Identification and mapping of resistance gene analogs (RGAs) in Prunus: a resistance map for Prunus

The genetically anchored physical map of peach is a valuable tool for identifying loci controlling economically important traits in Prunus. Breeding for disease resistance is a key component of most breeding programs. The identification of loci for pathogen resistance in peach provides information about resistance loci, the organization of resistance genes throughout the genome, and permits comparison of resistance regions among other genomes in the Rosaceae. This information will facilitate the breeding of resistant species of Prunus. A candidate gene approach was implemented for locating resistance loci in the genome of peach. Candidate genes representing NBS-LRR, kinase, transmembrane domain classes, as well as, pathogen response (PR) proteins and resistance-associated transcription factors were hybridized to a peach BAC library and mapped by using the peach physical map database and the Genome Database for Rosaceae (GDR). A resistance map for Prunus was generated and currently contains 42 map locations for putative resistance regions distributed among 7 of the 8 linkage groups.