 aimed to dissect the genetic control of fruit firmness in apple during storage through PBA and employing 24 bi-parental families (1216 individuals) connected by a common pedigree structure. Ten QTLs were identified encompassing eight linkage groups, which unravelled a QTL dynamics over storage shedding light on the specific genetic control at each time-point. Chapter 4: aimed to comprehensively decipher the genetic control of fruit texture. Two complementing QTL mapping approaches were employed together with a novel and high sophisticated phenotyping device for fruit texture. The PBA was carried out on six full-sib pedigreed families (416 individuals), while the GWAS was performed on a collection of 233 apple accessions. The texture analyser employed (TAXT-AED texture analyser) allowed the measurement of both the mechanical properties (firmness) and the acoustic properties (crispness) of fruit texture. The QTL results indicated chromosome 10 being associated in changes of the mechanical properties of fruit texture, while chromosomes 2 and 14 were more associated to the acoustic response. In Chapter 5 the interplay between texture and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) was investigated in 162 apple accessions. The array of volatile compounds phenotyped was implemented into a GWAS identifying seven chromosomes harbouring important candidate genes for aroma, such as MdAAT1 and MdIGS. Next, volatilome and fruit texture data were integrated revealing a negative correlation between these two features.

Highlight A distinct set of QTLs related to mechanical and acoustic fruit texture features were identified in apple. Through a GWAS approach, the specific genetic control of these subtraits was elucidated., Fruit texture is a complex feature composed of mechanical and acoustic properties relying on the modifications occurring in the cell wall throughout fruit development and ripening. Apple is characterized by a large variation in fruit texture behavior that directly impacts both the consumer’s appreciation and post-harvest performance. To decipher the genetic control of fruit texture comprehensively, two complementing quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping approaches were employed. The first was represented by a pedigree-based analysis (PBA) carried out on six full-sib pedigreed families, while the second was a genome-wide association study (GWAS) performed on a collection of 233 apple accessions. Both plant materials were genotyped with a 20K single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array and phenotyped with a sophisticated high-resolution texture analyzer. The overall QTL results indicated the fundamental role of chromosome 10 in controlling the mechanical properties, while chromosomes 2 and 14 were more associated with the acoustic response. The latter QTL, moreover, showed a consistent relationship between the QTL-estimated genotypes and the acoustic performance assessed among seedlings. The in silico annotation of these intervals revealed interesting candidate genes potentially involved in fruit texture regulation, as suggested by the gene expression profile. The joint integration of these approaches sheds light on the specific control of fruit texture, enabling important genetic information to assist in the selection of valuable fruit quality apple varieties.

Highlight QTLs and candidate genes for the regulation of budbreak and flowering time reveal new hypotheses on temperature perception in growth resumption at spring time in apple., In temperate trees, growth resumption in spring time results from chilling and heat requirements, and is an adaptive trait under global warming. Here, the genetic determinism of budbreak and flowering time was deciphered using five related full-sib apple families. Both traits were observed over 3 years and two sites and expressed in calendar and degree-days. Best linear unbiased predictors of genotypic effect or interaction with climatic year were extracted from mixed linear models and used for quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping, performed with an integrated genetic map containing 6849 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), grouped into haplotypes, and with a Bayesian pedigree-based analysis. Four major regions, on linkage group (LG) 7, LG10, LG12, and LG9, the latter being the most stable across families, sites, and years, explained 5.6–21.3% of trait variance. Co-localizations for traits in calendar days or growing degree hours (GDH) suggested common genetic determinism for chilling and heating requirements. Homologs of two major flowering genes, AGL24 and FT, were predicted close to LG9 and LG12 QTLs, respectively, whereas Dormancy Associated MADs-box (DAM) genes were near additional QTLs on LG8 and LG15. This suggests that chilling perception mechanisms could be common among perennial and annual plants. Progenitors with favorable alleles depending on trait and LG were identified and could benefit new breeding strategies for apple adaptation to temperature increase.

International audience; Quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping approaches rely on the correct ordering of molecular markers along the chromosomes, which can be obtained from genetic linkage maps or a reference genome sequence. For apple (Malus domestica Borkh), the genome sequence v1 and v2 could not meet this need; therefore, a novel approach was devised to develop a dense genetic linkage map, providing the most reliable marker-loci order for the highest possible number of markers. The approach was based on four strategies: (i) the use of multiple full-sib families, (ii) the reduction of missing information through the use of HaploBlocks and alternative calling procedures for single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers, (iii) the construction of a single backcross-type data set including all families, and (iv) a two-step map generation procedure based on the sequential inclusion of markers. The map comprises 15 417 SNP markers, clustered in 3 K HaploBlock markers spanning 1 267 cM, with an average distance between adjacent markers of 0.37 cM and a maximum distance of 3.29 cM. Moreover, chromosome 5 was oriented according to its homoeologous chromosome 10. This map was useful to improve the apple genome sequence, design the Axiom Apple 480 K SNP array and perform multifamily-based QTL studies. Its collinearity with the genome sequences v1 and v3 are reported. To our knowledge, this is the shortest published SNP map in apple, while including the largest number of markers, families and individuals. This result validates our methodology, proving its value for the construction of integrated linkage maps for any outbreeding species.

International audience; The application of genomic selection in fruit tree crops is expected to enhance breeding efficiency by increasing prediction accuracy, increasing selection intensity and decreasing generation interval. The objectives of this study were to assess the accuracy of prediction and selection response in commercial apple breeding programmes for key traits. The training population comprised 977 individuals derived from 20 pedigreed full-sib families. Historic phenotypic data were available on 10 traits related to productivity and fruit external appearance and genotypic data for 7829 SNPs obtained with an Illumina 20K SNP array. From these data, a genome-wide prediction model was built and subsequently used to calculate genomic breeding values of five application full-sib families. The application families had genotypes at 364 SNPs from a dedicated 512 SNP array, and these genotypic data were extended to the high-density level by imputation. These five families were phenotyped for 1 year and their phenotypes were compared to the predicted breeding values. Accuracy of genomic prediction across the 10 traits reached a maximum value of 0.5 and had a median value of 0.19. The accuracies were strongly affected by the phenotypic distribution and heritability of traits. In the largest family, significant selection response was observed for traits with high heritability and symmetric phenotypic distribution. Traits that showed non-significant response often had reduced and skewed phenotypic variation or low heritability. Among the five application families the accuracies were uncorrelated to the degree of relatedness to the training population. The results underline the potential of genomic prediction to accelerate breeding progress in outbred fruit tree crops that still need to overcome long generation intervals and extensive phenotyping costs.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are fundamental elements of flavor, one of the most important fruit-quality traits. Despite its importance, this aspect is still poorly considered in assisted breeding programs, due to the lack of suitable and fast detection systems as well as validated functional markers. In this work, a full-sib parental mapping population (‘Fuji × Delearly’) was initially employed to perform a comprehensive quantitative trait locus (QTL) survey, to assess the VOC segregation detected by a novel proton-transfer-reaction time-of-flight mass spectrometry (PTR-ToF-MS) on fruit collected after a 2-month period of postharvest storage. Among this set of genomic regions, on chromosome 2 was also verified the coincident location between a group of QTLs, mainly associated to esters and alcohols, with a functional marker designed for Md-AAT1, a gene involved in the last step of the ester biosynthetic pathway. The allelic effect of this marker (here named Md-AAT1SSR) was further validated by candidate gene association mapping approach in a collection of 124 apple accessions. In this case, the volatile profiling was performed on peeled fruit flesh, as an important fraction of the aromatic blend of apple is released only after cutting. This work proposed a new and fast method for aroma phenotyping as well as a novel marker for an easy and widely applicable apple fruit quality advanced selection.

ASSIsT (Automatic SNP ScorIng Tool) is a user-friendly customized pipeline for efficient calling and filtering of SNPs from Illumina Infinium arrays, specifically devised for custom genotyping arrays. Illumina has developed an integrated software for SNP data visualization and inspection called GenomeStudio® (GS). ASSIsT builds on GS-derived data and identifies those markers that follow a bi-allelic genetic model and show reliable genotype calls. Moreover, ASSIsT re-edits SNP calls with null alleles or additional SNPs in the probe annealing site. ASSIsT can be employed in the analysis of different population types such as full-sib families and mating schemes used in the plant kingdom (backcross, F1, F2), and unrelated individuals. The final result can be directly exported in the format required by the most common software for genetic mapping and marker–trait association analysis. ASSIsT is developed in Python and runs in Windows and Linux., This work was co-funded by the EU seventh Framework Programme by the FruitBreedomics Project No. 265582.

The integration in small packages of high power modules requires in the phase of prototype testing integrated measurements and advanced software tools to assure high level reliability of the devices. In this paper a new integrated equipment based on the concept of system-of-systems is proposed. The system-of-systems equipment is intended as a platform including several measurement instrumentations, the power supply, the control boards and the testing modules, that themselves are complex systems.

The affiliation for the fifth and sixth authors is incorrect. Domenico Masuero and Urska Vrhovsek are not affiliated with institution number 1, but rather with the following institution: Department of Food Quality and Nutrition, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, San Michele all’Adige (Trento), Italy.

In this paper, an intelligent system for blood pressure measurement is posed together with a possible implementation using an eight bit fuzzy processor. The system can automatically determine the ideal cuff inflation level eliminating the discomfort and misreading caused by incorrect cuff inflation. Using statistics distribution of the systolic and diastolic blood pressure, in the inflation phase, a fuzzy rule system determine the pressure levels at which checking the presence of heart beat in order to exceed the systolic pressure with the minimum gap. The heart beats, characterized through pressure variations, are recognized by a fuzzy classifier.© (1998) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.

In this paper, we have studied the thermal behavior of PFC and LLC stages of an OBC, by means of a FEM simulation. A simplified boundary-dependent thermal model has been used to evaluate the maximum temperature reached by the semiconductor dies. The boundary conditions, which were applied in the model, are the heat source (power losses) and the heatsink (cooling system). The obtained results highlight that, if the baseplate temperature is fixed at 60 °C, the maximum rated temperature reached by the power semiconductor devices at full load is 78 °C, well below 100 °C. The simulated temperature profiles can be used for accurate life-time estimation of the power devices in long-term mission profiles framework. We can conclude that, despite the minimum footprint, the result guarantees excellent reliable continuous operation and scalability and it is fully compatible with the car technology, and suitable to be installed on board. Future works will be deal with the generation of more accurate models of the board and of the devices, as well as the passive components inclusion in the simulation, and the transient system’s thermal performances.