New DNA tests spot nematode-resistant peach and almond rootstocks
Crop Improvement
If you've ever lost a peach tree to weak, stunted roots, the culprit might be root-knot nematodes, and breeders are now using DNA tests instead of guesswork to build resistant rootstocks that could show up at your local nursery.
Tiny worms called root-knot nematodes attack the roots of peach, almond, and other Prunus trees, especially in warmer climates, and farmers have had to rely on chemical treatments to stop them. Some trees carry a natural resistance gene, but until now it's been hard to tell exactly which young plants have it. Researchers found a reliable genetic fingerprint, a leftover bit of ancient DNA next to the resistance gene, that lets breeders test seedlings early and pick out the resistant ones with confidence.
Key Findings
Researchers identified the LTR982 retrotransposon insertion as the structural marker distinguishing susceptible from resistant RMia haplotypes in Prunus rootstocks
Three new PCR primer pairs (RTP-RMia-F3/R3, ACI_9660_2, NEM_6908_4) reliably discriminated homozygous resistant, heterozygous, and homozygous susceptible genotypes
Marker accuracy was validated in hybrid rootstock genotypes through artificial nematode inoculation assays
chevron_right Technical Summary
Scientists developed precise genetic tests to identify which peach and almond rootstocks carry natural resistance to root-knot nematodes, tiny worms that damage roots and force growers to rely on chemical pesticides.
Abstract Preview
Original paper
Novel PCR markers for discriminating RMia resistance alleles in Prunus rootstock breeding
Root-knot nematodes are pest of many plant species, particularly in southern Europe, where Meloidogyne incognita , M. arenaria and M. javanica are the most common species. In Prunus rootstock breed...
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The peach is a deciduous tree that bears edible juicy fruits with various characteristics. Most are simply called peaches, while the glossy-skinned, non-fuzzy varieties are called nectarines. Though from the same species, they are regarded commercially as different fruits.