DArTseq molecular markers for resistance to Phytophthora cinnamomi in pineapple (Ananas comosus L.)

Abstract

Root rot caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi is a major disease of pineapple worldwide, and while genetic resistance is known to exist within the genus, there have been few efforts to incorporate resistance into commercial varieties. The development of molecular markers and a better understanding of the physiology contributing to resistance would be a major advantage for breeding efforts. DArTseq was used in this study to investigate resistance to P. cinnamomi in pineapple. Resistance appears closely associated with a single broad loci on chromosome five covering the positions 4.6–5.5 Mb and two separate scaffolds. Thirteen putative resistance/susceptibility proteins were identified including six leucine-rich repeat receptor kinases, a chitin elicitor receptor kinase, a 2, 3-bisphosphoglycerate-dependent phosphoglycerate mutase, a microrchidia 4-like protein, a hypothetical protein, an uncharacterised protein family 0664 stress-induced protein, a transcription factor bHLH and a ribonuclease 2. The DArTseq bulk segregate approach successfully identified molecular markers associated with resistance to P. cinnamomi in pineapple.