Screening breeding apple progenies with vf apple scab (Venturia inaequalis (Cke.) Wint.) disease resistance gene specific moleculer markers

Abstract: Apple scab (Venturia inaequalis (Cke.) Wint.) is the most important fungal disease of apples. Since commercially grown apple cultivars are sensitive to this disease, fungicides are extensively used for controlling apple scab disease. Using resistant varieties is the most efficient way of controlling the disease and reduction of pesticide applications. In this study, Williams’ Pride (Co-op 23) and Priscilla (Co-op 4) varieties known to have resistant Vf gene were crossed with Golden Delicious to get resistant new varieties in Isparta Fruit Research Station. Apple progenies were tested for presence of Vf gene with three different SCAR markers linked to the Vf gene. For this purpose, samples were tested for the presence of Vf gene by SCAR PCR using primers specific to ALO-7, ACS-7 and ACS-9 SCAR markers. Also crossed progenies were evaluated in natural inoculation field conditions. According to results natural inoculation and markers were compared and sameness was determined. In Golden Delicious x Williams’ Pride combination resistivity was transferred 46%, and Golden Delicious x Priscilla combination resistivity was transferred 44%.