Next Article in Journal
A Review of Chenopodium quinoa (Willd.) Diseases—An Updated Perspective
Next Article in Special Issue
ISSR-Based Genetic Diversity Assessment of Genus Jasminum L. (Oleaceae) from Pakistan
Previous Article in Journal
Exploration of Epigenetics for Improvement of Drought and Other Stress Resistance in Crops: A Review
Previous Article in Special Issue
Genome-Wide Association Analysis for Stem Cross Section Properties, Height and Heading Date in a Collection of Spanish Durum Wheat Landraces
 
 
Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
Journals
Plants
Volume 10
Issue 6
10.3390/plants10061227
plants-logo
Submit to this Journal Review for this Journal Edit a Special Issue
► Article Menu

Article Menu

share Share announcement Help format_quote Cite question_answer Discuss in SciProfiles thumb_up
...
Endorse textsms
...
Comment
first_page
settings
Order Article Reprints
Font Type:
Arial Georgia Verdana
Font Size:
Aa Aa Aa
Line Spacing:
Column Width:
Background:
Article

Evaluation of Scab and Mildew Resistance in the Gene Bank Collection of Apples in Dresden-Pillnitz

by
Monika Höfer
*,
Henryk Flachowsky
,
Susan Schröpfer
and
Andreas Peil
Julius Kühn Institute (JKI)—Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants, Institute for Breeding Research on Fruit Crops, Pillnitzer Platz 3a, 01326 Dresden, Germany
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Plants 2021, 10(6), 1227; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10061227
Received: 12 May 2021 / Revised: 9 June 2021 / Accepted: 12 June 2021 / Published: 16 June 2021
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pre-breeding towards the Effective Utilization of Plant Genetic Resources)
Browse Figure
Review Reports Versions Notes

Abstract

:
A set of 680 apple cultivars from the Fruit Gene bank in Dresden Pillnitz was evaluated for the incidence of powdery mildew and scab in two consecutive years. The incidence of both scab and powdery mildew increased significantly in the second year. Sixty and 43 cultivars with very low incidence in both years of scab and powdery mildew, respectively, were analysed with molecular markers linked to known resistance genes. Thirty-five cultivars were identified to express alleles or combinations of alleles linked to Rvi2, Rvi4, Rvi6, Rvi13, Rvi14, or Rvi17. Twenty of them, modern as well as a few traditional cultivars known before the introduction or Rvi6 from Malus floribunda 821, amplified the 159 bp fragment of marker CH_Vf1 that is linked to Rvi6. Alleles linked to Pl1, Pld, or Plm were expressed from five cultivars resistant to powdery mildew. Eleven cultivars were identified to have very low susceptibility to both powdery mildew and scab. The information on resistance/susceptibility of fruit genetic resources towards economically important diseases is important for breeding and for replanting traditional cultivars. Furthermore, our work provides a well-defined basis for the discovery of undescribed, new scab, and powdery mildew resistance.

1. Introduction

Global climate change and environmental degradation increasingly endanger many areas of our life. New concepts are required to counteract these ongoing processes. The European Green Deal is the new European growth strategy and a roadmap to make Europe climate-neutral until the middle of this century. The Farm to Fork Strategy (https://ec.europa.eu/food/farm2fork_en, accessed on 29 October 2020) is an important part of the Green Deal. As current food production systems are key drivers of climate change and environmental degradation, the Farm to Fork strategy recognizes, among others, the urgent need to reduce the dependency on pesticides and excess fertilisation, to increase organic farming, and to fight against the progressive loss of biodiversity.
The rising incidence of biotic and abiotic stresses makes commercial fruit production increasingly difficult in Europe. Especially orchards affected by fungal diseases like apple scab and apple powdery mildew, which are caused by Venturia inaequalis (Cooke Winter, 1875) and Podospaera leucotricha (Ellis & Everh. Salmon), respectively, require intensive plant protection management. In integrated fruit production, up to 20 fungicide treatments (equalling to a fungicide treatment index of up to 26) are applied [1] to avoid severe scab and powdery mildew infections. Organic management practices, which are known to have a higher output of ecosystem services, are associated with a 48% lower yield compared to integrated fruit production [2]. Planting resistant cultivars is a promising strategy. Some resistant apple cultivars with sufficient fruit quality are already available. Most of them carry the Rvi6 scab resistance gene originating from Malus floribunda Siebold ex. Van Houtte clone 821. Unfortunately, Rvi6 has already been overcome in several European fruit-growing regions [3], but also in other parts of the world [4]. Top cultivars with durable resistance and excellent fruit quality are urgently required to make future apple fruit production more eco-friendly, robust and resilient. During the last decades of the 20th century, breeding objectives have mainly focused on meeting aesthetic standards, with eating quality and durable disease resistance receiving greater priority [5]. Many breeding programs worldwide are meanwhile aiming on breeding for durable disease resistance towards apple scab and powdery mildew, often combined with reduced susceptibility to other diseases (e.g., fire blight, cancer) and pests (e.g., insects), but also on tolerance to abiotic stresses like frost, heat, drought, and UV radiation [6]. However, improving the host resistance to apple scab and powdery mildew is mostly the major goal [6,7]. In this context, combining different resistance (R) genes in the same genotype (pyramiding) is considered a reliable way to achieve more durable resistance [8]. For apple scab resistance, roughly 20 R genes are already mapped in different genetic backgrounds [7]. Some of them, like Rvi1, Rvi3, Rvi8, and Rvi10, have only little value for breeding since scab strains that are able to overcome these genes are widely distributed in Europe [3]. Other R genes, such as Rvi2, Rvi4, Rvi6, Rvi7, Rvi9, and Rvi13, are only useful if used in combination with at least two other scab resistance genes. The only sources for durable resistance, which are currently available, are Rvi5, Rvi11, Rvi12, Rvi14, and Rvi15 [3]. Four of them originated from small-fruited wild apple accessions and need to be introgressed into elite material. Although, about 20 R genes are available, the possibilities for scab resistance breeding are still restricted. The genetic base for improving the resistance to powdery mildew is even more limited [9]. Much less is known about suitable sources for improving other traits, which are expected to become affected by the climate change. Broadening the genetic base is therefore necessary to meet the future challenges in apple breeding [10,11].
Progress in fruit breeding strongly depends on the availability of a rich diversity of genetic resources. In Germany, the conservation of fruit varieties dates back to the early decades of the 20th century, and cultivars of different fruit crop species are now preserved in public and private germplasm collections. The German Fruit Gene bank (GFG—https://www.deutsche-genbank-obst.de, accessed on 10 May 2021) was recently established as a decentralized network to coordinate the activities of the different germplasm collections [12]. The apple network which is part of the GFG was founded in 2009 and comprises 745 apple cultivars with a GFG mandate held by 14 stakeholders [13]. The main partner of the apple network, the Julius Kühn Institute (JKI), Institute for Breeding Research on Fruit Crops in Dresden-Pillnitz, maintains an apple gene bank with 702 cultivars, consisting of mostly old German cultivars or cultivars with a socio-cultural, local and historical relation to Germany [14]. The Fruit Gene Bank at the JKI, Institute for Breeding Research on Fruit Crops has been established as a partner for science and practice at the national and international level since its integration into JKI at 1 January 2003. Since 2003, the Fruit Gene bank has focused its activities on the maintenance and restructuring of the collections as well as on the evaluation of existing plant material. The Fruit Gene bank focuses on fruit species native to Central Europe and species which are important for fruit production in Germany in the present as well as in the past. These genetic resources will be comprehensively evaluated for a multitude of traits, which are of interest for breeding. Interesting genotypes will be continuously selected. After estimating their breeding value, they will be directly subjected to the breeding program.
On this basis, this work makes a decisive contribution to the implementation of the ‘‘National Program for Genetic Resources of Agricultural and Horticultural Plants’’ in Germany, whose aim is to develop an effective conservation strategy for fruit genetic resources, and to evaluate these resources in order to use them in fruit production, breeding and research.
The present study was aimed at the evaluation of genetic resources of the apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) cultivar collection of the Fruit Gene bank in Dresden-Pillnitz, Germany for their resistance to apple scab and apple powdery mildew and the detection of hitherto unknown resistances to these diseases. Therefore, cultivars showing resistance to scab or powdery mildew in two consecutive years were screened with a set of molecular markers for the putative presence of scab and/or powdery mildew resistance genes. Resistant cultivars not showing marker alleles linked to known resistance genes were selected as new potential sources for resistance breeding. Phenotypic results were compared to data available from previous experiments, which were performed in 1997, 1999, 2006, and 2007.

2. Material and Methods

2.1. Plant Material

Six hundred and eighty apple cultivars, which belong to the gene bank collection of the JKI Institute for Breeding Research on Fruit Crops (Dresden-Pillnitz, Germany), were used in this study (Supplementary Table S1). The institute is located at 51°0000700 N latitude, and 13°5205900 E longitude, altitude 115 m, with 9.1 °C annual average temperature and 668 mm annual precipitation. The soil type at the orchard is clayey sand with pH 5.6–6.6. Trees of these cultivars were grown on M9/Hibernal rootstock/interstock combinations with two replicates per genotype. The trees are between 4 and 8 years old and were trained as ‘Spindelbusch’. Trueness-to-type was assured in a two-step procedure consisting of a pomological characterization (step 1) and a DNA-fingerprint analysis (step 2) using a set of SSR markers suggested by the European Cooperative Programme for Plant Genetic Resources (ECPGR, Höfer, Flachowsky and Hanke [13]). At least two experts, preferably members of the German Pomological Society, performed the pomological characterization. Plant protection was carried out in accordance to integrated fruit production. In years where trees were evaluated on fungal disease symptoms (1997, 1999, 2006, 2007, 2012, 2013) no fungicides were applied.
Selected genotypes of the scab differential host set (http://www.vinquest.ch/monitoring/establishing_network.htm, accessed on 10 May 2021), complemented by four genotypes containing the apple scab resistance gene Rvi17 (04-214-79), the powdery mildew resistance genes Plm (Mildew Immune seedling—MIS) and Pld (D12), or a combination of the three mildew resistance genes Pl1, Pl2, and Plm (06_57) were used as control.

2.2. Phenotyping of Powdery Mildew and Scab

Field evaluation on the occurrence of apple scab (V. inaequalis) and apple powdery mildew (P. leucotricha) symptoms on leaf laminae was conducted twice a year (June and August) and once for fruit scab (August–September) in 2012 and 2013. Scoring of scab and powdery mildew symptoms was performed according to the assessment scale defined in Table 1.
Phenotypic data recorded in 1997, 1999, 2006, and 2007 were available from previous experiments (Table 2 and Table 3). Data recorded in 1997 and 1999 have been partly published by Fischer and Dunemann [15], as well as Fischer and Fischer [16] already. In the present study, data were recorded in the same orchard in 2006, 2007, 2012, and 2013.

2.3. Molecular Analysis

Cultivars with leaf and fruit scab and powdery mildew ratings, respectively, lower than 3 in both years (2012 and 2013) were analysed using molecular markers for scab and/or powdery mildew resistance genes (Supplementary Table S2) [17,18,19,20]. Sixty-two cultivars were screened with markers for scab resistance genes, whereas 43 cultivars were checked for the presence of markers for resistance to powdery mildew.
DNA was extracted using the REDExtract-N-AmpTM Plant Kit (Sigma-Aldrich, Darmstadt, Germany). Leaf discs of 3 mm diameter were incubated in 50 µL extraction solution for 10 min at 95 °C and finally 50 µL dilution buffer was added. DNA was diluted 1:5 with water and 1 µL was used for PCR. DNA of the control genotypes was isolated from young leaves using the Plant Mini Kit (Qiagen, Hilden, Germany) according to the manufacturer’s instructions. DNA was diluted to a final concentration of 10 ng µL−1 and 1 µL DNA was used for PCR.
Amplification of resistance markers was done in multiplexes (MPs) with fluorescence labelled forward primers (Supplementary Table S2). PCR was performed using the Type-It Kit (Qiagen) according to the manufacturer’s protocol, but in a volume of 6 µL. After initial denaturation at 95 °C for 5 min 30 PCR cycles were performed consisting of 95 °C for 1 min, 60 °C for 1 min 30 s, and 72 °C for 30 s. After a final extension for 30 min at 60 °C the PCR fragments were analysed on an Applied Biosystems 3500xL Genetic Analyser (Thermo Fisher, Berlin, Germany). Therefore, 195 µL water was added to each PCR sample, 1 µL of diluted PCR product was added to 8.95 µL HiDi and 0.05 µL Gene ScanTM 600 LIZTM Dye Size Standard (ThermoFisher). Fragment analysis was done using the Applied BiosystemsTM GeneMapper™ 6 software (ThermoFisher). Sizes of fragments linked to resistance genes were compared to fragments amplified by the control genotypes. Allele sizes were adjusted to published allele sizes and/or allele sizes produced by Gala and Golden Delicious used as additional controls. The multiplexes MP1 to MP6 were applied to cultivars listed in Table 2 and MP1_mild to cultivars listed in Table 3. SSR markers Ch02d12, Ch03c02, Ch04h02, and SSR-23.03 were additionally applied as single markers.

2.4. Development of Markers for the Genes Pl2 and Rvi15

Sequences for the development of gene specific primers for Pl2 and Rvi15 were obtained from the United States patent (No. US20100306875A1) and the Gene bank accession number KF055410 (Schouten et al. [21]), respectively. Primer pairs were designed using Primer3 and their specificity was tested on selected individuals with and without Pl2 and Rvi15 (unpublished data), respectively. Primer pairs Pl2_F1/R1 (Pl2_F1 GTGGTGTTTTCCCTTTCCTA; Pl2_R1 TCCTACTATGCGAAGCTTTT) and Vr2C_UTR (Vr2C5_UTR_F GTTTCTTAGGAAGGGATATAGGGCAGCA; Vr2C5_UTR_R GTTTCTTCCAACTCGCGAATTTAGCCG), specific for the respective genes Pl2 and Rvi15, were chosen for marker analysis.

2.5. Data Analysis

Statistical analyses were performed using SAS Enterprise Guide 4.3 or SAS 9.4. (SAS Institute Inc.). Frequencies of resistance classes were calculated for powdery mildew and scab symptoms on leafs and fruits. Only genotypes for which data from both experimental years (2012 and 2013) were available were included (Figure 1). For scab infestation of fruit and leaf, data of 539 and 629 cultivars, respectively, were analysed. For powdery mildew infestation, data of 632 cultivars were analysed. The SAS GLIMMIX (Generalized Linear Mixed Model) procedure [22] was performed to determine whether the trial year 2012 and 2013 caused significant differences in the average score, at a significance level of α = 0.05.

3. Results

3.1. Field Evaluation of Scab and Mildew Susceptibility

Detailed data for each genotype are shown in Supplementary Table S1. Ninety-four (14.9%) out of 629 cultivars showed no scab symptoms on leaves or only a few small spots (scales 1 and 2) in 2012 and 2013. For fruit scab, this number was higher with 147 out of 539 cultivars (27.3%). Levels of leaf scab of 8 or 9 at least in one year were found for 6.7% of the cultivars. The percentage of cultivars with high levels of fruit scab was around three times higher (22.4%). A correlation between leaf and fruit scab incidence was found with r = 0.67 and r = 0.66 for 2012 and 2013, respectively. The mean incidence for leaf and fruit scab in 2013 with values of 4.7 and 4.6 was significantly higher than the values of 2.6 and 1.6 observed in 2012. Five-hundred and one and 389 cultivars showed a higher incidence of leaf and fruit scab in 2013 than in 2012, respectively, and 41 and 10 cultivars a higher incidence of leaf and fruit scab in 2012 than in 2013. Figure 1 shows the progress of leaf and fruit scab in 2013 compared to 2012. Sixty cultivars showed ratings lower than 3 in 2012 and 2013 for both leaf and fruit scab and were subsequently analysed with molecular markers.
The group of cultivars with no or very few scab symptoms consisted of traditional cultivars, but also of newly breed resistant cultivars such as Ariwa, Realka and Reka. The group of traditional cultivars consisted of widely distributed cultivars including Antonovka, Finkenwerder Prinzenapfel and Prinz Albrecht von Preußen, as well as local cultivars, such as Börtlinger Weinapfel, Linsenhofer Sämling, and Oetwiller Renette, for example. The current gene bank collection resulted from replanting of a previous collection initially grown at the same place. For this previous collection, data from scab evaluation were already available. For 42 accessions of scab resistant cultivars, data of multiple years were available (Table 2). Interestingly, some cultivars with no or very low scab symptoms in some years (e.g., Oberöstereichischer Brünnerling and Retina) showed a higher incidence in other years with values of up to 4. Five cultivars (Remura, Reka, Nela, Engelshofer, and Altländer Rosenapfel) were without scab symptoms in all three periods, altogether 26 cultivars showed always rating scales of ≤2.0.
Higher incidence was observed for powdery mildew. Only 43 (6.8%) out of 632 cultivars showed very low susceptibility to powdery mildew (scales 1 and 2) in 2012 and 2013 (Table 3). Figure 1 shows the distribution of scab ratings in 2012 and 2013. The mean incidence of mildew was significantly higher in 2013 than in 2012 with ratings of 3.7 and 4.3, respectively. Three hundred thirty-eight cultivars showed a higher mildew incidence in 2013 compared to 2012 and 126 cultivars had higher incidence in 2012 than in 2013. Data from previous experiments for cultivars were available for 21 accessions (Table 3). The incidence to mildew showed a greater variability for previously mentioned 42 cultivars over the three periods compared to scab, with values of up to 7 for e.g., Wildeshausener Goldrenette in 2006/2007. No cultivar was found which was free of mildew symptoms in all three periods. However, mean rating scales of ≤2.0 were detected for Peasgoods Sondergleichen, Kardinal Bea, Erbachhofer, and Baumanns Renette (no data available for 1997 and 1999).
The comparison of scab and powdery mildew ratings lead to the identification of 11 varieties, which exhibit low susceptibility to both diseases at least in 2012 and 2013 (Table 2 and Table 3). Among them, there are modern varieties like Ariwa and Realka, but also traditional ones like Altländer Rosenapfel, Börtlinger Weinapfel or Porzenapfel.

3.2. Validation of Marker Alleles Linked to R Genes Using a Set of Selected Apple Genotypes

The 60 cultivars showing scab ratings lower than 3 in 2012 and 2013 for both leaf and fruit scab and the 42 cultivars with mildew ratings lower than 3 in both years were subjected to marker analysis. Markers were first tested using a set of selected genotypes used as controls to validate the size of alleles linked to R genes (Table 4), and then subsequently analyzed with the chosen cultivars. Most marker fragments amplified in this study (Table 4) differed in size by a few base pairs compared to published data (Table 4). However, the size difference between the individual alleles of a marker reported in literature were in general the same in this study. More than one marker was applied for some R genes, and some markers are coupled with different R genes (Table 4). The rationale of the analyses for the respective genes are explained below (no markers were available for Rvi7, Rvi9, and Rvi10), detailed data and references are given in Table 4.
Rvi1: VG12_SSR and VG15_SSR were used as markers for Rvi1. Since no information about the alleles linked to Rvi1 are available, no data are presented for these markers. Rvi2: Markers CH02b10, CH05e03, and OPL19SCAR were used to determine putative presence of Rvi2. The presence of Rvi2 was assigned only if a cultivar amplified the alleles linked to Rvi2 for all three markers. Marker OPL19SCAR amplified several unspecific bands of the same size as the allele linked to Rvi2. Rvi3: No information about the fragment size linked to resistance of Hi08e04 is available from literature. Therefore, no data are presented for this marker. Rvi4, Rvi15: The 176 bp allele of marker CH02c02a indicates the presence of Rvi4 as well as the presence of Rvi15. Patocchi et al. [23] observed allele sizes of 152 bp (linked to Rvi15) and 165 bp for CH02f06, when applied to the differential scab host H(15). In the present study, 147 bp and 159 bp were observed. The 147 bp allele, which was determined as linked to Rvi15, was additionally amplified in the scab differential hosts H(2), H(4), H(6), and H(9). Vr2C_UTR, which was developed from the sequence of Rvi15, amplified the respective fragment only in H(4) and H(15). Since Rvi4 and Rvi15 could not be distinguished by all three markers, both genes were assigned to cultivars that possessed alleles linked to resistance of all three markers, if the pedigree of a cultivar could not help to discriminate between both genes. Rvi5: If a cultivar exhibits the alleles linked to resistance of all three markers, Hi07h02, FMACH_Vm2, and FMACH_Vm3, the presence of Rvi5 was assumed. Rvi6, Rvi17: The presence of Rvi6 and/or Rvi17 was assigned if a cultivar possesses the 159 and/or 139 bp allele with CH_Vf1, respectively, linked to resistance. Rvi8: Markers OPB18SCAR and OPL19SCAR are indicators for Rvi8. Bus et al. [24] reported an allele size of 799 bp linked to Rvi8 for marker OPB18SCAR. In the present study, a fragment of approximately 755 bp was detected, when applied to H(8). However, both fragment sizes are out of the range of the size standard (all other cultivars amplified fragments smaller than 700 bp). Therefore, the observed fragment size is just an estimation but was used together with the 430 bp of OPL19SCAR to assign the presence of Rvi8. Rvi11: Differences in size were observed for markers CH03d01 and CH02c06 (linked to Rvi11). The fragments obtained for H(11), i.e., M. baccata var. jackii, did not match the allele expected sizes published by Gygax et al. [25]. Only the 150 bp fragment of marker CH05e03 determines the linkage to Rvi11. Patocchi et al. [23] detected a 160 bp fragment with linkage to Rvi11 using this marker. However, they also detected 10 to 11 bp longer fragments for Gala and Golden Delicious (Table 4). No allele with the supposed fragment size of 410 bp for linkage of the T6 marker to Rvi11 was detectable. All observed fragments had sizes larger than 600 bp. Rvi12: Marker alleles of SSR-23–17 and SSR-24.91 showed 1–2 bp differences in size compared to the reference. Both alleles linked to Rvi12 were found only in H (12). Rvi13: Both the 111 bp and 185 bp alleles of markers CH02b07 and CH04f03 indicate the presence of Rvi13. Rvi14: The 210 bp fragment of HB09 indicates Rvi14. Rvi16: Genotype MIS was used to determine the allele sizes linked to Rvi16 amplified under the conditions applied at JKI by NZmsCN943818 and NH030a. NZmsCN943818 and NH030a showed differences of 19 and 17 bp in allele size, respectively, compared to the findings of Bus et al. [26]. The presence of Rvi16, showing both alleles linked to resistance, was observed for MIS only.
Pl1: The 450 bp allele amplified by AT20Scar indicates the presence of Pl1. Pl2: The 573 bp allele of Pl2_F1/R1 indicates the presence of Pl2. Ch04h02 as single was screened only on the 42 cultivars with scab incidences lower than 3 in 2012 and 2013. The 180 bp fragment indicating Pl2 was detected in D12 and the Pl1 Pl2 Plm reference 06_57 only (data not given in Table 4). Pld: A difference in allele size distance was also observed for marker CH03c02. In contrast to James et al. [27], who reported allele sizes of 125 bp and 131 bp for D12, allele sizes of 106 bp and 129 bp were detected in the present study. In comparison with the allele sizes the same authors obtained for MIS (Table 4), which indicates a small size shift of 2–3 bp, the 129 bp fragment amplified by D12 (this study) was assigned as marker for Pld. Plm: A difference of 20 bp was observed for marker CH02d12 linked to Plm for both alleles. Bus et al. [26] reported allele sizes of 197 and 205 bp (coupled to Plm), when applied to MIS. Our analysis revealed fragment sizes of 177 and 185 bp. The 185 bp fragment was assigned as the R gene specific allele.

3.3. Evaluation of Resistant Cultivars for the Presence of Marker Alleles Linked to Known R Genes

The marker linked to Rvi6 was detected in 20 cultivars (Table 2). Among them, there were newly bred cultivars like Ariwa and Topaz, but also traditional ones like Früher Viktoria, Grenadier, Odenwälder, and Purpurroter Cousinot (Table 2). Alleles linked to both Rvi6 and Rvi13 were detected in four cultivars. Generos, Jeverländer Süßapfel (pomologically not determinable), and Schöner aus Elmpt amplified marker alleles linked to Rvi13. The HB09 allele of 210 bp linked to Rvi14 was detected in Altländer Rosenapfel, Hadelner Sommerprinz, and Hochzeitsapfel. The cultivars Antonovka, Antonovka Kamenička, and Hibernal amplified marker alleles linked to Rvi14 and Rvi17. For Angold and Bessemânka Mičurinskaâ only the CH-Vf1 allele of 139 bp linked to Rvi17 was detected. A combination of marker alleles linked to the three scab resistance genes Rvi2, Rvi4 and Rvi6 were found for Realka. From Reka, alleles specific for Rvi2 were amplified, whereas in Remura alleles for Rvi4 were detectable. Six cultivars with rating scales for scab of ≤2.0 in all three periods amplified none of the alleles linked to resistance of all markers tested.
Marker alleles linked to the powdery mildew resistance genes Pl1, Pld, and Plm were found in only a few cultivars (Table 3). The Swiss cultivar Ariwa possesses Rvi6 and Pl1 (Table 2 and Table 3).

4. Discussion

Breeding and cultivation of disease-resistant apple varieties is a forward-looking strategy that aims to reduce the use of pesticides and may contribute to a sustainable agricultural economy. The evaluation and characterization of available genetic resources of a cultivated species with regard to resistance against diseases represents a great opportunity to identify resistant genotypes and furthermore, to use biodiversity to counteract existing challenges in the production of fruits. The major problems in apple production are caused by fungal pathogens like V. inaequalis and P. leucotricha, causing scab and powdery mildew respectively.
Within the framework of this study, cultivars with resistance to scab and/or powdery mildew could be identified in the apple collection of the Fruit Gene bank in Dresden-Pillnitz. At the time of the evaluation, the apple collection consisted of 702 different cultivars, containing mainly old German cultivars or cultivars with a socio-cultural, local, and historical relation to Germany [14]. The obtained data extend previous work on the evaluation for disease resistance of collections from other European gene banks, for example in Belgium, Sweden and Switzerland [33,34,35,36,37]. The classification of cultivars collected within gene banks in terms of their susceptibility to diseases is usually performed under field conditions. This needs to be included in consideration, as many location- and year-specific factors can greatly influence the evaluation results, e.g., year-to-year variation is highly dependent on inoculum pressure. Furthermore, the evaluation period is typically preceded by a period of standard fungicide treatment, which is necessary to preserve the collection of the gene bank. Therefore, it takes several years before disease inoculum become fully established in unsprayed orchards and also the spatial distribution can vary greatly in the same orchard [37]. In order to achieve reliable results, field evaluation data from several years should to be considered. This was accomplished in the present study by analyzing data obtained from the same orchard in the evaluation period 2012–2013 (this work), 1997, and 1999, as well in the period from 2006 to 2007 (partly published by Fischer and Dunemann [15], Fischer and Fischer [16]), which were available for most of the analyzed cultivars.
The observed span of susceptibility responses to scab and mildew was high (Figure 1), ranging from cultivars exhibiting no symptoms to a maximum of infection, which indicates the presence of effective disease inoculum during the evaluation period. From cultivars classified as scab resistant in 2012–2013, five cultivars were without scab symptoms in all regarded evaluation periods and additional 22 cultivars could be identified showing no or very low susceptibility. The presence of modern cultivars in this group of resistant cultivars, e.g., Reka, Remura, Realka, demonstrate the success of scab resistance breeding programs. Compared to scab evaluation data, the year-to-year variance was clearly higher for powdery mildew. This might explain the finding that only 43 cultivars were identified as resistant to powdery mildew in the evaluation period 2012–2013, and only four cultivars exhibit no or very low susceptibility in all considered periods. A combination of low susceptibility to both diseases was found in 11 cultivars. In addition to modern cultivars originating from resistance breeding programs, there are also traditional varieties that have good resistance properties. While modern varieties are extensively described in literature [16,38], traditional varieties are only occasionally mentioned in previous investigations in relation to scab [15,39]. Some of these older cultivars exhibiting a low susceptibility to powdery mildew, such as Baumanns Renette, Peasgoods Sondergleichen, Gaesdonker Renette, and Altländer Pfannkuchenapfel, have already been considered in mildew evaluation studies from the early and middle of the 20th century [40,41,42].
Resistance to disease is based on genetically fixed traits. For breeding of resistant varieties, in addition to the known phenotypic resistance response of the starting material, the genetic traits are also of crucial importance. Several different resistance traits, so-called R genes, are described for scab, and some are known for powdery mildew. However, the type, quality, and durability of the resistance conferred by the R genes varies. For the identification of R genes, molecular markers are applied in some breeding programs to select for resistant seedlings [43] and they are also used for genotyping of apple genetic resources [44,45]. Nevertheless, the correct assignment of marker alleles coupled to resistance is often very difficult if the same genotype used to develop the marker is not simultaneously analyzed [23]. Furthermore, the comparability of measured allele fragment sizes from independent studies becomes more difficult, e.g., by the use of different lab equipment or fluorescent dyes. In this work, the determination of marker alleles coupled to resistances was performed according to Patocchi et al. [23], who presented an approach for the standardization of fragment sizes of alleles linked to scab resistance. Furthermore, genotypes with known R genes were used for the identification of marker alleles linked to resistance. However, the use of molecular markers that are mostly located in spatial proximity to the locus of the R gene should be considered as an indication of the presence of the R gene only, since recombination events may disconnect both genomic loci. The closer the locus of marker and the R gene are, the lower the probability of recombination between them, thus increasing the informative value of the marker [6]. The most reliable results will be obtained by the detection of the R gene itself. In this work, such markers were developed for the detection of Pl2 (Pl2_F1/R1) and Rvi15 (Vr2C_UTR) specific gene sequences.
Of all the Rvi genes described to date, Rvi5, Rvi11, Rvi12, Rvi14, and Rvi15 confer durable resistance to scab [3] and therefore they are of special interest for resistance breeding. From these genes, only Rvi14 was detected in a total of seven cultivars of the gene bank collection classified as scab resistant. In four old traditional cultivars (Altländer Rosenapfel, Englischer Prinz, Hadelner Sommerprinz, Hochzeitsapfel) Rvi14 was detected as single a R gene, and three further genotypes originating in the eastern of Europe possess a combination of Rvi14 and Rvi17 (Antonovka, Antonovka Kamenička, Hibernal 4n). From today’s perspective, these cultivars represent a genetic source for a durable resistance to scab.
The most abundant R gene among the scab resistant cultivars from the gene bank was Rvi6. This finding is according to the expectation, because the scab resistance mediated by Rvi6 was often used in modern resistance breeding programs and can be traced back to crosses done in 1914 and 1915 by Crandall [46], who was using the resistant wild species M. floribunda 821 as donator for resistance [47]. Until now, most of the scab resistant cultivars released carry only Rvi6 [3]. However, the value of resistance mediated by Rvi6 is weakened by the occurrence of avrRvi6 races of the pathogen in Europe [48,49,50] and in the US [51], which are able to break the resistance of Rvi6. This fact clearly demonstrates that the use of single R genes for durable resistance is not effective in the long term, and suggests a combination of different R genes for new breeds, as it is done in pyramidization breeding programs. Interestingly, markers linked to Rvi6 were also detected in older cultivars originating before the initial crossing with M. floribunda 821 was described. Examples for those cultivars are Früher Victoria (described in 1899), Purpurroter Cousinot (around ~1600), and Grenadier (1862). A second sampling and R gene determination confirmed these results. Molecular fingerprinting and pomological analysis (unpublished data) demonstrated trueness-to-type of these cultivars.
While the durability and effectiveness of Rvi genes has been observed for a long period [3], little information is known in this regard for the R genes mediating resistance to powdery mildew. For a large proportion of scab and powdery mildew resistant cultivars analyzed in this study, none of the previously described R genes could be determined. These genotypes are also of great interest, as they could represent sources of unknown resistance traits. Therefore, the aim of further work should focus on the characterization of these potentially new resistance resources particularly regarding their durability and effectiveness at other locations and environments. Furthermore, the identification of R gene(s) or quantitative trait loci (QTLs) mediating disease resistance in these genotypes is important for marker-assisted breeding. It is not clear, how many different resistance traits are present in the different resistant genotypes discussed. It can be assumed that some of these cultivars have the same resistance mechanism. A pedigree analysis combined with the identification of common ancestors with similar resistance may help to define groups of cultivars, which carry potentially the same resistance trait. A large dataset describing a multi-generation pedigree in the apple germplasm calculated from whole-genome single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data is available [52], which includes about 1400 unique genotypes (Malus UNiQue genotypes—MUNQ, Denance et al. [53]) of different apple cultivars. Unfortunately, the pedigree of only a few of the genotypes identified in this work are included in this data set (data not shown), which does not allow any statement about common groups. Further SNP analyses, e.g., using the 20 k Illumina SNP array [54] or the 480 k Axiom SNP array [55] available for apple, would be necessary to analyze pedigrees and to trace back the origin of resistances.

5. Conclusions

Using a systematic screening of the apple cultivar collection of the Fruit Gene bank in Dresden-Pillnitz, several cultivars with high value for resistance breeding and sustainable cultivation were identified. Furthermore, our work provides a well-defined basis for the discovery of undescribed, new scab and powdery mildew resistances.
The information on the resistance/susceptibility of fruit genetic resources towards economically important diseases is important for breeding and for replanting traditional cultivars. Genetic diversity provides the raw material for breeding and plant improvement. It allows breeders to react to new arising requirements of consumers and markets as well as to climate change. Whereas in earlier years only phenotypic characteristics were evaluated, phenotypic and genotypic evaluation is now used in practice. The aim is to achieve a durable disease resistance in fruit breeding with modern varieties where resistance is based on multiple genes. For landscape conservation, growing apples under extensive conditions in meadows, it is important to use resistant or low susceptible old or new cultivars based on results of scientific evaluation.
Based on the assessment of scab and mildew resistance by field evaluation and molecular markers, a range of cultivars could be recommended for growing in extensive plantings scattered on pastures and along field tracks, where normally no fungicides are applied. Furthermore, these cultivars can be used as donors in breeding. Among them are modern varieties, such as Ariwa, Discovery, typical juice cultivars, like Börtlinger Weinapfel and Erbachhofer, but also old traditional varieties with reliable fruit characteristics, such as Altländer Pfannkuchenapfel, Rote Sternrenette, and Schöner aus Empt.

Supplementary Materials

The following are available online at https://www.mdpi.com/article/10.3390/plants10061227/s1, Table S1: Assessment of susceptibility to scab (leaf and fruit) and mildew of the apple cultivars in the JKI collection in 2012 and 2013. A nine-step scoring scale was used: 1 (no symptoms) and 9 (very heavy infection). Data for each cultivar (2 trees) with the heaviest infection were considered; Table S2: List of molecular markers used for genotyping. The respective fluorescent dye, the composition of multiplexes and source of primer sequences are shown.

Author Contributions

Conceptualization, M.H. and A.P.; data curation, M.H.; formal analysis, S.S. and A.P.; investigation, M.H. and A.P.; methodology, M.H. and A.P.; supervision, H.F.; visualization, S.S. and A.P.; writing—original draft, M.H., H.F., S.S., and A.P.; writing—review & editing, M.H., H.F., S.S., and A.P. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Funding

This research received no external funding.

Institutional Review Board Statement

Not applicable.

Informed Consent Statement

Not applicable.

Data Availability Statement

Data is contained within the article or Supplementary Materials.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

References

  1. Roßberg, D.; Harzer, U. Erhebungen zur Anwendung von Pflanzenschutzmitteln im Apfelanbau. J. Kult. 2015, 67, 85–91. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  2. Samnegård, U.; Alins, G.; Boreux, V.; Bosch, J.; García, D.; Happe, A.K.; Klein, A.M.; Miñarro, M.; Mody, K.; Porcel, M. Management trade-offs on ecosystem services in apple orchards across Europe: Direct and indirect effects of organic production. J. Appl. Ecol. 2019, 56, 802–811. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef][Green Version]
  3. Patocchi, A.; Wehrli, A.; Dubuis, P.-H.; Auwerkerken, A.; Leida, C.; Cipriani, G.; Passey, T.; Staples, M.; Didelot, F.; Philion, V.; et al. Ten years of VINQUEST: First insight for breeding new apple cultivars with durable apple scab resistance. Plant Dis. 2020, 104, 2074–2081. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  4. Papp, D.; Singh, J.; Gadoury, D.; Khan, A. New North American isolates of Venturia inaequalis can overcome apple scab resistance of Malus floribunda 821. Plant Dis. 2020, 104, 649–655. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  5. Laurens, F. Review of the current apple breeding programmes in the world: Objectives for scion cultivar improvement. Acta Hortic. 1998, 163–170. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  6. Peil, A.; Kellerhals, M.; Höfer, M.; Flachowsky, H. Apple breeding from the origin to genetic engineering. FruitVeg Cereal Sci. Biotechnol. 2011, 5, 118–138. [Google Scholar]
  7. Khajuria, Y.P.; Kaul, S.; Wani, A.A.; Dhar, M.K. Genetics of resistance in apple against Venturia inaequalis (Wint.) Cke. Tree Genet. Genomes 2018, 14, 16. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  8. Gessler, C. Results of plant breeding during the last decade in relation to resistance against pathogens. Acta Hortic. 1994, 355, 35–62. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  9. Hanke, M.-V.; Flachowsky, H.; Peil, A.; Emeriewen, O.F. Malus × domestica Apple. In Biotechnology of Fruit and Nut Crops, 2nd ed.; Litz, R., Pliego-Alfaro, F., Hormaza, J.I., Eds.; Biotechnology in Agricultural Series; CAB International: Wallingford, UK, 2020; pp. 440–473. [Google Scholar]
  10. Kellerhals, M.; Schütz, S.; Baumgartner, I.; Andreoli, R.; Gassmann, J.; Bolliger, N.; Schärer, H.; Ludwig, M.; Steinemann, B. Broaden the genetic basis in apple breeding by using genetic resources. In Proceedings of the 18th International Conference on Organic Fruit-Growing, Hohenheim, Germany, 19–21 February 2018; pp. 12–18. [Google Scholar]
  11. Kellerhals, M.; Tschopp, D.; Roth, M.; Bühlmann-Schütz, S. Challenges in apple breeding. In Proceedings of the 19th International Conference on Organic Fruit-Growing, Hohenheim, Germany, 17–19 February 2020; pp. 12–18. [Google Scholar]
  12. Flachowsky, H.; Höfer, M. The German Fruit Genebank, a decentral network for sustainable preservation of fruit genetic resources. J. Kult. 2010, 62, 9–16. [Google Scholar]
  13. Höfer, M.; Flachowsky, H.; Hanke, M. German Fruit Genebank looking back 10 years after launching a national network for sustainable preservation of fruit genetic resources. J. Kult. 2019, 71, 2. [Google Scholar]
  14. Höfer, M.; Hanke, M. 10 Years of Fruit Gene Bank at Dresden-Pillnitz under federal responsibility. J. Kult. 2014, 66, 117–129. [Google Scholar]
  15. Fischer, M.; Dunemann, F. Search for polygenic scab and mildew resistance in apple varieties cultivated at the Fruit Genebank Dresden-Pillnitz. Acta Hortic. 2000, 538, 71–77. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  16. Fischer, M.; Fischer, C. Evaluation of Malus species and cultivars at the Fruit Genebank Dresden-Pillnitz and its use for apple resistance breeding. Genet. Resour. Crop Evol. 1999, 46, 235–241. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  17. Vinatzer, B.A.; Patocchi, A.; Tartarini, S.; Gianfranceschi, L.; Sansavini, S.; Gessler, C. Isolation of two microsatellite markers from BAC clones of the Vf scab resistance region and molecular characterization of scab-resistant accessions in Malus germplasm. Plant Breed. 2004, 123, 321–326. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  18. Yamamoto, T.; Kimura, T.; Shoda, M.; Imai, T.; Saito, T.; Sawamura, Y.; Kotobuki, K.; Hayashi, T.; Matsuta, N. Genetic linkage maps constructed by using an interspecific cross between Japanese and European pears. Theor. Appl. Genet. 2002, 106, 9–18. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  19. Soriano, J.; Madduri, M.; Schaart, J.; Burgh, A.; Kaauwen, M.; Tomic, L.; Groenwold, R.; Velasco, R.; Weg, E.; Schouten, H. Fine mapping of the gene Rvi18 (V25) for broad-spectrum resistance to apple scab, and development of a linked SSR marker suitable for marker-assisted breeding. Mol. Breed. 2014, 34. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  20. Cova, V.; Lasserre-Zuber, P.; Piazza, S.; Cestaro, A.; Velasco, R.; Durel, C.E.; Malnoy, M. High-resolution genetic and physical map of the Rvi1 (Vg) apple scab resistance locus. Mol. Breed. 2015, 35, 1–13. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef][Green Version]
  21. Schouten, H.J.; Brinkhuis, J.; van der Burgh, A.; Schaart, J.G.; Groenwold, R.; Giovanni, A.; Broggini, L.; Gessler, C. Cloning and functional characterization of the Rvi15 (Vr2) gene for apple scab resistance. Tree Genet. Genomes 2014, 10, 251. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  22. Schabenberger, O. Introducing the GLIMMIX procedure for generalized linear mixed models. Sugi 30 Proc. 2005, 196, 1–20. [Google Scholar]
  23. Patocchi, A.; Frei, A.; Frey, J.E.; Kellerhals, M. Towards improvement of marker assisted selection of apple scab resistant cultivars: Venturia inaequalis virulence surveys and standardization of molecular marker alleles associated with resistance genes. Mol. Breed. 2009, 24, 337–347. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  24. Bus, V.G.M.; Laurens, F.N.D.; van de Weg, W.E.; Rusholme, R.L.; Rikkerink, E.H.A.; Gardiner, S.E.; Bassett, H.C.M.; Kodde, L.P.; Plummer, K.M. The Vh8 locus of a new gene-for-gene interaction between Venturia inaequalis and the wild apple Malus sieversii is closely linked to the Vh2 locus in Malus pumila R12740-7A. New Phytol. 2005, 166, 1035–1049. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  25. Gygax, M.; Gianfranceschi, L.; Liebhard, R.; Kellerhals, M.; Gessler, C.; Patocchi, A. Molecular markers linked to the apple scab resistance gene Vbj derived from Malus baccata jackii. Theor. Appl. Genet. 2004, 109, 1702–1709. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed][Green Version]
  26. Bus, V.G.M.; Bassett, H.C.M.; Bowatte, D.; Chagne, D.; Ranatunga, C.A.; Ulluwishewa, D.; Wiedow, C.; Gardiner, S.E. Genome mapping of an apple scab, a powdery mildew and a woolly apple aphid resistance gene from open-pollinated Mildew Immune Selection. Tree Genet. Genomes 2010, 6, 477–487. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  27. James, C.; Clarke, J.; Evans, K. Identification of molecular markers linked to the mildew resistance gene Pl-d in apple. Theor. Appl. Genet. 2004, 110, 175–181. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  28. Bus, V.G.M.; Rikkerink, E.H.A.; van de Weg, W.E.; Rusholme, R.L.; Gardiner, S.E.; Bassett, H.C.M.; Kodde, L.P.; Parisi, L.; Laurens, F.N.D.; Meulenbroek, E.J.; et al. The Vh2 and Vh4 scab resistance genes in two differential hosts derived from Russian apple R12740-7A map to the same linkage group of apple. Mol. Breed. 2005, 15, 103–116. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  29. Padmarasu, S.; Sargent, D.; Jaensch, M.; Kellerhals, M.; Tartarini, S.; Velasco, R.; Troggio, M.; Patocchi, A. Fine-mapping of the apple scab resistance locus Rvi12 (Vb) derived from ‘Hansen’s baccata# 2’. Mol. Breed. 2014, 34, 2119–2129. [Google Scholar]
  30. Cova, V.; Bandara, N.L.; Liang, W.; Tartarini, S.; Patocchi, A.; Troggio, M.; Velasco, R.; Komjanc, M. Fine mapping of the Rvi5 (Vm) apple scab resistance locus in the ‘Murray’ apple genotype. Mol. Breed. 2015, 35, 200. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  31. Dunemann, F.; Peil, A.; Urbanietz, A.; Garcia-Libreros, T. Mapping of the apple powdery mildew resistance gene Pl1 and its genetic association with an NBS-LRR candidate resistance gene. Plant Breed. 2007, 126, 476–481. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  32. Soufflet-Freslon, V.; Gianfranceschi, L.; Patocchi, A.; Durel, C.E. Inheritance studies of apple scab resistance and identification of Rvi14, a new major gene that acts together with other broad-spectrum QTL. Genome 2008, 51, 657–667. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed][Green Version]
  33. Egger, S. Obstsortenvielfalt wertvolles Kapital erhalten. Agrarforschung 2002, 9, 357–359. [Google Scholar]
  34. Hunziker, K.; Gassmann, J. Schorf- und Mehltauversuch. Bevog Newsl. 2013, 01-13, 3. [Google Scholar]
  35. Kellerhals, M.; Szalatnay, D.; Hunziker, K.; Duffy, B.; Nybom, H.; Afzadi, M.A.; Hofer, M.; Richter, K.; Lateur, M. European pome fruit genetic resources evaluated for disease resistance. Trees-Struct. Funct. 2012, 26, 179–189. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef][Green Version]
  36. Nybom, H.; Rumpunen, K.; Hovmalm, H.; Marttila, S.; Rur, M.; Garkava-Gustavsson, L.; Olsson, M. Towards a healthier apple chemical characterization of an apple gene bank. Acta Hortic. 2008, 765, 157–164. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  37. Lateur, M.; Populer, C. Screening fruit tree genetic resources in Belgium for disease resistance and other desirable characters. Euphytica 1994, 77, 147–153. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  38. Kellerhals, M.; Kesper, C.; Wolewinski, K.; Krebs, C. Krankheitsresistente Apfelsorten. Schweiz. Z. Obs. Weinbau 2001, 23, 642–645. [Google Scholar]
  39. Hunziker, K.; Gassmann, J.; Schaad, J. Auswertung Schorf-/Mehltauversuch. Bevog Newsl. 2014, 02-14, 3. [Google Scholar]
  40. Gollmick, F. Beobachtungen über den Apfelmehltau. Nachr. Dtsch. Pflanzenschutzd. 1950, 30, 205–214. [Google Scholar]
  41. Jancke, O.; Lange, L. Über die Mehltauanfälligkeit unserer Apfelsorten. Die Gart. 1932, 6, 433–445. [Google Scholar]
  42. Schander, H. Untersuchungen zur Entwicklung von Frühselektionsmethoden für die Apfelzüchtung. II Early selection for resistance to powdery mildew. Der Züchter 1958, 28, 105–132. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  43. Baumgartner, I.O.; Patocchi, A.; Frey, J.E.; Peil, A.; Kellerhals, M. Breeding elite lines of apple carrying pyramided homozygous resistance genes against apple scab and resistance against powdery mildew and fire blight. Plant Mol. Biol. Rep. 2015, 33, 1573–1583. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  44. Lacis, G.; Kota, I.; Ikase, L.; Rungis, D. Molecular characterization of the Latvian apple (Malus) genetic resource collection based on SSR markers and scab resistance gene Vf analysis. Plant Genet. Resour. Charaterization Util. 2011, 9, 189–192. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  45. Patzak, J.; Paprštein, F.; Henychová, A. Identification of apple scab and powdery mildew resistance genes in Czech apple (Malus× domestica) genetic resources by PCR molecular markers. Czech J. Genet. Plant Breed. 2011, 47, 156–165. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef][Green Version]
  46. Crandall, C.S. Apple breeding at the University of Illinois. Ill. Agric. Exp. Stn. Bull. 1926, 275, 341–600. [Google Scholar]
  47. Gessler, C.; Pertot, I. Vf scab resistance of Malus. Trees 2012, 26, 95–108. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef][Green Version]
  48. Bengtsson, M.; Lindhard, H.; Grauslund, J. Occurrence of races of Venturia inaequalis in an apple scab race screening orchard in Denmark. Iobc/Wprs Bull. 2000, 23, 225–230. [Google Scholar]
  49. Lefrancq, B.; Lateur, M. Monitoring and occurrence of new races of Venturia inaequalis on apple in Belgium. Commun. Agric. Appl. Biol. Sci. 2009, 74, 623–631. [Google Scholar] [PubMed]
  50. Parisi, L.; Fouillet, V.; Schouten, H.J.; Groenwold, R.; Laurens, F.; Didelot, F.; Evans, K.; Fischer, C.; Gennari, F.; Kemp, H.; et al. Variability of the pathogenicity of Venturia inaequalis in Europe. Acta Hortic. 2004, 663, 107–114. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef][Green Version]
  51. Beckerman, J.; Chatfield, J.; Draper, E. A 33-year Evaluation of Resistance and Pathogenicity in the Apple Scab–crabapples Pathosystem. HortScience 2009, 44, 599–608. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef][Green Version]
  52. Muranty, H.; Denancé, C.; Feugey, L.; Crépin, J.-L.; Barbier, Y.; Tartarini, S.; Ordidge, M.; Troggio, M.; Lateur, M.; Nybom, H. Using whole-genome SNP data to reconstruct a large multi-generation pedigree in apple germplasm. BMC Plant Biol. 2020, 20, 1–18. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef][Green Version]
  53. Denance, C.; Muranty, H.; Durel, C. MUNQ—Malus UNiQue Genotype Code for Grouping Apple Accessions Corresponding to a Unique Genotypic Profile. 2020. Available online: https://data.inrae.fr/dataset.xhtml?persistentId=doi:10.15454/HKGMAS (accessed on 10 May 2021).
  54. Bianco, L.; Cestaro, A.; Sargent, D.J.; Banchi, E.; Derdak, S.; Di Guardo, M.; Salvi, S.; Jansen, J.; Viola, R.; Gut, I. Development and validation of a 20K single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) whole genome genotyping array for apple (Malus× domestica Borkh). PLoS ONE 2014, 9, e110377. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed][Green Version]
  55. Bianco, L.; Cestaro, A.; Linsmith, G.; Muranty, H.; Denance, C.; Théron, A.; Poncet, C.; Micheletti, D.; Kerschbamer, E.; Di Pierro, E.A. Development and validation of the Axiom Apple480K SNP genotyping array. Plant J. 2016, 86, 62–74. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef][Green Version]
Plants 10 01227 g001 550
Figure 1. Proportion of cultivars with scab and powdery mildew incidence according to Table S1 (1 no symptoms–9 highest incidence) in 2012 (inner circle) and 2013 (outer circle).
Figure 1. Proportion of cultivars with scab and powdery mildew incidence according to Table S1 (1 no symptoms–9 highest incidence) in 2012 (inner circle) and 2013 (outer circle).
Plants 10 01227 g001
Table
Table 1. Assessment scale for apple scab (V. inaequalis) on leaves, according to www.vinquest.ch (accessed on 10 May 2021), and fruits as well as for apple powdery mildew (P. leucotricha).
Table 1. Assessment scale for apple scab (V. inaequalis) on leaves, according to www.vinquest.ch (accessed on 10 May 2021), and fruits as well as for apple powdery mildew (P. leucotricha).
ScaleSusceptibilityScab LeafScab FruitMildew
1No infectionNo visible macroscopic symptomsNo visible macroscopic symptomsNo visible macroscopic symptoms
2Very lowA few small scab spots are detectable only visible on closer inspectionA few small scab spots are detectable only visible on closer inspection1 sporolating spot
3LowVisible lesions, very thinly scattered in the tree Visible lesions, very thinly scattered in the tree up to 25% of leaves covered with infections symptoms
4Low–Medium >25% and <50% of leaves covered with infections symptoms
5MediumNumerous lesions widespread over a large part of the treeNumerous lesions spread over a large part of the fruits50% of leaves covered with infections symptoms
6Medium–High >50% and <75% of leaves covered with infections symptoms
7HighSevere infection with half of the leaves infected by multiple lesions Severe infection with half of the fruits infected by multiple lesions75% of leaves covered with infections symptoms
8High–Extremely high >75% and <100% of leaves covered with infections symptoms
9Extremely highTree completely affected with (nearly) all the leaves badly infected by multiple lesionsTree completely affected with (nearly) all the fruits badly infected by multiple lesions100% of leaves covered with infections symptoms
Table
Table 2. Cultivars with low susceptibility to scab (leaf and fruit). Apple cultivars of the JKI collection with scab rating scales 1 (no symptoms) and 2 (very low scab) in 2012 to 2013 are listed and additional data from experiments obtained in 1997 and 1999 and from 2006 to 2007 are supplemented. R genes indicated by the respective marker allele(s) from molecular analysis are given.
Table 2. Cultivars with low susceptibility to scab (leaf and fruit). Apple cultivars of the JKI collection with scab rating scales 1 (no symptoms) and 2 (very low scab) in 2012 to 2013 are listed and additional data from experiments obtained in 1997 and 1999 and from 2006 to 2007 are supplemented. R genes indicated by the respective marker allele(s) from molecular analysis are given.
CultivarPeriod R Genes Indicated by Respective Marker Alleles
19971999 *20062007 **20122013
Scab Ratings On
LeafFruitLeafFruitLeafFruit
Ahrista111121Rvi6
Akane112211
Altländer Rosenapfel a111111Rvi14
Anetan.d.n.d.1112Rvi6 Rvi13
Angold112111Rvi17
Antonovka111211Rvi14 Rvi17
Antonovka Kamenička221211Rvi14 Rvi17
Ariwa an.d.n.d.1111Rvi6
Bessemânka Mičurinskaâ111121Rvi17
Börtlinger Weinapfel121221
Crimson Crispn.d.n.d.1121Rvi6
Dalinredn.d.n.d.1122Rvi6 Rvi13
Discovery121111
Dorheimer Streiflingn.d.n.d.n.d.n.d.11
Ecolette111122Rvi6
Engelshofer111111
Englischer Prinz112111Rvi14
Finkenwerder Prinzenapfel321121
Franksenapfel1n.d.1111
Früher Viktoria212221Rvi6
Gaesdonker Renette an.d.n.d.n.d.n.d.21
Geflammter Kardinaln.d.n.d.n.d.n.d.21
Generosn.d.n.d.1111Rvi13
Gochsheimer an.d.n.d.n.d.n.d.21
GoldRush111121Rvi6 Rvi13
Grenadier112121Rvi6
Gretapfeln.d.n.d.n.d.n.d.11Rvi17
Gustavs Dauerapfeln.d.n.d.n.d.n.d.22
Hadelner Sommerprinzn.d.n.d.n.d.n.d.21Rvi14
Heinemanns Schlotterapfeln.d.n.d.n.d.n.d.11
Hibernal 4n a112111Rvi14 Rvi17
Hochzeitsapfeln.d.n.d.n.d.n.d.21Rvi14
Jeverländer Süßapfel an.d.n.d.n.d.n.d.11Rvi13
Laxtons Fortune a211121
Linsenhofer Sämling an.d.n.d.n.d.n.d.21
Nela111111Rvi6
Oberöstereich. Brünnerling413121
Odenwälder112222Rvi6
Oetwiler Renetten.d.n.d.n.d.n.d.21
Porzenapfel an.d.n.d.1121
Primula112121Rvi6
Prinz Albrecht von Preußen411321
Purpurroter Cousinot41n.d.n.d.11Rvi6
Purpurroter Zwiebelapfel an.d.n.d.n.d.n.d.21
Realka a111211Rvi2 Rvi4 Rvi6
Red Boyn.d.n.d.n.d.n.d.21
Red Topazn.d.n.d.n.d.n.d.11Rvi6
Regunde111122Rvi6
Reka111111Rvi2
Relindan.d.n.d.n.d.n.d.22Rvi6
Remura111111Rvi4
Renen.d.n.d.3211Rvi6
Retina113121Rvi6 Rvi13
Rheinischer Winterramburn.d.n.d.1421
Ritters Stolzn.d.n.d.1321
Schöner aus Elmpt an.d.n.d.n.d.n.d.11Rvi13
Schöner aus Wiltshiren.d.n.d.3111
Steinbachern.d.n.d.n.d.n.d.11
Topaz212211Rvi6
Welschisner111211
* data obtained from the Institute for Plant Genetics and Research on Cultivated Plants in the Fruit Gene bank Dresden the predecessor of the today’s institution and partly published [15,16]; ** results obtained from scab susceptibility rating in the same plot at JKI in 2006 and 2007 like in 1997 and 1999; a cultivars with low susceptibility to both diseases, scab and powdery mildew; n.d. not determined.
Table
Table 3. Cultivars with low susceptibility to powdery mildew. Apple cultivars of the JKI collection with susceptibility rating scales 1 (no symptoms) and 2 (1 sporolating spot) in 2012 to 2013 are listed. Additional data from experiments obtained in 1997, 1999 and from 2006 to 2007 are supplemented. R genes indicated by the respective marker allele(s) from molecular analysis are given.
Table 3. Cultivars with low susceptibility to powdery mildew. Apple cultivars of the JKI collection with susceptibility rating scales 1 (no symptoms) and 2 (1 sporolating spot) in 2012 to 2013 are listed. Additional data from experiments obtained in 1997, 1999 and from 2006 to 2007 are supplemented. R genes indicated by the respective marker allele(s) from molecular analysis are given.
Cultivar1997 *1999 *2006–2007 **2012–2013Average (Median)R Genes Indicated by Respective Marker Alleles
Altländer Pfannkuchenapfel25523.5
Altländer Rosenapfel a25523.5
Antonovka Polutorafuntovaâ23322.5
Ariwa an.d.3323Pl1
Ashmeads Kernel34323
Baumanns Renetten.d.n.d.222
Betzinger Grünapfeln.d.n.d.n.d.11 ***
Böblinger Straßenapfeln.d.n.d.n.d.11 ***
Bockenhusenn.d.n.d.n.d.22 ***
Börtlinger Weinapfel a24222
Bramleys Seedling33423Pld
Bratzelapfeln.d.n.d.n.d.22 ***
Erbachhofer22122Plm
Gaesdonker Renette an.d.n.d.n.d.11 ***
Gochsheimer an.d.n.d.n.d.11 ***
Göhrings Renetten.d.n.d.n.d.22 ***
Großer Apin.d.n.d.n.d.22 ***Plm
Hibernal 4n23322,5
Jakob Fischer24222
Jeverländer Süßapfel an.d.n.d.n.d.11 ***
Julianen.d.n.d.n.d.22 ***
Kardinal Bea22222
Krügers Dickstiel44223
Laxtons Fortune a34323
Leistadter Rotapfeln.d.n.d.n.d.22 ***
Linsenhofer Sämling an.d.n.d.n.d.22 ***
Peasgoods Sondergleichen12322
Pfaffenhofer Schmelzlingn.d.n.d.n.d.22 ***
Pomme d’Orn.d.n.d.n.d.11 ***
Porzenapfel an.d.n.d.322.5
Präsident Decourn.d.n.d.n.d.22 ***
Priman.d.n.d.n.d.11 ***
Realka a32322,5
Riesenboiken23222
Roter Altländer Pfannkuchenapfel45323.5
Roter Sossenheimern.d.n.d.n.d.22 ***
Schöner aus Elmpt an.d.n.d.n.d.22 ***
Sonnenwirtsapfeln.d.n.d.n.d.11 ***
Sulinger Grünlingn.d.n.d.n.d.22 ***
Virginia Crabn.d.n.d.n.d.11 ***Pl1
Welschweinling25423
Wildeshausener Goldrenette13712
* data obtained from the Institute for Plant Genetics and Research on Cultivated Plants in the Fruit Gene bank Dresden the predecessor of the today’s institution and partly published [15,16]; ** results obtained from phenotyping powdery mildew in the same plot at JKI in 2006 and 2007 like in 1997 and 1999; *** phenotyping recorded only in 2012–2013; a cultivars with low susceptibility to both diseases, scab and powdery mildew; n.d. not determined.
Table
Table 4. Fragment sizes for selected markers linked to scab and powdery mildew resistance genes tested on a subset of the scab differential host set (http://www.vinquest.ch/monitoring/establishing_network.htm, accessed on 10 May 2021), complemented by four more genotypes. The first row per genotype represents the fragment sizes obtained in this study and the second line (grey) represents the respective reference alleles. Fragment sizes for all markers are given only for Gala and Golden Delicious, for all other genotypes fragment sizes are only given if the marker is linked to the respective resistance gene or if a genotype amplified a fragment of the same length. Alleles linked to a resistance genes are given in bold and all reference alleles are given in italics.
Table 4. Fragment sizes for selected markers linked to scab and powdery mildew resistance genes tested on a subset of the scab differential host set (http://www.vinquest.ch/monitoring/establishing_network.htm, accessed on 10 May 2021), complemented by four more genotypes. The first row per genotype represents the fragment sizes obtained in this study and the second line (grey) represents the respective reference alleles. Fragment sizes for all markers are given only for Gala and Golden Delicious, for all other genotypes fragment sizes are only given if the marker is linked to the respective resistance gene or if a genotype amplified a fragment of the same length. Alleles linked to a resistance genes are given in bold and all reference alleles are given in italics.
Marker Linked toRvi2Rvi4Rvi15 Rvi6
Rvi11Rvi8Rvi15Rvi4Rvi5Rvi17Rvi8Rvi11
Genotypes (R–Genes)CH02b10CH05e03OPL19SCAR aCH02c02aCH02f06Vr2C_UTR kHi07h02FMACH_Vm2 gFMACH_VM3 gCH-Vf1OPB18SCAR bCH03d01CH02c06
H(0) Gala126132169181430142178139159 247262142249 141 63391101235239
130 a136 a179 a191 a 149 a185 a144 a165 a 251 a267 a 146 a
H(1) Golden Delicious (Rvi1)123126174181430178183144159 247255142241249141173650113 235239
126 a130 a185 a191 a 185 a191 a150 a165 a 251 a259 a 146 a180 a
H(2) TSR34T15 (Rvi2)122146163 430 147150
125 a152 a165 b 430 a
H(4) TSR33T239 (Rvi4) 430142176147150522
149 a183 a
H(5) 9-AR2T196 (Rvi5) 430 226273154355
230 a277 a158 g355 g
H(6) Priscilla (Rvi6) 430 147150 159173
166 a180 a
H(8) B45 (Rvi8) 430 755
430 a 799 f
H(11) M. baccata var. jackii (Rvi11) 150 430 103105233245
160 a 109 c115 c222 c248 c
H(12) Hansens baccata #2 (Rvi12) 430
H(13) Durello di Forli (Rvi13) 430
H(14) Dülmener Rosenapfel (Rvi14) 430
H(15) GMAL 2473 (Rvi15)122132 430176179147159522 139141
183 a187 a152 a165 a
04-214-79 (Rvi17) 430 139173
06_57 (Pl1 Pl2 Plm) 430
D12 (Pld) 430144176
MIS (Plm, Rvi16) 430
Marker Linked toRvi12Rvi13Rvi14Rvi16Pl1Pl2PldPlm
Genotypes (R–Genes)SSR-23.17 dSSR-24.91 dCH02b07CH04f03HB09 iNZmsCN943818NH030 aAT20Scar hPl2_F1/R1 kCH03c02 jCH02d12
H(0) Gala273288216235103111175185191222197 185195495 123125199
271 d285 d217 d235 d112 a120 a181 a191 a197 a228 a
H(1) Golden Delicious (Rvi1)273281216235103111185 222232197 185195492495 123125195199
112 a120 a191 a197 a238 a
H(2) TSR34T15 (Rvi2) 185191
H(4) TSR33T239 (Rvi4) 175185
H(5) 9-AR2T196 (Rvi5) 185191
H(6) Priscilla (Rvi6) 175185
H(8) B45 (Rvi8) 175185
H(11) M. baccata jackii (Rvi11)
H(12) Hansens baccata #2 (Rvi12)244274200208 450
242 d272 d201 d209 d
H(13) Durello di Forli (Rvi13) 111126185187 185199
120 a134 a191 a193 a
H(14) Dülmener Rosenapfel (Rvi14) 179185210232
216 a238 a
H(15) GMAL 2473 (Rvi15) 175185 102129
04-214-79 (Rvi17) 111126179185
06_57 (Pl1 Pl2 Plm)244281 450 573 185205
450 h
D12 (Pld) 106129
125 j131 j
MIS (Plm, Rvi16) 199208 179197185193 120125177185
198 e216202210 e 123 j127 j197 e205 e
The respective fragment sizes are according to the following references: a Patocchi et al. [23], b Bus et al. [28], c Gygax et al. [25], d Padmarasu et al. [29], e Bus et al. [26], f Bus et al. [24], g Cova et al. [30], h Dunemann et al. [31], i Soufflet-Freslon et al. [32], j James et al. [27], k this study.
Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Share and Cite

MDPI and ACS Style

Höfer, M.; Flachowsky, H.; Schröpfer, S.; Peil, A. Evaluation of Scab and Mildew Resistance in the Gene Bank Collection of Apples in Dresden-Pillnitz. Plants 2021, 10, 1227. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10061227

AMA Style

Höfer M, Flachowsky H, Schröpfer S, Peil A. Evaluation of Scab and Mildew Resistance in the Gene Bank Collection of Apples in Dresden-Pillnitz. Plants. 2021; 10(6):1227. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10061227

Chicago/Turabian Style

Höfer, Monika, Henryk Flachowsky, Susan Schröpfer, and Andreas Peil. 2021. "Evaluation of Scab and Mildew Resistance in the Gene Bank Collection of Apples in Dresden-Pillnitz" Plants 10, no. 6: 1227. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10061227

Note that from the first issue of 2016, this journal uses article numbers instead of page numbers. See further details here.

Article Metrics

Back to TopTop