Genomic approaches for improving resistance to Phytophthora crown rot caused by P. cactorum in strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa)

Abstract

Phytophthora crown rot (PhCR) caused by Phytophthora cactorum is one of the most damaging soilborne diseases of strawberry in the United States and worldwide. Limitations on fumigants such as methyl bromide have led to deterioration in the control of P. cactorum in recent years. The development of resistant varieties is a critical component of the strategy for combatting this soilborne disease. Here, we review the biology of the pathogen, molecular mechanisms of infection, and management of PhCR in strawberry. Recent genomics advances in octoploid strawberry breeding have been able to gain a deeper insight into the genetic architecture of resistance to PhCR and identified the genetic resistance sources for the improvement of strawberry varieties against the pathogen. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with PhCR resistance have been identified and introgressed for breeding of PhCR resistance in cultivated octoploid strawberry (F. × ananassa). Further characterizing candidate genes and mechanisms of resistance could facilitate incorporating the resistance genes into commercial varieties through genomics-assisted breeding, respectively. In this review, we address important recent advances and progress for genomics-assisted breeding for the resistance to PhCR and the potential use of CRISPR gene editing in cultivated strawberry.

Comparative Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Novel Candidate Resistance Genes Involved in Defence against Phytophthora cactorum in Strawberry

“…The strawberry defence system against pathogens, including P. cactorum , has been extensively reviewed and is similar to the defence systems of other plants [ 37 , 38 ]. In the last two decades, several studies have identified the genetic resources of resistance to P. cactorum in different strawberry accessions and genotypes [ 19 , 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 ].…”

The devastating oomycete phytopathogen Phytophthora cactorum: Insights into its biology and molecular features

“…Recent work from Jiménez et al ( 2023 ) highlighted the benefits of incorporating underutilized gene bank diversity and genomic prediction in breeding to enhance resistance to P. cactorum by enabling the discovery of individuals carrying advantageous alleles that are either rare in the population or not present in modern cultivars. A recent review by Sharma et al ( 2022 ) explored the genomic approaches to improving resistance to P. cactorum in cultivated strawberry and highlighted the potential use of CRISPR gene editing in cultivated strawberry.…”

Native Trichoderma Strains Biocontrol Potential against Soil-Borne Pathogens: Strawberry

“…In the studies carried out, Phytophthora was initially determined only from soil or crown could. But as a result of the studies carried out in subsequent processes, it was determined that isolates obtained from other host plants and strawberry fruit also caused leather rot [43,44]. Phytophthora cactorum was first recorded as ground leather rot on fruits and crown rot in strawberries [44].…”

“…But as a result of the studies carried out in subsequent processes, it was determined that isolates obtained from other host plants and strawberry fruit also caused leather rot [43,44]. Phytophthora cactorum was first recorded as ground leather rot on fruits and crown rot in strawberries [44]. Owing to the continual presence of strawberry plants in the cultivation of perennials and plantations, the source of inoculum might include oospores [45].…”