Ppe.XapF: High Throughput KASP Assays to Identify Fruit Response to Xanthomonas Arboricola pv. pruni (Xap) in Peach
Abstract Background Bacterial spot, caused by Xanthomonas arboricola pv. pruni (Xap), is a serious peach disease with symptoms that traverse severe defoliation and black surface pitting, cracking or blemishes on peach fruit with global economic impacts. A management option for control and meeting consumer demand for chemical-free, environmentally friendly fruit production is the development of resistant or tolerant cultivars. Results We developed simple, accurate, and efficient Ppe.XapF DNA tests based on SNP genotyping with KASP technology to quickly test for bacterial spot resistance alleles in peach fruit and cull at the greenhouse stage. The objective of this research was to validate newly developed Ppe.XapF DNA tests that target the two major QTLs for fruit resistance in peach with diagnostic utility in predicting fruit response to bacterial spot infection. Conclusion Our study confirms that only two Ppe.XapF DNA tests, Ppe.XapF1-1 and Ppe.XapF6-2, are needed to distinguish between susceptible and resistant haplotypes. Use of these efficient and accurate Ppe.XapF KASP tests resulted in 44% reduction in seedling planting rate in the Clemson University peach breeding program.