Identification of major flower color QTLs in tetraploid roses

Modern roses are mostly tetraploid with diverse changes in flower colors. Because of the complex genetic backgrounds, QTL mapping of important traits is lagging behind in tetraploid roses. In this study, we detected nine QTL clusters for petal color based on a previously developed high-density genetic map for tetraploid roses. The QTL regions for color parameters were highly overlapped with pigment content QTLs that were detected in early studies. Candidate genes for yellow coloration of rose petals were then identified. This work provided reference for detecting petal color related loci in roses and provide reference for mapping in segmental allopolyploid species.