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Maintaining Biological Cultures and Measuring Gene Expression in Aphis nerii: A Non-model System for Plant-insect Interactions
Published on: August 31, 2018
A novel locus for soybean aphid resistance.
Guorong Zhang1, Cuihua Gu, Dechun Wang
1Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
Summary
Researchers identified a new major gene, Rag3, controlling soybean aphid resistance in PI 567543C. This gene, mapped to chromosome 16, explains significant resistance variation and is valuable for breeding resistant soybean cultivars.
Area of Science:
- Plant Genetics
- Agronomy
- Entomology
Background:
- Soybean aphid (Aphis glycines Matsumura) is a significant North American pest.
- Aphid resistance was identified in PI 567543C, but its genetic basis was unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- Identify and map genes conferring aphid resistance in PI 567543C.
- Validate the identified resistance gene in a different genetic background.
Main Methods:
- Developed a mapping population (249 F(4) lines) from a cross between PI 567543C and a susceptible parent.
- Utilized bulked segregant analysis and composite interval mapping with molecular markers.
- Evaluated aphid resistance in greenhouse and field trials.
Main Results:
- A major additive gene, designated Rag3, was mapped to chromosome 16 (linkage group J).
- Rag3 explained 84.7% (field) to 90.4% (greenhouse) of phenotypic variation.
- Rag3 was confirmed in a validation population and is located on a different chromosome than previously reported resistance genes.
Conclusions:
- Rag3 is the primary gene responsible for aphid resistance in PI 567543C.
- This novel resistance gene offers a valuable tool for breeding aphid-resistant soybean cultivars.
