Saturation mapping of the apple scab resistance gene Vf using AFLP markers

Using the amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) technique combined with a ”narrow-down” bulk segregant strategy enabled us to quickly identify 15 tightly linked AFLP markers to the Vf gene that confers resistance to the apple scab disease. High-resolution mapping placed all 15 AFLP markers within an interval of 0.6 cM around the Vf region; 7 of them were found to be inseparable from the Vf gene, 1 was localized left of, and the remaining 7 located right of the Vf gene. In addition, eight previously identified RAPD markers were also mapped, but only three, including M18, AM19, and AL07, were localized within this short interval, and none co-segregated with the Vf gene. The saturation of the Vf region with AFLP markers will accelerate both marker-assisted selection and map-based cloning. The advantages of this ”narrow-down” strategy, estimation of physical distances among AFLP markers, and their potential application are also discussed. Received: 22 December 1999 / Accepted: 25 March 2000     

RAPD markers linked to the Vf gene for scab resistance in apple

Scab (Venturia inaequalis) is one of the most harmful diseases of apple, significantly affecting world apple production. The identification and early selection of resistant genotypes by molecular markers would greatly improve breeding strategies. Bulked segregant analysis was chosen for the identification of RAPD markers linked to the Vf scab resistant gene. Five different RAPD markers, derived from the wild species Malus floribunda. 821, were identified, and their genetic distance from Vf gene was estimated. The markers OPAM19₂₂₀₀ and OPAL07₅₈₀ were found to be very closely linked to the Vf gene. This result was indirectly confirmed by the analysis of resistant genotypes collected from various breeding programmes. Except for cv Murray, which carries the Vm gene, all these resistant genotypes showed the markers OPAM19₂₂₀₀ and OPAL07₅₈₀.     

Somatic variation plays a key role in the evolution of the Vf gene family residing in the Vf locus that confers resistance to apple scab disease

A cluster of four receptor-like genes has been previously identified in the Vf locus of the crabapple Malus floribunda clone 821 that confers resistance to five races of the fungal pathogen Venturia inaequalis, the casual agent of apple scab disease. Pairwise comparisons of the four Vf paralogs in both promoter and coding regions reveal their timeline evolutionary history. The four Vf paralogs have evolved from four ancient Vf members resulting from two sequential duplication events of a single Vf progenitor initially present in the Malus genome. The coding sequences of the four Vf paralogs are characterized with high numbers of unique polymorphic nucleotides, a number of short duplications/deletions, various deletions of complete LRR copy units, and a casual insert of a transposon-like element. Significant high ratios of nonsynonymous to synonymous substitutions, Ka/Ks, are observed in the putative ligand binding residues in the LRR domains. No sequence exchange between the four Vf paralogs is observed. Compared with promoter regions, only nucleotide substitutions are dramatically elevated in the coding regions. The results presented in this study strongly indicate that the Vf locus is under strong and steady horizontal selective pressures imposed by the fungal pathogen V. inaequalis, and divergent selection on somatic variations plays a key role in shaping the resistance specificity.     

Construction of a 550 kb BAC contig spanning the genomic region containing the apple scab resistance gene Vf

A positional cloning project was started in apple with the aim of isolating the Vf resistance gene of Malus floribunda 821. Vf confers resistance against apple scab, the most important disease in apple orchards. A chromosome walk starting from two molecular markers (M18-CAPS and AM19-SCAR) flanking Vf was performed, using a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) library containing inserts of the cultivar Florina, which is heterozygous for Vf. Thirteen BAC clones spanning the region between the two markers were identified in nine chromosome walking steps. The size of the resulting contig is approximately 550 kb. In order to map the Vf region in more detail, we analyzed over 2000 plants from different populations segregating for Vf with markers produced from BAC end sequences. In this way, we were able to restrict the possible location of the Vf gene to a minimum of five clones spanning an interval of approximately 350 kb. Received: 4 July 1999 / Accepted: 16 September 1999     

Introgression of the Vf source of scab resistance and distribution of linked marker alleles within the Malus gene pool

A chromosomal region originating from Malus floribunda 821 confers Vf scab resistance to many isolates of Venturia inaequalis. Twelve DNA markers located in this region were used to scan the equivalent of 31 cM in 98 Malus accessions. This allowed a molecular diagnosis of a source of resistance in apple germplasm with the aid of pedigree information, and in the context of a limited marker survey representing other chromosomes. At least five marker alleles were present in all scab-resistant breeding selections or varieties arising from M. floribunda. The validity of findings based on RAPD markers was confirmed with SCAR assays and Southern-hybridisation experiments. The order of markers determined in previous mapping studies was confirmed and sets of recombinants identified that establish reliable fine-mapping orders within 0.7 cM of the resistance locus. None of the marker alleles were present in the accessions that are either susceptible or possess weak polygenic resistance to scab. The presence of some alleles corresponding to those present at least 5.3 cM from Vf in M. floribunda was detected in some accessions. Other major sources of scab resistance do not appear to possess alleles in common with the Vf region, which will simplify future allelism tests. The results are discussed in the context of the introgression of resistance loci together with marker-assisted selection. The use of breeding pedigrees to assist in fine-scale mapping and map-based cloning is discussed. Received: 16 February 1999 / Accepted: 11 March 1999     

Multiple field and glasshouse assessments increase the reliability of linkage mapping of the Vf source of scab resistance in apple

 Apple scab, caused by the fungus Venturia inaequalis (Cke.) Wint., is an important disease in commercial apple production. A mapping population of 155 individuals, derived from a cross between the apple varieties ‘Prima’ (resistant)בFiesta’ (susceptible), was scored for response to the disease in replicated field and glasshouse trials throughout Europe. Twenty data sets were selected and cluster analysis was used to form a consensus score for the population fitting a 1 : 1 segregation ratio of resistance:susceptibility. The progeny were scored with molecular markers. A detailed map covering 54 cM of the ‘Prima’ linkage group containing the Vf gene for scab resistance was constructed using 24 molecular markers linked to the resistance gene. One isoenzyme marker (Pgm-1), six RFLP markers and 17 RAPD markers formed a linkage group with the consensus measure of resistance to scab. Four marker bridges were established with the corresponding ‘Fiesta’ linkage group with additional markers (one isozyme, one RFLP, three RAPD and one AFLP). A low chi-square value indicated a good fit of the marker ordering, which was in close agreement with previously reported linkage positions for some of the markers and Vf. Differences were observed in the ability of different scoring methods to resolve susceptible and resistant classes. The results obtained for the consensus classification of resistance to scab for the population may suggest the presence of virulent inocula at some sites, which could overcome the Vf gene for resistance. The consequences of relying on individual scoring occasions for studying Vf scab resistance are discussed in the context of linkage analysis, conventional breeding selection, and marker-assisted selection. Received: 23 July 1997 / Accepted: 31 October 1997     

A bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) library of Malus floribunda 821 and contig construction for positional cloning of the apple scab resistance gene Vf.

The apple scab resistance gene Vf, originating from the wild species Malus floribunda 821, has been incorporated into a wide variety of apple cultivars through a classical breeding program. With the aim of isolating the Vf gene, a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) library consisting of 31 584 clones has been constructed from M. floribunda 821. From the analysis of 88 randomly selected BAC clones, the average insert size is estimated at 125 kb. If it is assumed that the genome size of M. floribunda 821 is 769 Mb/haploid, the library represents about 5x haploid genome equivalents. This provides a 99% probability of finding any specific sequence from this library. PCR-based screening of the library has been carried out using eight random genomic sequence-characterized amplified regions (SCARs), chloroplast- and mitochondria-specific SCARs, and 13 high-density Vf-linked SCAR markers. An average of five positive BAC clones per random SCAR has been obtained, whereas less than 1% of BAC clones are derived from the chloroplast or mitochondrial genomes. Most BAC clones identified with Vf-linked SCAR markers are physically linked. Three BAC contigs along the Vf region have been obtained by assembling physically linked BAC clones based on their fingerprints. The overlapping relatedness of BAC clones has been further confirmed by cytogenetic mapping using fiber fluorescence in situ hybridization (fiber-FISH). The M. floribunda 821 BAC library provides a valuable genetic resource not only for map-based cloning of the Vf gene, but also for finding many other important genes for improving the cultivated apple.     

川西高原4种高山海棠的根茎解剖结构特征及其抗旱响应策略分析

采用石蜡制片法对川西高原区4种高山海棠的根、茎解剖结构进行观测分析,明确根茎结构特征与抗旱性的关系,揭示高山海棠的抗旱适应策略。结果表明:(1)4种海棠植物根茎的解剖构造基本相似,根由周皮组织和维管组织构成,茎由周皮组织、皮层薄壁组织、维管组织和髓组成。(2)根茎中均发现特化结构:根系中木射线细胞增宽至6~8列,有利于增强植物根系的水分横向运输;茎中的栓内层厚壁细胞、环髓带中的厚壁细胞以及导管周围的"假薄壁细胞"均是增强水分输导和机械支持的特化结构特征。(3)4种高山海棠植物在响应干旱逆境时采取的策略有所不同,其中,变叶海棠(Malus toringoides)主要通过根茎中发达的输导组织响应干旱逆境,花叶海棠(M.transitoria)根中强壮的韧皮部和茎中发达的髓结构使之能很好地适应干旱环境,山荆子(M.baccata)通过根中孔径较大的导管和茎中强大的韧皮部来响应干旱逆境,湖北海棠(M.hupehensis)根系中发达的栓内层、韧皮部结构和茎中宽广的髓结构使得干旱适应能力增强。     

川西高原4种苹果属植物叶片解剖结构与其抗旱性分析

采用常规石蜡制片法和NaOCl法,对川西高原地区4种苹果属植物叶片的解剖结构特征进行了观察,并选取叶片厚度、上下表皮角质层厚度、上下表皮细胞厚度、栅栏组织厚度等14项抗旱性相关指标进行测定,运用方差分析、主成分分析和隶属函数法对4种苹果属植物的抗旱性进行了分析与综合评价。结果显示:(1)4种苹果属植物叶片上下表皮外均附有角质层,表皮细胞排列紧密,上表皮细胞明显大于下表皮细胞,其中变叶海棠的角质层厚度和表皮细胞厚度均较大;气孔均只分布在下表皮,其中花叶海棠的气孔密度最大,花叶海棠和湖北海棠的气孔长、宽最小;栅栏组织由2~3层排列紧密的栅栏细胞组成,海绵组织细胞排列疏松,细胞间隙大,其中山荆子的栅栏组织厚度、栅海比和叶片结构紧密度最大;主脉均为外韧维管束,其中湖北海棠维管束厚度最大,且皮层中有时出现含晶细胞。(2)所选14项指标中除下表皮角质层厚度外,其余13项指标在4个树种间差异显著,经主成分分析筛选出上表皮角质层厚度、下表皮细胞厚度、栅栏组织厚度等8项指标作为4种苹果属植物抗旱性综合评价的代表性指标。(3)隶属函数法分析结果表明,4种苹果属植物抗旱能力大小顺序为:变叶海棠山荆子花叶海棠湖北海棠。     

Breeding for digenic apple resistance to scab

The results of the apple breeding for digenic resistance to scab (1979-2000), which is more long-term than the monogenic breeding, have been reviewed. The hybrid seeds obtained from the reciprocal crossing between the Vf and Vm resistance gene donors served as the original material. The seed progeny yielded by backcrosses between these hybrids and the susceptible cultivars were examined (age--first true leaves) using inoculation in a greenhouse. The following criteria were proposed for breeding parental forms and the cultivars of the VfvfVmvm genotype: (1) phenotype segregation in the progeny of three resistant: one susceptible seedling and (2) the presence in the progeny of two types of resistant seedlings: those with the class 1 resistance (points and spots-hypersensitivity) typical of the Vm gene and those with the class 2-3 resistance (chlorotic and necrotic spots) typical of the Vf gene.     

Identification of functional apple scab resistance gene promoters

Apple scab (Venturia inaequalis) is one of the most damaging diseases affecting commercial apple production. Some wild Malus species possess resistance against apple scab. One gene, HcrVf2, from a cluster of three genes derived from the wild apple Malus floribunda clone 821, has recently been shown to confer resistance to apple scab when transferred into a scab-susceptible apple variety. For this proof-of-function experiment, the use of the 35S promoter from Cauliflower mosaic virus was reliable and appropriate. However, in order to reduce the amount of non-plant DNA in genetically modified apple to a minimum, with the aim of increasing genetically modified organism acceptability, these genes would ideally be regulated by their own promoters. In this study, sequences from the promoter region of the three members of the HcrVf gene family were compared. Promoter constructs containing progressive 5 deletions were prepared and used for functional analyses. Qualitative assessment confirmed promoter activity in apple. Quantitative promoter comparison was carried out in tobacco (Nicotiana glutinosa) and led to the identification of several promoter regions with different strengths from a basal level to half the strength of the 35S promoter from Cauliflower mosaic virus.     

Towards the map-based cloning of Vf: fine and physical mapping of the Vf Region

A map-based cloning scheme is being used to isolate the Vf resistance gene of apple against the fungus Venturia inaequalis. Vf is a major dominant gene that is inherited in a Mendelian manner and influenced by minor genes that modify its activity. The two recently published markers M18 and AL07, bracketing Vf, were tested on 1179 progeny plants of three crosses to fine-map Vf. M18 and AL07 were positioned at 0.2 cM and 1.1 cM from Vf respectively, for a total distance between the two markers of 1.3 cM. Physical mapping by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, using M18 and AL07 as probes, demonstrated that both markers hybridize to a common 870 kb NotI restriction fragment. We therefore found a relationship between physical and genetic distance of 670 kb/cM in the Vf region. This led us to the conclusion that a chromosome walk using the recently published apple BAC library starting from M18 and AL07 is feasible. Received: 8 February 1999 / Accepted: 16 March 1999     

DNA markers linked to Malus floribunda 821 scab resistance

Breeding resistant apple plants is an alternative way to control fungal pathogens reducing the environmental impact due to the use of pesticides. The breeding of apple cultivars resistant to Venturia inaequalis could be much improved by marker-assisted selection. A molecular marker closely linked to the resistance locus called Vf could replace selection based on infection studies. To find such molecular markers, DNA of progenies from crossings of a resistant and a susceptible apple tree was subject to bulked segregant analysis. Two markers were found with a genetic distance of 10.6% and 19.7% recombination frequency to the Vf locus.     

Cloning a DNA marker associated to wheat scab resistance

Wheat head blight caused mainly by Fusarium graminearum, is an important wheat disease, causing yield and quality losses. The breeding of resistant varieties is the key measure to control this disease, but the conventional breeding method is of low efficiency. The marker-assisted selection (MAS) can significantly improve the breeding efficiency. In this study, four RAPD (randomly amplified polymorphic DNA) markers linked to FHB resistance were obtained and one was cloned and sequenced. F7 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) were derived from the F1 of the cross Ning894037 (resistant)/Alondra (susceptible) by the single-seed descent method. Scab resistance of F7 RILs was evaluated in the greenhouse by injecting conidiospores into a central floret. Scab symptoms were evaluated on the 21st day after inoculation. Disease severity was assessed as the percentage of infected spikelets/spike. The F7 RIL population displayed a normal distribution, transgressive segregation and significant variation for FHB severity. DNA from resistant and susceptible parents was analyzed with 520 RAPD primers. Four markers (S1384-640,S1360-600, S1319-350,S1319-820) linked to FHB resistance were obtained. DNA of S1384-640 was recovered, subjected to re-amplification by using S1384 primer and the same protocol as for RAPD analysis and identified the rightness. The PCR product of S1384-640 was ligated into the pUCm-T vector, and cloned into fresh competent cells of Escherichia coli strain DH5alpha RAPD analysis showed that the inserts of the recombinant plasmids were DNA of S1384-640. The sequencing result showed that the cloned fragment was 648 bp.     

绿脓杆菌对鲎素耐受性特点及耐受性机制的研究

【目的】为了探讨鲎素作为抗菌药物在临床使用中的安全性问题,通过鲎素连续增高浓度法对绿脓杆菌进行耐受性诱导,并对其耐受性机制进行初步研究,以期为鲎素的广泛应用提供理论依据。【方法】绿脓杆菌ATCC27853为试验菌株,通过连续增高浓度诱导法筛选抗药菌株,并通过抗药稳定性、交叉抗药性、抗药性代偿测定来探究其耐受性特点,通过对其胞外蛋白酶活性、生物膜形成、胞外多糖含量的变化来探讨其抗药性机制。【结果】通过连续增高鲎素浓度法对原始菌株进行30多代诱导后,绿脓杆菌ATCC27853对鲎素的MIC值逐渐增高,80多代时产生了明显抗药性。抗药菌株对丁胺卡那以及pexiganan、鲎素同源肽tachyplesin III、polyphemusin I均能产生不同程度的抗药性。在无药培养基中抗药菌株以更长的延滞期作为抗药性代偿,但在有药培养基中具有更短的延滞期和更大的生长速率。抗药菌株较原始菌株分泌的胞外蛋白酶活性增高,并能降低鲎素的抗菌活性。在同样条件下抗药菌株较原始菌株胞外多糖含量增高,更易形成生物膜。【结论】在长期选择压力下绿脓杆菌ATCC27853对鲎素能产生抗药性,其抗药性机制可能与生物膜形成、胞外蛋白酶失活鲎素有关。关于细菌对鲎素的抗药性机制,有待进一步研究。