Development of molecular markers linkaged to Sharka (Plum pox virus, PPV) resistance inPrunus

Abstract

Sharka ( Plum pox virus , PPV), is one of the most serious viral diseases affecting apricot production in those areas that are affected. The development and cultivation of new resistant cultivars could be the definitive solution to the disease. In this process of development and introduction of new resistant cultivars, the availability of a reliable method is of great interest for the evaluation of resistance. The development of molecular (genomic or proteomic) markers linkage to this trait could greatly accelerate this evaluation process in apricot. In this work, a double strategy for the development of molecular markers linkage to PPV resistance in apricot is presented: search for genomic (DNA) markers and study the protein expression through 2D electrophoresis (proteomic markers). The search of DNA markers linkage to the resistance is focused on the application of SSR (simple sequence repeat) markers located in the linkage group I, in which PPV resistance has been located by different authors. On the other hand, studies of activity of antioxidant enzymes and protein expression by 2D electrophoresis have been performed in resistant and susceptible apricot cultivars.