Molecular characterization of the Rpv3 locus towards the development of KASP markers for downy mildew resistance in grapevine (Vitis spp.)

Plasmopara viticola is the oomycete that causes downy mildew in grapevines. Varying levels of resistance to P. viticola across grape cultivars allowed quantitative trait loci to be identified. The Rpv3 locus is located at chromosome 18, in a region enriched in TIR-NBS-LRR genes, and the phenotype associated is a high hypersensitive response. In this work, we aimed to identify candidate genes associated with resistance to downy mildew on the Rpv3 locus and to evaluate their transcriptional profiles in a susceptible and a resistant grapevine cultivar after challenging with P. viticola. Candidate genes were identified by in silico functional enrichment tests. Many predicted genes associated with resistance to diseases were found at the Rpv3 locus. In total, seventeen genes were evaluated by RT-qPCR. Differences in the steady-state expression of these genes were observed between the two cultivars. Four genes were found to be expressed only in Villard Blanc, suggesting their association to the hypersensitivity reaction. Aiming to assist marker assisted-selection for downy mildew resistance, we show the efficient use of a set of SSR markers. Furthermore, from on a set of forty-one Rpv3-located SNPs, whose segregation was tested in the populations studied, the two segregating markers, Rpv3_15 and Rpv3_33, were considered efficient for downy mildew resistance identification. This study presents a genomic characterization of the Rpv3 locus, confirms its involvement in resistance against P. viticola infection and presents promising biotechnological tools for the selection of young resistant individuals.

Automated summary

This study identified the resistance locus Rpv3 in Plasmopara viticola, the pathogen causing downy mildew in grapevines. Candidate genes associated with resistance were identified and their transcriptional profiles were evaluated. Four genes were found to be specifically expressed in the resistant cultivar, suggesting their association with hypersensitivity response. The study also demonstrated the efficient use of SSR and SNP markers for marker-assisted selection of resistant individuals.