Fine mapping and identification of nucleotide binding site/leucine-rich repeat sequences at the MER locus in Populus deltoides 'S9-2'

Melampsora larici-populina is the most damaging leaf pathogen for poplar in Europe. Previous genetic analyses have revealed both qualitative and quantitative resistance to this fungus. As a starting point for positional cloning of the gene or genes conferring qualitative resistance to M. larici-populina races El, E2, and E3, a local genetic map of the Melampsora resistance (MER) locus was constructed based on amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers. Eleven AFLP markers were identified by bulked segregant analysis. These markers were used to identify 17 recombinants at the MER locus, from a total of 512 progenies derived from three interspecific crosses involving the same resistant female parent, Populus deltoides 'S9-2'. The local genetic map covered a 3,4-centimorgan interval encompassing the target locus. Sequence analysis of these AFLP markers revealed similarities to the nucleotide binding site/leucine-rich repeat class of disease resistance genes.