Genetic and Morphology Analysis Among the F1 Hybrid Chinese Soft‐Shelled Turtle ( <i>Pelodiscus sinensis</i> Huangsha ♂× <i>Pelodiscus sinensis</i> Japanese Strains ♀) and the Parental Varieties

Hybridization is an effective method for the genetic improvement of breeding varieties, while establishing standardized management systems and identification methods is an important foundation for obtaining stable hybrid new varieties with desirable traits. This study conducted measurements and analyses of eight morphological indicators of three Chinese soft‐shelled turtle ( Pelodiscus sinensis ) populations: the Huangsha turtle ( P. sinensis Huangsha, HS), Japanese turtle ( P . sinensis Japanese strains, JP), and their hybrid F1 generation (HS ♂ × JP ♀, HJ). Based on several important indicators, a discriminant function was established, and after cross‐validation, the comprehensive discriminant accuracy was 86.4%. In addition, we used super‐genotyping‐by‐sequencing (GBS) sequencing technology to analyze the genetic structure and genetic diversity of the three populations. The results showed that the HJ population had a closer genetic relationship with the JP population as the maternal parent and a farther genetic relationship with the HS population. The genetic diversity was between the HS and JP populations, and the genetic distance between the HS and JP populations was far. Through fingerprint analysis technology, core SNP markers for germplasm identification were screened, and a total of 148 core SNP marker loci were obtained. One SNP marker that could distinguish the HJ population from the HS population was developed. This study will provide reference for the hybrid breeding and genetic management of Chinese soft‐shelled turtle.