Genetic variations underlying anthocyanin accumulation in tomato fruits

Fruits of cultivated tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) generally do not present significant amounts of anthocyanins. However, the Aft and atv loci present in some wild tomato wild relatives are responsible for the presence of anthocyanins in these wild species. Suggested candidate genes for Aft and atv are SlANT1 and SlMYBATV, respectively. Herein, we reported variations in SlANT1 and SlMYBATV in two partially purple and three fully purple tomatoes, and the genetic requirements of both variations to induce full anthocyanin pigmentation. Twelve SNPs at SlANT1 leading to eight missense mutations and a 4-bp insertion at SlMYBATV leading to a premature termination codon were found in the purple tomatoes. Anthocyanin levels were 2–7 folds higher in fully purple tomato fruits than in partially purple tomato fruits and anthocyanin levels in the stems and leaves did not significantly differ between the two types. DNA markers of SlANT1 and SlMYBATV were developed and used for the genetic assessment of purple tomatoes. In two different F2 populations, segregating partial and full pigmentation, SlANT1 co-segregated with the presence of anthocyanin accumulation in fruits and the combination of SlANT1 and slmybatv was necessary for full purple pigmentation. These results will be useful for marker-assisted selection of anthocyanin-rich fruits in tomato.