Exploring the genetic architecture underlying dietary fiber content in Colombian Andean blueberry (Vaccinium meridionale Swartz)

Abstract

Dietary fiber composition is a major determinant of fruit nutritional quality, yet its genetic basis remains poorly characterized in wild Vaccinium species. Here, we combined extensive phenotyping with a genome-wide association study (GWAS) to dissect the genetic control of dietary fiber traits in Colombian agraz (Vaccinium meridionale Swartz). Total dietary fiber (TDF), insoluble dietary fiber (IDF), and soluble dietary fiber (SDF), the SDF/IDF ratio, and maturity index (MI) were quantified in fruits from 119 genotypes, representing the most comprehensive evaluation of dietary fiber fractions in fresh Vaccinium fruit to date. GWAS mapped this phenotypic diversity to 24 QTLs distributed across 15 chromosomes, revealing a polygenic architecture underlying fiber-related trait. A TDF QTL (Chr41:26883013) directly co-localized with VaccDscaff31-augustus-gene-268.33, a 7-deoxyloganetin glucosyltransferase, embedded within a glycosyltransferase-rich LD block. IDF variation was associated with VaccDscaff33-processed-gene-116.2 (pectin methylesterase 15) while the SDF/IDF ratio co-localized with VaccDscaff55-augustus-gene-9.30, encoding a xyloglucan endotransglucosylase/hydrolase. Together, the integration of high-resolution phenotyping with QTL mapping connects natural variation in dietary fiber content and composition to specific biosynthetic, remodeling, and regulatory pathways, providing actionable molecular targets for marker-assisted and genomic selection aimed at improving nutritional quality, texture, and processing traits in Vaccinium breeding programs.