Mapping resistance: A genetic approach to biotic stress in peach and apricot
image: Image caption: Phenotypic distribution and correlation between Max and AUDPC for (A) peach rust and (B) apricot rust. Distributions of Max are shown at the top of each graph, while the distributions of AUDPC are shown on the right. AV: Avignon, ET: Étoile-sur-Rhône, TO: Torreilles, SM: Saint-Marcel-lès-Valence, and BE: Bellegarde. Image link: https://academic.oup.com/view-large/figure/517534202/uhaf088f1.tif
Credit: Horticulture Research
Stone fruit trees like peach and apricot are highly susceptible to numerous pests and diseases that threaten production. Breeding disease-resistant varieties is a challenging task due to the complex genetic basis of resistance, which is influenced by both genetic factors and environmental conditions. Genotype-by-environment interactions (G × E) play a significant role in disease resistance, complicating efforts to identify stable resistance genes across different growing conditions. To address this, the study combined multienvironment trials and GWAS models to explore the genetic components responsible for resistance and tolerance to biotic stresses. Based on these challenges, deeper investigations into G × E interactions and genetic diversity are essential to enhance breeding efficiency.
The study, published (DOI: 10.1093/hr/uhaf088) in Horticulture Research on April 22, 2025, focused on peach and apricot varieties to investigate genetic resistance to major pests and diseases. Researchers from INRAE and other institutions conducted multienvironment trials and applied advanced GWAS methods to identify markers associated with biotic stress responses. This study provides new insights into how G × E interactions influence disease resistance, offering a pathway for more targeted and effective breeding strategies for these crucial fruit crops.
The study used a comprehensive multienvironment approach to identify genetic markers associated with resistance to biotic stress in peach and apricot. By monitoring pests and diseases such as leaf curl, powdery mildew, and rust, across multiple locations and years, the research uncovered a significant number of G × E. Researchers identified 60 high-confidence quantitative trait loci (QTLs) linked to disease resistance, involving 87 candidate genes, including several from the Leucine-Rich Repeat Containing Receptors (LRR-CR) gene family. These markers exhibited both additive and non-additive effects, emphasizing the importance of incorporating non-additive genetic models in GWAS. The study also highlighted that disease resistance was influenced differently by environmental factors, with some QTLs being environment-specific. Notably, markers associated with peach leaf curl were stable across environments, while those related to apricot blossom blight were more variable. This research underscores the complexity of biotic stress responses and offers valuable genetic resources for breeding programs aimed at enhancing disease resistance in stone fruit trees.
Dr. Morgane Roth, the corresponding author of the study, emphasized, “This research provides crucial genetic insights into how stone fruit trees respond to pests and diseases across different environments. By understanding the genetic architecture of resistance, we can accelerate the development of more resilient peach and apricot varieties. The integration of G × E interactions into breeding strategies is key to addressing the challenges posed by biotic stresses and ensuring sustainable fruit production under changing environmental conditions.”
The findings of this study have significant implications for the future of fruit tree breeding. The identification of robust genetic markers linked to disease resistance will aid in the development of more resistant peach and apricot varieties through MAS. Breeding programs can now incorporate G × E interactions to select for varieties that perform well across diverse environmental conditions. This approach will not only improve disease resistance but also contribute to the sustainability of stone fruit production by reducing the need for chemical treatments. Additionally, the research lays the groundwork for future studies on pest management in fruit crops.
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References
DOI
Original Source URl
https://doi.org/10.1093/hr/uhaf088
Funding information
This work was supported by funding through LabEx AGRO 2011-LABX-002 (under I-Site Muse framework) coordinated by Agropolis Foundation (project ID: 2002-030), the INRAE Department for Plant Genetics and Breeding, the France AgriMer CASDAR Project ‘RésiDiv’ (project ID: 6846752), and the EU Horizon Innovation Actions InnOBreed n°101061028.
About Horticulture Research
Horticulture Research is an open access journal of Nanjing Agricultural University and ranked number one in the Horticulture category of the Journal Citation Reports ™ from Clarivate, 2023. The journal is committed to publishing original research articles, reviews, perspectives, comments, correspondence articles and letters to the editor related to all major horticultural plants and disciplines, including biotechnology, breeding, cellular and molecular biology, evolution, genetics, inter-species interactions, physiology, and the origination and domestication of crops.