Promoter variations of ClERF1 gene determines flesh firmness in watermelon.

Background: Flesh firmness is a critical factor that influences fruit storability, shelf-life and consumer's preference as well. However, less is known about the key genetic factors that are associated with flesh firmness in fresh fruits like watermelon.

Results: In this study, through bulk segregant analysis (BSA-seq), we identified a quantitative trait locus (QTL) that influenced variations in flesh firmness among recombinant inbred lines (RIL) developed from cross between the Citrullus mucosospermus accession ZJU152 with hard-flesh and Citrullus lanatus accession ZJU163 with soft-flesh.

Allelic variations of ClACO gene improve nitrogen uptake via ethylene-mediated root architecture in watermelon.

The ClACO gene encoding 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate oxidase enabled highly efficient N uptake in watermelon. Nitrogen is one of the most essential nutrient elements that play a pivotal role in regulating plant growth and development for crop productivity. Elucidating the genetic basis of high nitrogen uptake is the key to improve nitrogen use efficiency for sustainable agricultural productivity.

An allelic variant in the ACS7 gene promotes primary root growth in watermelon.

Gene mining in a C. lanatus × C. amarus population revealed one gene, ACS7, linked to primary root elongation in watermelon.

The Novel miRNA Is Involved in Grafting-Enhanced Phosphate Utilization and Phosphate Starvation Tolerance in Watermelon.

Watermelon () is a globally important Cucurbitaceae crop in which grafting is commonly used to improve stress tolerance and enhance nutrient utilization. However, the mechanism underlying grafting-enhanced nutrient assimilation remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate the possible involvement of a novel miRNA, , in grafting-enhanced phosphate-starvation tolerance via () suppression in watermelon.