Genetic mapping of the loquat canker resistance locus in bronze loquat (Eriobotrya deflexa)

Abstract

Loquat canker disease, caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. eriobotryae, is one of the most harmful diseases of commercial cultivars of loquat (Eriobotrya japonica). To introgress resistance to loquat canker, we identified the linkage group and position of the resistance locus derived from the related wild species bronze loquat (Eriobotrya deflexa). The segregation of resistance and susceptibility fit the expected ratio of 1:1 in 96 individuals from a three-way cross involving bronze loquat (heterozygous for resistance) and two cultivars of loquat (susceptible). The genomic region containing Pse-a was identified by using a genome scanning approach, and the loquat canker resistance locus was mapped at the top of linkage group 10 by applying novel simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers designed on the basis of the ‘Golden Delicious’ apple genome sequence. The constructed linkage group spans 69.4 cM and has an average marker density of 2.6 cM per marker. The developed molecular markers tightly linked to the loquat canker resistance locus will be useful for marker-assisted selection and for introgression of resistance into loquat in breeding programs.