Abstract: The present invention relates to a genetic marker for determining the presence or absence of one or more QTLs conferring a reduced pyruvate level in an Allium cepa plant or plant part, wherein the marker is selected from the group consisting of a marker linked to a reduced pyruvate conferring QTL located on chromosome 2, a marker linked to a reduced pyruvate conferring QTL located on chromosome 1 and a marker linked to a reduced pyruvate conferring QTL located on chromosome 7. The present invention further relates to the use of the marker of the invention for determining the presence or absence of one or more QTLs conferring a reduced pyruvate level in an Allium cepa plant or plant part. The present invention further relates to a method for identifying and/or selecting an Allium cepa plant or plant part comprising determining in said plant or plant part the presence or absence of one or more markers of the invention.

Abstract: Long-day onion plants, capable of producing onion bulbs comprising ‘high soluble solids’ combined with a ‘sweet taste’ as a result of low pungency, are provided, as are methods for producing such plants, bulbs and seeds. Such onions can be stored for long periods without a loss in quality and without an increase in pungency.