Phytohormone and genome variations in Vitis amurensis resistant to downy mildew

Downy mildew (DM) resistance is a highly desirable agronomic trait in grape breeding. High variation in Plasmopara viticola resistance was found in Vitis cultivars. Some accessions show high P. viticola resistance even under conditions highly conducive to DM. Here, leaf disc inoculation experiments revealed that Vitis amurensis 'Zuoshaner' exhibited DM resistance with necrotic spots, whereas the V. amurensis × V. vinifera hybrid cultivar 'Zuoyouhong' was susceptible. Changes in plant hormones accumulation profiles differed between the cultivars. To investigate the genetic mechanisms related to DM resistance, we performed genome-wide sequencing of 'Zuoshaner' and 'Zuoyouhong' and identified cultivar-specific single-nucleotide polymorphisms, insertions/deletions (indels), structural variations (SVs), and copy number variations (CNVs), identifying 5399 SVs and 191 CNVs specific for 'Zuoshaner'. Genes affected by these genetic variations were enriched in biological processes, including defense response and response to stress and stimulation, and were associated with sesquiterpenoid and triterpenoid biosynthesis, ABC transporters, and phenylalanine metabolism pathways. Additionally, indels and SVs were detected in six NBS-LRR disease resistance genes, and a CNV was mapped to the Rpv8 locus responsible for downy mildew resistance. These findings further our understanding of the genetic mechanisms underlying grape mildew resistance, and will facilitate genomic marker-assisted breeding for improved V. amurensis cultivars.