Abstract: 【Objective】To pave the way for the construction of high-density genetic map and QTL (quantitative trait locus) analysis, and to facilitate the parental selection and mating design in the breeding programs targeting for new varieties in Chinese cherry.【Method】We investigated the heredity variation and inheritance tendency of 17 fruit quality traits in the F₁ segregating populations (n=226) derived from the reciprocal cross between Nanzaohong (NZH, early maturity, orange red) and 'Hongfei' (HF, purple red, with good comprehensive characteristics). Traits included were fruit weight, longitudinal, transverse and lateral diameter, total soluble solids (TSS), soluble sugar (SS), titratable acid (TA), anthocyanin content, fruit shape index, fruit development period, and fruit stalk length, etc. 【Result】The average fruit weight in offspring of both NZH × HF (4.30 g) and HF × NZH (4.05 g) was smaller than the mid-parent value. The TSS content (14.55% and 14.51%) of the hybrid was generally higher than that in the high parent (HH) (12.97%), with a heterosis (H) value of 19.61% and 19.28% in the two populations respectively. The average TA content of individuals from the reciprocal cross was lower than the low parent (LL) (47.92% and 41.94%). Peel color segregated in the F₁ progenies, with orange-red, red, purple-red and black purple being observed. Hybrids with red fruit color accounted for the largest proportion, reaching 53.38% and 61.54% of all offspring in the two populations. The average fruit development period of NZH × HF progenies was two days shorter than that of HF × NZH progenies, which was mainly affected by the male parent. The fruit stalk length showed heterosis with HH values of 49.25% and 43.33%. Mix inheritance models were evaluated. The results showed that the two major genes plus polygenes model was the most suitable one for 11 (out of 12) quantitative traits except for the fruit longitudinal diameter, which fits the one major gene plus polygenes model best.【Conclusion】The main fruit quality characteristics were quantitative traits controlled by polygenic loci. The inheritance trend of the fruit weight, longitudinal, transverse, lateral diameter, TA, and anthocyanin content tended to be decreased, while the TSS, SS content and, fruit stalk length tended to be increased.

Key words: Chinese cherry [Cerasus pseudocerasus , (Lindl). G.Don], Reciprocal cross, F₁ , populations, Fruit characters, Inheritance tendency