ISHS Acta Horticulturae 595: International Symposium on Apple Breeding for Scab Resistance
EUROPEAN RESEARCH FOR DURABLE RESISTANCE TO SCAB ON APPLE: THE D.A.R.E. PROJECT |
| Authors: | Y. Lespinasse, C. Pinet, F. Laurens, C.-E. Durel, L. Parisi |
| Keywords: | Venturia inaequalis, genetic resources, markers, selection, sensory evaluation |
| Abstract:
Scab (caused by the fungus Venturia inaequalis) is the major disease in European apple orchards. It strongly affects apple quality and yield when it is not strictly controlled by frequent application of fungicides. Such a large amount of chemical treatments raises numerous ecological problems and consumer health concerns, in addition to the economic cost. One of the main objectives of the breeding programmes on apple at INRA is resistance to scab. A European project, D.A.R.E. (Durable Apple Resistance in Europe, FAIR programme), coordinated by INRA-Angers, deals with the durable resistance of apple to scab and powdery-mildew. Since January 1998, eight European research laboratories and a group of French nurserymen have been collaborating in this programme. With regards to scab resistance, the programme involves several major objectives: (i) characterisation of new apple cultivars carrying durable scab resistance, (ii) assessment of the risks of appearance of new virulent strains, (iii) genetic dissection of polygenic resistance taking into account pathogen variability, (iv) development of new breeding strategies, (v) marketing analysis of several new resistant hybrids. Several traditional cultivars, tested for their resistance to scab, showed resistance symptoms to a large spectrum of local inocula and races of V. inaequalis. They are potential sources for further breeding programmes. A European network of core-orchards has been established to assess the risk of appearance of new virulences of V. inaequalis in different environmental conditions. A collection of V. inaeqalis strains collected from all over Europe and characterised for their pathogenicity is now available for new pathological tests. Genetic maps are in progress on several progenies and one map is already saturated. The mapping of chromosome regions involved in partial and complete resistance to scab has started. A resistance gene pyramiding programme has been initiated. The marker-assisted selection gave reliable first results. Sensory evaluation of scab resistant cultivars in supermarkets and in laboratories is currently under way and will help the promotion of future new resistant varieties. The project involves INRA (coordinator, F), PRI (H. Schouten, NL), ETHZ-FAW (C. Gessler, M. Kellerhals, CH), BAZ (F. Dunemann, C. Fischer, D), HRI (K. Evans, UK), DCA-BO (S. Sansavini, I), NAGREF (A.G. Manganaris, GR), CRA (M. Lateur, B) and Les Naturianes® (B. Essner, F). | |
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