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SIP-LMD-SIP finansiert av Landbruksog matdepartementet

Phytophthora diseases in Rosaceae: Plant resistance and plant-pathogen interactions

Awarded: NOK 7.3 mill.

Each year strawberry- and raspberry producers experience serious economical losses due to fungal or oomycete diseases. In this project we will address two such diseases, strawberry crown rot (Phytophthora cactorum) and raspberry root rot (Phytophthora fra gariae var. rubi). An efficient control measure is the use of resistant cultivars. Raspberry and strawberry cultivars vary in resistance but most commercial cultivars are susceptible to these two diseases. We will identify genetic markers linked to crown rot resistance in strawberry and Phytophthora root rot in raspberry. The mapping populations will be progenies from a cross between a susceptible and a highly resistant strawberry cultivar e.g. Senga Sengana, and a corresponding cross between resistant As ker and susceptible Glen Moy raspberry cultivars. From closely linked markers, assays for MAS will be developed. Plant resistance (R) proteins recognise pathogen effectors, so-called avirulence (AVR) proteins. This recognition often triggers signal transd uction cascades leading to rapid defence mobilisation. Most known R genes encode proteins with a nucleotide-binding site. We will study the diversity of such genes in raspberry and octoploid and diploid strawberry. R gene analogues will be sequenced and c haracterized, and possible co-segregation with markers linked to disease resistance will be studied. In addition we will isolate and characterize genes from P. cactorum encoding effector proteins, including Avr genes. Isolation of the effector genes will allow the plant-pathogen gene-for-gene interaction to be studied in detail. The basic knowledge generated and genes and genetic markers identified in this project will be of international importance and might provide tools for the development of new resis tant cultivars or more effective control measures for disease management.

Funding scheme:

SIP-LMD-SIP finansiert av Landbruksog matdepartementet