ARS | Publication request: CAPS markers in an eIF4E gene are linked to Zucchini yellow mosaic virus resistant locus in watermelon

Submitted to: Phytopathology
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: April 30, 2008
Publication Date: July 26, 2008
Citation: Ling, K., Harris-Shultz, K.R., Meyer, J.D., Levi, A., Guner, N., Wehner, T.C., Havey, M.J. 2008. CAPS markers in an eIF4E gene are linked to Zucchini yellow mosaic virus resistant locus in watermelon. Phytopathology. 98(6 supplement):S91.

Technical Abstract: Zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV) is an economically important virus infecting cucurbits worldwide. Genetic sources of resistance to ZYMV have been identified in wild watermelon germplasm where a single recessive gene (zym) confers ZYMV resistance. Marker-assisted selection (MAS) would greatly facilitate the breeding process. Currently, DNA markers are not available for MAS. The objective of this study was to identify molecular markers linked to the ZYMV resistant locus in watermelon. Previous studies by others have shown that genes encoding the eukaryotic initiation factors (eIF) 4E and (iso)4E are associated with the recessively inherited resistance to potyviruses in a number of plant species. Using a candidate gene approach, eIF4E and eIF(iso)4E gene sequences in watermelon were PCR-amplified from the ZYMV- resistant PI 595203 and the ZYMV-susceptible cv. New Hampshire Midget. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) were identified in the eIF4E sequence between the resistant and susceptible parental genotypes. Co-dominant Cleaved Amplified Polymorphic Sequence (CAPS) markers were created using the identified SNPs in the eIF4E genes. These CAPS markers were evaluated for their linkage to the ZYMV resistant gene in F2 and BC1 populations. Although a marker in the eIF(iso)4E gene was not linked, markers in eIF4E were shown to have a close linkage to the ZYMV resistant locus in watermelon.