Genetic mapping and quantitative trait loci analysis of growth-related traits in the small abalone Haliotis diversicolor using restriction-site-associated DNA sequencing

• The work constructs a high-density linkage map using Next Generation Sequencing.
• QTL analysis revealed 15 QTL for six growth-related traits.
• A common region that involved in the control of these growth traits was identified.
• The work will be valuable for use in Marker-Assisted Selection breeding program.

The small abalone (Haliotis diversicolor) is an important aquaculture species in southern China. Traditional breeding programs have been implemented for this species. But due to long reproduction cycle of the small abalone, the traditional method takes too long. There is therefore an urgent need to accelerate molecular breeding in H. diversicolor. Here we report on the construction of a high-density genetic map and quantitative trait loci detection in the small abalone using an F1 cross population with 131 progeny based on restriction-site-associated DNA sequencing. The sex-averaged map spanned 2190.1 cM with a mean distance between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of 0.59 cM. A total of 3717 SNPs were mapped on 16 linkage groups. There were 1728 SNPs on the female map and 2673 SNPs on the male map. The total length of the female and male map was 2197.8 and 1764.7 cM, respectively. Six growth-related traits (body weight, muscle weight, shell weight, shell length, shell width and shell height) were recorded to detect QTL. A total of 15 suggestive QTL were identified and most of them were found on LG11. A consensus QTL for six growth-related traits was detected on LG11. It suggests that these traits may be controlled by a common region. Our results would provide valuable tools which can be used for Marker-Assisted Selection (MAS) in breeding programs of H. diversicolor.Statement of relevanceThis paper published a high-density linkage map and QTL analysis for growth-related traits. The study will be valuable tools for in Marker-Assisted Selection breeding program in Haliotis diversicolor.