Identification and co-localization of MYB transcription factors with known and new red coloration traits mapped in the Prunus reference map

Red coloration has become an important commercial trait in Prunus by improving consumer acceptance and health properties as well as ornamental aspects. This pigmentation is caused by the accumulation of anthocyanins in the vacuole of the cells that form the colored tissue. The biosynthetic pathway of the anthocyanins is being activated by transcription factors of the MYB family. With the Prunus genome sequence being available and red coloration traits mapped in the Prunus reference map or elsewhere candidate genes can be found. This communication will present the identification of new candidates of the MYB transcription factor family in the peach genome and their possible implication in the expression of red coloration traits. For the candidate gene-trait co-localization we will also include our latest results on newly mapped red pigmentation traits. Finally marker development for marker assisted breeding will be discussed.