Construction of a high-density linkage map and QTL detection of downy mildew resistance in Vitis aestivalis-derived 'Norton'

A major QTL for downy mildew resistance was detected on chromosome 18 (Rpv27) in Vitis aestivalis-derived ‘Norton’ based on a high-resolution linkage map with SNP and SSR markers as well as 2 years of field and laboratory phenotyping data. Grapevine downy mildew caused by the oomycete Plasmopara viticola is one of the most widespread and destructive diseases, particularly in humid viticultural areas where it damages green tissues and defoliates vines. Traditional Vitis vinifera wine grape cultivars are susceptible to downy mildew whereas several North American and a few Asian cultivars possess various levels of resistance to this disease. To identify genetic determinants of downy mildew resistance in V. aestivalis-derived ‘Norton,’ a mapping population with 182 genotypes was developed from a cross between ‘Norton’ and V. vinifera ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’ from which a consensus map was constructed via 411 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. Using genotyping-by-sequencing, 3825 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers were also generated. Of these, 1665 SNP and 407 SSR markers were clustered into 19 linkage groups in 159 genotypes, spanning a genetic distance of 2203.5 cM. Disease progression in response to P. viticola was studied in this population for 2 years under both laboratory and field conditions, and strong correlations were observed among data sets (Spearman correlation coefficient = 0.57–0.79). A quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis indicated a resistance locus on chromosome 18, here named Rpv27, explaining 33.8% of the total phenotypic variation. Flanking markers closely linked with the trait can be further used for marker-assisted selection in the development of new cultivars with resistance to downy mildew.