Classification of Asian pears using SNPs derived from GBS

To identify the genetic characteristics of Asian pears, phylogenetic relationship and population structure were analyzed in 43 pear accessions using single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) derived from genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS). The phylogenetic tree showed that the Asian pear accessions could be divided into 5 groups, representing P. betulifolia, P. ussuriensis, P. bretschneideri, P. pyrifolia and unclassified accessions, respectively. Among 5 unclassified accessions, 'Najuseji' showed close genetic relationship with P. betulifolia. The accession 'Gamiri' was included in the P. pyrifolia group. These results were consistent with those of a principal component analysis and population structure. In the population structure, most of Korean native pears have mixed genome structure with P. ussuriensis and P. pyrifolia. Although, 'Sunchangingyeri' and 'Hangangbae' showed mixed ancestry, they could be classified as P. pyrifolia. Using SNPs derived from GBS, we classified Asian pear germplasms in detail. These results could help the management of Asian pear germplasms.