Molecular Markers Dispute the Existence of the Afro-Andean Group of the Bean Angular Leaf Spot Pathogen, Phaeoisariopsis griseola

Characterization of fungal pathogens and germplasm screening for disease resistance in the main production area of the common bean in Argentina

The common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is the most important grain legume in the human diet, mainly in Africa and Latin America. Argentina is one of the five major producers of the common bean in the world, and the main cultivation areas are concentrated in the northwestern provinces of this country. Crop production of the common bean is often affected by biotic factors like some endemic fungal diseases, which exert a major economic impact on the region. The most important fungal diseases affecting the common bean in Argentina are white mold caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, angular leaf spot caused by Pseudocercospora griseola, web blight and root rot caused by Rhizoctonia solani, which can cause production losses of up to 100% in the region. At the present, the most effective strategy for controlling these diseases is the use of genetic resistance. In this sense, population study and characterization of fungal pathogens are essential for developing cultivars with durable resistance. In this review we report diversity studies carried out on these three fungal pathogens affecting the common bean in northwestern Argentina, analyzing more than 200 isolates by means of molecular, morphological and pathogenic approaches. Also, the screening of physiological resistance in several common bean commercial lines and wild native germplasm is reviewed. This review contributes to the development of sustainable management strategies and cultural practices in bean production aimed to minimize yield losses due to fungal diseases in the common bean.

Haplotypes at the Phg-2 Locus Are Determining Pathotype-Specificity of Angular Leaf Spot Resistance in Common Bean

Angular leaf spot (ALS) is one of the most devastating diseases of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and causes serious yield losses worldwide. ALS resistance is reportedly pathotype-specific, but little is known about the efficacy of resistance loci against different pathotypes. Here, we report on ALS resistance evaluations of 316 bean lines under greenhouse and field conditions at multiple sites in Colombia and Uganda. Surprisingly, genome-wide association studies revealed only two of the five previously described resistance loci to be significantly associated with ALS resistance. Phg-2 on chromosome eight was crucial for ALS resistance in all trials, while the resistance locus Phg-4 on chromosome 4 was effective against one particular pathotype. Further dissection of Phg-2 uncovered an unprecedented diversity of functional haplotypes for a resistance locus in common bean. DNA sequence-based clustering identified eleven haplotype groups at Phg-2. One haplotype group conferred broad-spectrum ALS resistance, six showed pathotype-specific effects, and the remaining seven did not exhibit clear resistance patterns. Our research highlights the importance of ALS pathotype-specificity for durable resistance management strategies in common bean. Molecular markers co-segregating with resistance loci and haplotypes will increase breeding efficiency for ALS resistance and allow to react faster to future changes in pathogen pressure and composition.

Genomics, genetics and breeding of common bean in Africa: A review of tropical legume project

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is an important legume crop worldwide. The International Centre for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) and its national partners in Africa aim to overcome production constraints of common bean and address the food, nutrition needs and market demands through development of multitrait bean varieties. Breeding is guided by principles of market-driven approaches to develop client-demanded varieties. Germplasm accessions from especially two sister species, P. coccineus and P. acutifolius, have been utilized as sources of resistance to major production constraints and interspecific lines deployed. Elucidation of plant mechanisms governing pest and disease resistance, abiotic stress tolerance and grain nutritional quality guides the selection methods used by the breeders. Molecular markers are used to select for resistance to key diseases and insect pests. Efforts have been made to utilize modern genomic tools to increase scale, efficiency, accuracy and speed of breeding. Through gender-responsive participatory variety selection, market-demanded varieties have been released in several African countries. These new bean varieties are a key component of sustainable food systems in the tropics.

A Review of Angular Leaf Spot Resistance in Common Bean

Angular leaf spot (ALS), caused by Pseudocercospora griseola, is one of the most devastating diseases of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in tropical and subtropical production areas. Breeding for ALS resistance is difficult due to the extensive virulence diversity of P. griseola and the recurrent appearance of new virulent races. Five major loci, Phg-1 to Phg-5, conferring ALS resistance have been named, and markers tightly linked to these loci have been reported. Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) have also been described, but the validation of some QTLs is still pending. The Phg-1, Phg-4, and Phg-5 loci are from common bean cultivars of the Andean gene pool, whereas Phg-2 and Phg-3 are from beans of the Mesoamerican gene pool. The reference genome of common bean and high-throughput sequencing technologies are enabling the development of molecular markers closely linked to the Phg loci, more accurate mapping of the resistance loci, and the comparison of their genomic positions. The objective of this report is to provide a comprehensive review of ALS resistance in common bean. Furthermore, we are reporting three case studies of ALS resistance breeding in Latin America and Africa. This review will serve as a reference for future resistance mapping studies and as a guide for the selection of resistance loci in breeding programs aiming to develop common bean cultivars with durable ALS resistance.

Alteration of Genetic Make-up in Karnal Bunt Pathogen (Tilletia indica) of Wheat in Presence of Host Determinants

Alteration of genetic make-up of the isolates and monosporidial strains of Tilletia indica causing Karnal bunt (KB) disease in wheat was analyzed using DNA markers and SDS-PAGE. The generation of new variation with different growth characteristics is not a generalized feature and is not only dependant on the original genetic make up of the base isolate/monosporidial strains but also on interaction with host. Host determinant(s) plays a significant role in the generation of variability and the effect is much pronounced in monosporidial strains with narrow genetic base as compared to broad genetic base. The most plausible explanation of genetic variation in presence of host determinant(s) are the recombination of genetic material from two different mycelial/sporidia through sexual mating as well as through para-sexual means. The morphological and development dependent variability further suggests that the variation in T. indica strains predominantly derived through the genetic rearrangements.

Caracterización molecular con microsatélites amplificados al azar (RAMs) de Inchi (Caryodendron orinocense K.)

<p><strong><em></em></strong><strong>Título en ingles: Molecular characterization with random amplified microsatellites (RAMs) of Inchi </strong><strong>(<em>Caryodendron orinocense</em> K.)</strong><br /><strong>Resumen: </strong>El Inchi o Cacay (<em>Caryodendron orinocense</em> Karsten) es una de las especies más promisorias de la Amazonía y la Orinoquia colombiana.  El principal producto del Cacay son sus almendras, de las que se extrae un aceite con aplicaciones cosméticas, fitoterapéuticas y alimenticias, además presenta un alto contenido de antioxidantes como los Omega 3, 6 y 9 y Vitaminas como la A y E. No existen estudios sobre la caracterización molecular de este recurso fitogenético, por lo cual el objetivo de esta investigación fue caracterizar la diversidad genética usando marcadores Microsatélites Amplificados al Azar (RAMs). El análisis de similitud al 0.50 formó cuatro grupos de acuerdo al sitio geográfico, siendo los materiales procedentes de Putumayo, Cacayal 19, Pauna y Castilla los de menor similitud. Los valores de heterocigosidad estimada fueron de 0.16 y 0.28 para los cebadores CGA y GT, respectivamente. El porcentaje de loci polimórfico varió entre 55% para el cebador CGA y el 90% para el GT. El valor de Fst promedio para los 27 materiales estudiados fue de 0.35, mostrando que la dinámica espacio-temporal de los materiales de <em>Caryodendron </em>tienden hacia una diferenciación genética, propio de sus procesos evolutivos e incidencia de la domesticación.<strong></strong><strong></strong></p><p><strong>Palabras clave: </strong>cacay, marcadores moleculares, diversidad genética, flujo genético, domesticación.<strong></strong></p><p><strong>Abstract: </strong>The Inchi or Cacay (<em>Caryodendron orinocense</em> Karsten) is one of the most promising species of the Amazon and Orinoco Colombian. The main product of Cacay are its almonds, from extracted oil cosmetic, phytotherapeutic and food applications, also has a high content of antioxidants such as Omega 3, 6 and 9 and vitamins like A and E. There are no studies on the molecular characterization of this plant genetic resource; therefore the objective of this research was to characterize the genetic diversity using Random Amplified Microsatellite markers (RAMs). The similarity analysis to 0.50 formed four groups according to geographical location, being materials from Putumayo, Cacayal 19, Pauna and Castilla lowest similarity. Estimated heterozygosity values were 0.16 and 0.28 for the primers CGA and GT, respectively. The percentage of polymorphic loci ranged from 55% for the primer CGA and 90% for the GT. The average Fst value for the 27 materials studied was 0.35, showing the space-temporal dynamics of materials <em>Caryodendron</em><em> </em>tend toward genetic differentiation, due to their own evolutionary processes and domestication incidence.<strong></strong><strong></strong></p><p><strong>Key words:</strong> cacay, molecular markers, genetic diversity, genetic flow, domestication.</p><p><strong>Recibido: </strong>septiembre 15 de 2014<strong> Aprobado: </strong>abril 10 de 2015</p>

Variabilidad interspecífica de duraznos (Prunus pérsica L. Batsch.) y ciruelos (Prunus domestica) usando RAMs

<strong>Título en inglés: Intraespecific variability of peach (<em>Prunus persica</em> L. Batsch.) and plums (<em>Prunus domestica</em>) using RAMs</strong><p><strong>Resumen: </strong>Se seleccionó una muestra de 41 materiales de <em>Prunus</em> de la colección de caducifolios de la Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia, para evaluar su variabilidad genética usando ocho marcadores Microsatélites Amplificados al Azar (RAMs). Se generaron un total de 121 alelos con pesos moleculares entre 260 y 1000 Kb. Se formaron tres grupos, a un coeficiente de similitud de 0.75, de acuerdo a las características del fruto y a la especie, encontrándose en el grupo II a los materiales de ciruelo. El porcentaje de loci polimórficos varío entre 71 y 99% para los cebadores CGA y CCA, respectivamente. El valor promedio de heterocigosidad fue de 0.22, mucho más bajo que los encontrados en otros estudios de diversidad genética en el género <em>Prunus</em>. La técnica RAMs mostró ser una herramienta útil para evaluar la diversidad genética en frutales caducifolios, al discriminar a los materiales en tres grupos e identificar el alto grado de consanguinidad que existe entre las diferentes especies de <em>Prunus</em> lo cual debe ser aprovechado dentro de las estrategias de hibridación que busquen la obtención de nuevos y mejores materiales. </p><p><strong>Palabras claves: </strong><em>Prunus</em>, Diversidad genética, Microsatélites RAMs, caducifolios.</p><p><strong>Abstract: </strong>A sample of 41 <em>Prunus </em>materials from the deciduous collection of the Pedagogical and Technological University of Colombia was selected to evaluate its genetic diversity using eight primers for Random Amplified Microsatellite (RAMs). A total of 121 alleles were generated with molecular weights ranging between 260 and 1000 Kb. Three groups were formed, a similarity coefficient of 0.75, according to fruit characteristics and specie, found plum materials in group II. The percentage of polymorphic loci ranged from 71 to 99% for the primers CGA and CCA, respectively. The average value of heterozygosity was 0.33, much lower than values found in other genetic diversity studies in the genus <em>Prunus</em>. The RAMs technique showed to be a useful tool for assessing genetic diversity in deciduous fruit, discriminate the materials into three groups and identify the high degree of consanguinity between different Prunus species which should be exploited in hybridization strategies looking for obtaining new and improved materials.<strong></strong></p><p><strong>Key words</strong>: <em>Prunus</em>, Genetic diversity, Microsatellites RAMs, deciduous. </p>

Fine-mapping of a major QTL controlling angular leaf spot resistance in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

KEY MESSAGE

A major QTL for angular leaf spot resistance in the common bean accession G5686 was fine-mapped to a region containing 36 candidate genes. Markers have been developed for marker-assisted selection. Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is an important grain legume and an essential protein source for human nutrition in developing countries. Angular leaf spot (ALS) caused by the pathogen Pseudocercospora griseola (Sacc.) Crous and U. Braun is responsible for severe yield losses of up to 80%. Breeding for resistant cultivars is the most ecological and economical means to control ALS and is particularly important for yield stability in low-input agriculture. Here, we report on a fine-mapping approach of a major quantitative trait locus (QTL) ALS4.1(GS, UC) for ALS resistance in a mapping population derived from the resistant genotype G5686 and the susceptible cultivar Sprite. 180 F3 individuals of the mapping population were evaluated for ALS resistance and genotyped with 22 markers distributed over 11 genome regions colocating with previously reported QTL for ALS resistance. Multiple QTL analysis identified three QTL regions, including one major QTL on chromosome Pv04 at 43.7 Mbp explaining over 75% of the observed variation for ALS resistance. Additional evaluation of 153 F4, 89 BC1F2 and 139 F4/F5/BC1F3 descendants with markers in the region of the major QTL delimited the region to 418 kbp harboring 36 candidate genes. Among these, 11 serine/threonine protein kinases arranged in a repetitive array constitute promising candidate genes for controlling ALS resistance. Single nucleotide polymorphism markers cosegregating with the major QTL for ALS resistance have been developed and constitute the basis for marker-assisted introgression of ALS resistance into advanced breeding germplasm of common bean.

Outbreak of a New Phytophthora sp. Associated with Severe Decline of Almond Trees in Eastern Spain

Since 2007, a decline of young almond trees (Prunus dulcis) has been observed in different field-grown nurseries in Valencia (east-central Spain). Early symptoms in affected trees included chlorosis, wilting, cankers, and profuse stem gumming. A Phytophthora sp. was consistently isolated from cankers, roots, and soil of affected trees. It was a heterothallic species with amphigynous and/or paragynous antheridia, and its morphological features did not conform to any of the described Phytophthora species. Pathogenicity was proved by artificial inoculation, completing Koch's postulates. All isolates were sensitive to the phenylamide fungicides metalaxyl and mefenoxam. Amplification and sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, translation elongation factor 1 alpha gene (EF-1α), the β-tubulin (β-tub) gene, and the region containing the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene fragment identified the species as Phytophthora taxon "niederhauserii", and phylogenetic analyses placed it in Phytophthora Clade 7b.

Analysis of genetic and virulence diversity of Cylindrocarpon liriodendri and C. macrodidymum associated with black foot disease of grapevine

Inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) analysis was used to investigate the genetic diversity of 87 Cylindrocarpon liriodendri and C. macrodidymum isolates, the causal agents of black foot disease of grapevine. The four ISSR primers (GT)7, (CCA)5, (CGA)5 and (TCG)5, were able to provide reproducible and polymorphic DNA fingerprint patterns and detected relevant genetic diversity in C. macrodidymum. The cluster analysis of ISSR data showed 21 different genotypes that were grouped in seven ISSR groups, from which two corresponded to C. liriodendri (G1 and G2) and five to C. macrodidymum (G3-G7). Nineteen isolates selected from the seven ISSR groups were inoculated in grapevine seedlings obtained from cv. 'Tempranillo'. The pathogenicity tests detected virulence diversity in C. macrodidymum. The isolates belonging to ISSR groups G6 and G7 were significantly more virulent than the other C. macrodidymum and C. liriodendri isolates.

Phenotypic and Genetic Diversity in Strains of Common Blight Bacteria (Xanthomonas campestris pv. phaseoli and X. campestris pv. phaseoli var. fuscans) in a Secondary Center of Diversity of the Common Bean Host Suggests Multiple Introduction Events

ABSTRACT Common bacterial blight (CBB) disease of the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) is caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. phaseoli and the brown-pigmented variant X. campestris pv. phaseoli var. fuscans. CBB first was described in Castilla y León County, Spain, in 1940, and is now a major constraint on common bean production. In this secondary center of diversity of the common bean, large-seeded Andean cultivars predominate, although medium-seeded Middle American cultivars also are grown. Xanthomonad-like bacteria associated with CBB in Castilla y León were characterized on the basis of carbohydrate metabolism, brown pigment production, genetic analyses (repetitive-element polymerase chain reaction [rep-PCR] and random amplified polymorphic DNA [RAPD]) and pathogenicity on cultivars representing the two common bean gene pools (Andean and Middle American). X. campestris pv. phaseoli was more prevalent (80%) than X. campestris pv. phaseoli var. fuscans (20%). Patterns of carbohydrate metabolism of Spanish CBB bacteria were similar to those of known strains; and only X. campestris pv. phaseoli var. fuscans strains utilized mannitol as a sole carbon source. rep-PCR and RAPD analyses revealed relatively little genetic diversity among Spanish X. campestris pv. phaseoli strains, and these strains were placed together with New World strains into a large cluster. Similar to other New World strains, representative Spanish X. campestris pv. phaseoli strains were highly pathogenic on bean cultivars of both gene pools, showing no gene pool specialization such as that found in certain East African strains. Genetic analyses and pathogenicity tests confirmed and extended previous results, indicating that these East African strains represent distinct xanthomonads that independently evolved to be pathogenic on common bean. X. campestris pv. phaseoli var. fuscans strains were more closely related and genetically distinct from X. campestris pv. phaseoli strains. However, two distinct clusters of X. campestris pv. phaseoli var. fuscans strains were identified, one having the most New World strains and the other having the most African strains. Spanish strains were placed in both clusters, but all strains tested were highly pathogenic on bean cultivars of both gene pools. Together, our results are consistent with multiple introductions of CBB bacteria into Spain. These findings are discussed in terms of breeding for CBB resistance and the overall understanding of the genetic diversity and evolution of CBB bacteria.

Re-evaluating the taxonomic status of Phaeoisariopsis griseola, the causal agent of angular leaf spot of bean

Angular leaf spot of Phaseolus vulgaris is a serious disease caused by Phaeoisariopsis griseola, in which two major gene pools occur, namely Andean and Middle-American. Sequence analysis of the SSU region of nrDNA revealed the genus Phaeoisariopsis to be indistinguishable from other hyphomycete anamorph genera associated with Mycosphaerella, namely Pseudocercospora and Stigmina. A new combination is therefore proposed in the genus Pseudocercospora, a name to be conserved over Phaeoisariopsis and Stigmina. Further comparisons by means of morphology, cultural characteristics, and DNA sequence analysis of the ITS, calmodulin, and actin gene regions delineated two groups within P. griseola, which are recognised as two formae, namely f. griseola and f. mesoamericana.

Phenotypic and Genotypic Characterization of Uromyces appendiculatus from Phaseolus vulgaris in the Americas

Populations of 90 Uromyces appendiculatus isolates were collected from throughout the Americas and evaluated for virulence on 19 standard bean rust differentials, and also on 12 landraces of Phaseolus vulgaris from South and Central America. The landrace differentials represented geographical centers of bean domestication. Three groups were observed. Two groups were isolates from centers of bean domestication and a third heterogeneous group comprised isolates from countries in South and Central America. Molecular analysis using random amplified polymorphic DNA-polymerase chain reaction (RAPD-PCR) was also conducted on these isolates. Cluster analysis of the molecular profiles showed three groups that corresponded to those obtained by virulence tests. These results show a clear differentiation of the pathogen population along similar lines as its host and suggest parallel evolution in the bean rust pathosystem.