Investigation of root knot nematode (Meloidogyne spp.: Nemata) resistance in prunus hybrids as peach rootstock with molecular marker systems

Root-knot nematodes slow down the active growth of Prunus fruit trees such as peach and almond, reduce the resistance and cause yield loss. For this reason, it has gained importance to use root-knot nematode resistant rootstocks against nematodes in Prunus species. DNA marker systems exhibiting tight linkage to genes (RMia, Ma and RMja genes) that provide resistance to root-knot nematodes in Prunus species have been developed and it has been reported that these systems can be used with marker assisted selection (MAS) studies. In this study, resistance against root-knot nematodes of F1 hybrid individuals obtained from Ferragnes × GN22, Nemaguard × Ferragnes, GN22 × AB3, Nemaguard × AB3, Ferragnes × Nemaguard, Nemaguard × GN22 crosses were determined. Three markers have been identified in the parent individuals [Nemaguard, GN22, Ferragnes, AB3 (Amygdalus orientalis Mill.) and GF677] that provide polymorphic discrimination, thus allowing selection of F1 individuals. As a result of PCR analyzes performed with these markers; 82 hybrid individuals were tested with the AMPP117 primer, and it was determined that 64 individuals were resistant and 18 individuals exhibited a sensitive profile. Additionally, 77 hybrid individuals were screened with the LRR65 primer where 29 individuals were resistant and 48 individuals exhibited a sensitive profile. Totally, 86 hybrid individuals were tested with the SSRO5I12 primer, and that 34 individuals were resistant and 52 individuals exhibited a sensitive profile.