Identification of markers tightly linked to sbm recessive genes for resistance to Pea seed-borne mosaic virus

Two virus resistance loci on linkage groups II and VI have provided the only sources of natural resistance against Pea seed-borne mosaic virus (PSbMV, Potyviridae) in the important crop plant Pisum sativum L. A combination of parallel approaches was used to collate linked markers, particularly for sbm-1 resistance on linkage group VI. We have identified sequences derived from the genes for the eukaryotic translation initiation factors eIF4E and eIF(iso)4E as being very tightly linked to the resistance gene clusters on linkage groups VI and II, respectively. In particular, no recombinants between sbm-1 and eIF4E were found amongst 500 individuals of an F-2 cross between the BC4 resistant line (JI1405) and its recurrent susceptible parent 'Scout'. In a different mapping population, the gene eIF(iso)4E was also shown to be linked to sbm-2 on linkage group II. A parallel cDNA-AFLP comparison of pairs of resistant and susceptible lines also identified an expressed tag marker just 0.7 cM from sbm-1. eIF4E and eIF(iso)4E have been associated with resistance to related viruses in other hosts. This correlation strengthens the use of our markers as valuable tools to assist in breeding multiple virus resistances into peas, and identifies potential targets for resistance gene identification in pea.