A consensus linkage map for molecular markers and Quantitative Trait Loci associated with economically important traits in melon (Cucumis melo L.)

Background A number of molecular marker linkage maps have been developed for melon (Cucumis melo L.) over the last two decades. However, these maps were constructed using different marker sets, thus, making comparative analysis among maps difficult. In order to solve this problem, a consensus genetic map in melon was constructed using primarily highly transferable anchor markers that have broad potential use for mapping, synteny, and comparative quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis, increasing breeding effectiveness and efficiency via marker-assisted selection (MAS). Results Under the framework of the International Cucurbit Genomics Initiative (ICuGI, http://www.icugi.org webcite), an integrated genetic map has been constructed by merging data from eight independent mapping experiments using a genetically diverse array of parental lines. The consensus map spans 1150 cM across the 12 melon linkage groups and is composed of 1592 markers (640 SSRs, 330 SNPs, 252 AFLPs, 239 RFLPs, 89 RAPDs, 15 IMAs, 16 indels and 11 morphological traits) with a mean marker density of 0.72 cM/marker. One hundred and ninety-six of these markers (157 SSRs, 32 SNPs, 6 indels and 1 RAPD) were newly developed, mapped or provided by industry representatives as released markers, including 27 SNPs and 5 indels from genes involved in the organic acid metabolism and transport, and 58 EST-SSRs. Additionally, 85 of 822 SSR markers contributed by Syngenta Seeds were included in the integrated map. In addition, 370 QTL controlling 62 traits from 18 previously reported mapping experiments using genetically diverse parental genotypes were also integrated into the consensus map. Some QTL associated with economically important traits detected in separate studies mapped to similar genomic positions. For example, independently identified QTL controlling fruit shape were mapped on similar genomic positions, suggesting that such QTL are possibly responsible for the phenotypic variability observed for this trait in a broad array of melon germplasm. Conclusions Even though relatively unsaturated genetic maps in a diverse set of melon market types have been published, the integrated saturated map presented herein should be considered the initial reference map for melon. Most of the mapped markers contained in the reference map are polymorphic in diverse collection of germplasm, and thus are potentially transferrable to a broad array of genetic experimentation (e.g., integration of physical and genetic maps, colinearity analysis, map-based gene cloning, epistasis dissection, and marker-assisted selection).This work was supported in part by SNC Laboratoire ASL, Ruiter Seeds B.V., Enza Zaden B.V., Gautier Semences S.A., Nunhems B.V., Rijk Zwaan B.V., Sakata Seed Inc, Semillas Fito S. A., Seminis Vegetable Seeds Inc, Syngenta Seeds B. V., Takii and Company Ltd, Vilmorin & Cie S. A., and Zeraim Gedera Ltd (all of them as part of the support to the ICuGI); the grants AGL2009-12698-C02-02 from the Spanish "Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovacion" to AJM. NK lab was supported in part by Research Grant Award No. IS-4223-09C from BARD, the United States - Israel Binational Agricultural Research and Development Fund, and in part by Israel Science Foundation Grant No. 38606, De Ruiter Seeds, Enza Zaden, Keygene, Rijk Zwaan, Sakata Seed Corporation, Semillas Fito, Syngenta Seeds and Vilmorin Clause & Cie. AD was supported by a JAE-Doc contract from "Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas" (CSIC-Spain). MF was supported by a postdoctoral contract from CRAG. The research carried out at YX's laboratory was supported by Chinese funds (Grant No. 2008-Z42(3), 5100001, 2010AA101907).Díaz Bermúdez, A.; Fergany, M.; Formisano, G.; Ziarsolo, P.; Blanca Postigo, JM.; Fei, Z.; Staub, JE.... (2011). A consensus linkage map for molecular markers and Quantitative Trait Loci associated with economically important traits in melon. BMC Plant Biology. 11. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2229-11-111S1

The quasi-universality of nestedness in the structure of quantitative plant-parasite interactions

Understanding the relationships between host range and pathogenicity for parasites, and between the efficiency and scope of immunity for hosts are essential to implement efficient disease control strategies. In the case of plant parasites, most studies have focused on describing qualitative interactions and a variety of genetic and evolutionary models has been proposed in this context. Although plant quantitative resistance benefits from advantages in terms of durability, we presently lack models that account for quantitative interactions between plants and their parasites and the evolution of these interactions. Nestedness and modularity are important features to unravel the overall structure of host-parasite interaction matrices. Here, we analysed these two features on 32 matrices of quantitative pathogenicity trait data gathered from 15 plant-parasite pathosystems consisting of either annual or perennial plants along with fungi or oomycetes, bacteria, nematodes, insects and viruses. The performance of several nestedness and modularity algorithms was evaluated through a simulation approach, which helped interpretation of the results. We observed significant modularity in only six of the 32 matrices, with two or three modules detected. For three of these matrices, modules could be related to resistance quantitative trait loci present in the host. In contrast, we found high and significant nestedness in 30 of the 32 matrices. Nestedness was linked to other properties of plant-parasite interactions. First, pathogenicity trait values were explained in majority by a parasite strain effect and a plant accession effect, with no parasite-plant interaction term. Second, correlations between the efficiency and scope of the resistance of plant genotypes, and between the host range breadth and pathogenicity level of parasite strains were overall positive. This latter result questions the efficiency of strategies based on the deployment of several genetically-differentiated cultivars of a given crop species in the case of quantitative plant immunity

Etablissement de cultures de tissus morphogenes et etudes histologiques de la callogenese et de la neoformation chez Oryza sativa L. et Oryza longistaminata (A. Chev. and Roehr.)

SIGLEINIST T 73202 / INIST-CNRS - Institut de l'Information Scientifique et TechniqueFRFranc

Aphid triggered immunity in melon: key determinants for durable resistance to virus and aphids

The Vat gene in melon is unique in conferring resistance to both A. gossypii and the viruses it transmits. This double phenotype is controlled by a cluster of genes including a CC-NLR which has been characterized in detail. Copy-number polymorphisms (for the whole gene and for a domain that stands out in the LLR region) and single-nucleotide polymorphisms have been identified in the Vat cluster. The Vat gene structure suggests a functioning so called effector-triggered immunity (ETI), with separate recognition and response phases. During the recognition phase, the VAT protein is thought to interact (likely indirectly) with an aphid effector introduced by aphid salivation within the plant cells. A few hours later, several miRNAs are upregulated in Vat plants. Peroxidase activity increases, and callose and lignin are deposited in the walls of the cells adjacent to the stylet path, disturbing aphid behavior. In aphids feeding on Vat plants, the levels of miRNAs are modified. At the plant level, resistance to aphids is quantitative (aphids escape the plant and display low rates of reproduction). ‘Aphid-ETI’ has qualitative and local effect against non circulative viruses (CMV, ZYMV, WMV) and but quantitative effect against circulative virus such as CABYVs. Durability of ETI is highly variable. At population level, ‘Aphid-ETI’ reduces aphid density and genetic diversity, and durability of the ‘Aphid-ETI’ strongly depends on the agro-ecosystem. Some clones are adapted to Vat resistance, putatively either by introducing a polymorphic effector not triggering ETI, or by adapting to the defenses they triggered. Several ways to enhance ‘Aphid-ETI’ durability will be proposed. ‘Aphid-ETI’ against viruses decreases the intensity of Cucumber Mosaic Virus (CMV) and Cucurbit aphid-borne yellows virus (CABYV) epidemics. Laboratory experiments strongly suggested that non circulative viruses cannot adapt to ‘Aphid-ETI’ and therefore durability of ‘Aphid-ETI’ against CMV is predicted long. Field experiments combined to modelling suggested that highly durable resistance against CABYV could be obtained by combining within a same melon genotype the Vat gene with recessive genes conferring resistance to CABYV. Extension of those results to any other circulative viruses will be discussed

Durabilité de la résistance du melon à A. gossypii

La protection des cultures maraîchères contre les insectes phytophages passe traditionnellement par l’utilisation de pesticides. L’utilisation de variétés résistantes permet une production plus respectueuse de l’environnement et du consommateur. Chez le melon, il existe une résistance à la colonisation par le puceron Aphis gossypii, ravageur majeur des Cucurbitacées. Cette résistance, conférée par un gène nommé Vat, est largement utilisée dans les variétés cultivées ; elle constitue un modèle économiquement intéressant. La résistance exerce désormais une pression de sélection sur les populations d’A. gossypii à une échelle régionale. On peut craindre, de la même manière que des populations de pucerons résistantes aux insecticides ont été sélectionnées par l’usage intensif de certaines molécules actives, le développement de pucerons capables de surmonter la résistance conférée par Vat. En effet, depuis quelques années, des foyers d’A. gossypii capables de se développer sur des variétés de melon porteuses du gène Vat ont été observés sur le terrain. Le projet a pour objectif de préciser les stratégies d'utilisation de la résistance conférée par Vat afin de lutter contre son contournement, en y associant des gènes de résistance partiels (appelés QTLs) autres que Vat. Dans le cadre du projet, des génotypes de melon associant le gène Vat et des QTLs seront construits puis mis en essai de plein champ dans différents bassins de production pour mesurer la pression de sélection qu’ils exercent sur les populations d’A. gossypii

Insect resistance in melon and its modification by molecular breeding

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