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Identification of alder (Alnus glutinosa) genes expressed during infestation by Phytophthora×alni as basis for the development of markers for Phytophthora tolerance
Project
Project code: 22020617
Contract period: 01.03.2020
- 28.02.2023
Budget: 431,759 Euro
Purpose of research: Applied research
Keywords: silviculture, alder (Alnus incana), forestry genetics, Phytophthora, tolerance, plant protection, renewable ressources
The Oomycet Phytophthora×alni is a prominent pathogen in the alder population in Germany. The climatic change can lead to further dispersal of the pathogen to threat the black alder (Alnus glutinosa) populations in Germany and Europe. Key ecological and economic functions of the alder are acutely and increasingly endangered by the pathogen. At the same time, the importance of black alder is increasing due to its ability to colonize sites of former Ash stands (Fraxinus excelsior) that have been devastated by ash dieback. The project builds on the results already achieved in the selection of black alder with reduced susceptibility to the pathogen, but focuses on the genetic differences between tolerant and susceptible plants. Intra- and interspecific differences in the gene expression of individual genotypes as a result of an experimental infection with P.×alni in alder species are the starting point. The objects of investigation are tolerant ad susceptible clones of A. glutinosa, but also highly susceptible clones of Alnus incana. The genetic differences are identified by differential transcriptome analyses. Candidates for up- and downregulated genes are evaluated qualitatively and quantitatively in individual experiments using real-time PCR. In addition, the analyses allow first insights into the virulence factors of the pathogen and the defense response of the alder against P.×alni and thus contribute substantially to the understanding of alder decline due to Phytophthora infections. In addition, work is being carried out to set the foundation for the link of transcription data with potential markers on the DNA level. Therefore in natural areas in Brandenburg susceptible and tolerant trees will be assessed and be used for six in-situ crossings of susceptible and tolerant trees. The full siblings will be checked by microsatellite analysis to provide six mapping populations for later QTL analysis.
Section overview
Subjects
- Silviculture
- Forest genetics
- Renewable Resources
