Transcriptome analysis of genes related to fruit texture in watermelon

Abstract Changes in texture are the most significant changes in fruit development and maturity. The formation of texture is a complex physiological and biochemical process that is regulated by many factors.This study measured the cell wall material content of Plant Introduction 186490 (PI186490) and ‘sanbai’ during different fruit development. The pectin, cellulose and hemicellulose contents of PI186490 were more than 2 times higher than those of ‘sanbai’ in the same period. Therefore, pectin, cellulose and hemicellulose may play key roles in the fruit texture difference of watermelon. At the same time, 85 candidate genes related to watermelon fruit texture were screened by using RNA-seq technology. Analysis of these genes revealed that such genes as pectinesterase genes, pectate lyase genes, glycosyltransferase genes, cellulose synthase genes, polygalacturonase genes and xyloglucan genes were differentially expressed in two varieties. It is possible to regulate the changes in the texture of watermelon pulp by affecting the content of the cell wall material components. In addition, some proteins, phytohormone-related genes, transcription factors and peroxidases may also be associated with watermelon fruit texture. These findings contribute to the body of knowledge regarding watermelon quality and provide a theoretical basis for the improvement of watermelon fruit texture.