Genetic and Molecular Dissection of Apple Fruit Acidity

by Dr. Kenong Xu, Cornell University, School of Integrative Plant Science

LOCATION: Room 202, Crop Sci
DATE & TIME: Thursday, March 28, 2019 @ 11:00 AM

ABSTRACT

Apple fruit acidity is an important fruit quality trait as it largely determines fruit flavor. Among the organic acids detected in apple fruit, malic acid is predominant. Multiple apple fruit acidity quantitative trait loci (QTLs) had been reported, including major QTLs Ma and Q8. This seminar presents the latest advances in our investigations into the genetic and molecular mechanisms of apple fruit acidity, which concentrate on identification and characterization of the causal genes underlying QTLs Ma and Q8 and on their genetic interactions in controlling fruit acidity. A co-expression gene network regulated by Ma will be covered as well.

Biography

Dr. Kenong Xu received his BS and MS degrees in China and PhD degree in genetics from University of California, Davis. He currently is an Associate Professor of Tree Fruit Genomics at Cornell University. His research program focuses on identification of genes and/or gene-networks controlling apple traits of economic importance. Dr. Xu’s research work in understanding apple fruit acidity was recognized with a (US) Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers. His early accomplishments in uncovering the genetic and molecular mechanisms of rice submergence tolerance were awarded with a Science Award from the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) and an Economic Development Award from The Tech Awards.