Quantitative trait loci analysis and marker development for fruit rot resistance in cranberry shows potential genetic association with epicuticular wax

Authors: Kawash, Joseph; Erndwein, Lindsay; JOHNSON-CICALESE, JENNIFER - Rutgers University; KNOWLES, SARA - Rutgers University; VORSA, NICHOLI - Rutgers University; Polashock, James

Submitted to: Phytopathology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/8/2024
Publication Date: 6/12/2024
Citation: Kawash, J.K., Erndwein, L.C., Johnson-Cicalese, J., Knowles, S., Vorsa, N., Polashock, J.J. 2024. Quantitative trait loci analysis and marker development for fruit rot resistance in cranberry shows potential genetic association with epicuticular wax. Phytopathology. 114:1366-1372. https://doi.org/10.1094/PHYTO-12-23-0477-R.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1094/PHYTO-12-23-0477-R

Interpretive Summary: Fruit rot is a fungal disease complex that continues to threaten cranberry yields in North American growing operations. Current control methods heavily rely on fungicide applications, a practice that is potentially harmful to animals and the environment. Breeding for fruit rot resistance is essential to sustainable production. It is likely that field resistance is complex and involves many traits that fortify cranberry plants against the biotic and abiotic stresses that contribute to fruit rot. We identified locations in the cranberry DNA associated with fruit rot resistance. We noted that one of locations for fruit rot resistance overlaps with one that is associated with fruit surface wax. Thus, fruit surface wax may play a role in reducing fruit rot in cranberry. This information will be useful to scientists and breeders studying fruit rot resistance in cranberry and related crops.

Technical Abstract: Fruit rot is a fungal disease complex that continues to threaten cranberry yields in North American growing operations. Targeted mitigation of outbreaks are difficult due to the diversity of the infecting fungal species, and although infections take place early in the season, the pathogens usually remain latent in the ovary until the fruit ripen. Current control methods heavily rely on fungicide applications, a practice that may be limited in viability long term. Breeding for fruit rot resistance is essential to sustainable production. It is likely that field resistance is multifaceted and involves a myriad of traits that fortify cranberry plants against the biotic and abiotic stresses contributing to fruit rot. In this study, we identified QTL for fruit rot resistance in a segregating population. Interestingly, a QTL associated with resistance was found to overlap with a QTL associated with fruit epicuticular wax. A SNP genotyping assay, based on one of the FRR QTL, successfully identified accessions that exhibit the desired phenotypes (i.e. lower rot and higher epicuticular wax), thus making it useful for marker assisted selection (MAS). Candidate genes that may contribute to FRR and ECW were also identified. This work will expedite breeding for improved cranberry fruit quality.