Quantitative trait loci analysis of glucosinolate, sugar, and organic acid concentrations in Eruca vesicaria subsp. sativa

Eruca vesicaria subsp. sativa is a leafy vegetable of the Brassicaceae family known for its pungency. Variation in growing conditions, leaf age, agronomic practices, and variety choice lead to inconsistent quality, especially in content of isothiocyanates (ITCs) and their precursor glucosinolates (GSLs). We present the first linkage and Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) map for Eruca, generated using a population of 139 F(4) lines. A significant environmental effect on the abundance of primary and secondary metabolites was observed, with UK-grown plants containing significantly higher concentrations of glucoraphanin, malic acid, and total sugars. Italian-grown plants were characterized by higher concentrations of glucoerucin, indolic GSLs, and low monosaccharides. 20 QTL were identified and associated with robust SNP markers. Five genes putatively associated with the synthesis of the GSL 4-methoxyglucobrassicin (4MGB) were identified as candidate regulators underlying QTL. Analysis revealed that orthologs of MYB51, IGMT1 and IGMT4 present on LG1 are associated with 4MGB concentrations in Eruca. This research illustrates the utility of the map for identifying genes associated with nutritional composition in Eruca and its value as a genetic resource to assist breeding programs for this leafy vegetable crop. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s43897-022-00044-x.