Evaluation of apple genetic diversity by RVI2, RVI3, RVI5, RVI15 scab resistance genes

This article presents the results of DNA marker-assisted selection of apple tree varieties and breeding material obtained in the North Caucasian Region Research Institute of Horticulture and Viticulture for several genes – Rvi2, Rvi3, Rvi5, and Rvi15 – determining scab resistance (Venturia inaequalis (Cooke) G. Winter). The aim was to estimate the polymorphism of Rvi2, Rvi3, Rvi5, and Rvi15 scab resistance genes in representatives of Malus Mill. of domestic selection with the purpose of identifying the most prospective genotypes for further breeding. The research objects included apple-tree genotypes of different genetic origin. The following genotypes were used as controls for identification of DNA-marker alleles of target genes: Malus pumila R12740-7A (gene Rvi2); Q71 (gene Rvi3); Malus atrosanguinea 840 (gene Rvi5); and GMAL2473 (gene Rvi15). The research was conducted using the facilities of the Collective Use Center “Research and Breeding Collection of Genetic Resources of Horticultural Crops”, Krasnodar, using conventional research methods. DNA extraction was conducted using a modified STAB method previously developed by researchers of the North Caucasian Region Research Institute of Horticulture and Viticulture. Various degrees of the prevalence of resistance genes in the sample were revealed. The most frequent genes were found to be Rvi3 (45.95 % of carriers identified) and Rvi15 (43.24 %). The prevalence of Rvi2 was 27.02 %. The least frequent gene was found to be Rvi5 (2.70 %). Among the studied apple varieties, carriers of 2-3 scab resistance genes were identified, including Vesta (RVI2, RVI3, RVI15) and late winter Margo (RVI2, RVI15). The 12/1-21-63 (Golden Delicious (4×)×2034 (F2 M. floribunda×Golden Delicious))×Modi) hybrid family demonstrated the highest number of carriers of several scab resistance genes. Application of DNA marker-assisted technology made it possible to identify 4-hybrid forms containing three target resistance genes in the genome: Rvi3, Rvi2, Rvi15 – 17/1-6-1 (Karmen×Gemeni), 17/2-6-7(12/1- 21-63×Modi), 17/1-7-17 (12/1-20-56×Fujion); Rvi3, Rvi5, Rvi15 – 17/1-6-73 (12/1-21-63×Modi). The identified carriers of several target genes can be used in further breeding for long-term resistance against Venturia inaequalis (Cooke) G. Winter.

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