Candidate gene mapping identifies genomic variations in the fire blight susceptibility genes HIPM and DIPM across the Malus germplasm

Sci Rep. 2020 Oct 1;10(1):16317. doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-73284-w.

Abstract

Development of apple (Malus domestica) cultivars resistant to fire blight, a devastating bacterial disease caused by Erwinia amylovora, is a priority for apple breeding programs. Towards this goal, the inactivation of members of the HIPM and DIPM gene families with a role in fire blight susceptibility (S genes) can help achieve sustainable tolerance. We have investigated the genomic diversity of HIPM and DIPM genes in Malus germplasm collections and used a candidate gene-based association mapping approach to identify SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) with significant associations to fire blight susceptibility. A total of 87 unique SNP variants were identified in HIPM and DIPM genes across 93 Malus accessions. Thirty SNPs showed significant associations (p < 0.05) with fire blight susceptibility traits, while two of these SNPs showed highly significant (p < 0.001) associations across two different years. This research has provided knowledge about genetic diversity in fire blight S genes in diverse apple accessions and identified candidate HIPM and DIPM alleles that could be used to develop apple cultivars with decreased fire blight susceptibility via marker-assisted breeding or biotechnological approaches.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Chromosome Mapping* / methods
  • Disease Resistance / genetics
  • Erwinia amylovora*
  • Genes, Plant / genetics
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease / genetics*
  • Genetic Variation / genetics
  • Genotyping Techniques
  • Malus / genetics*
  • Malus / immunology
  • Malus / microbiology
  • Plant Breeding
  • Plant Diseases / immunology
  • Plant Diseases / microbiology*
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide / genetics
  • Seed Bank
  • Sequence Analysis, DNA