Scab, caused by the fungal pathogen Venturia effusa, poses a major threat to pecan production, leading to yield loss and increased management costs. The study utilized advanced genomic tools to construct a high-resolution linkage map, enabling the identification of genetic markers associated with resistance traits. This research represents a crucial step in accelerating the development of scab-resistant pecan varieties, reducing reliance on fungicides and supporting more sustainable orchard management practices.
The findings highlight key genomic regions that can be leveraged in marker-assisted selection, streamlining the breeding process for improved disease resistance. By integrating these genetic insights, breeders can develop new pecan cultivars with enhanced durability against scab, ultimately benefiting growers and the broader agricultural industry.
This study advances the understanding of pecan genetics and disease resistance, reinforcing the role of genomic research in enhancing crop sustainability and productivity. The research findings are expected to have significant implications for pecan breeding programs and future disease management strategies.
As part of this collaborative research, co-author Dr. Gaurab Bhattarai was able to map a key locus conferring resistance to pecan scab. This is the first step in better understanding the nature of scab resistance.
According to the author, "Resistance to the fungal disease that causes scab is probably the most important trait in the success of any new pecan cultivar to be grown in the humid growing conditions in the southeast U.S. In the last few years, my laboratory has been working cooperatively with a large group of researchers on a grant funded by the USDA Specialty Crops Research Initiative (SCRI) 2022-51181-38332, 'Trees for the future: Coordinated development of genetic resources and tools to accelerate breeding of geographic and climate adapted pecans'".
Dr. Connor is a professor in the Horticulture Department at the University of Georgia. He is the research leader of the UGA pecan breeding program, and his lab is involved in the traditional breeding of pecan to produce new cultivars as well as the investigation of the genetic control of key horticultural traits.
Dr. Bhattarai is an assistant professor at Oregon State University. He is also the lead of the OSU hazelnut breeding program.
The full article can be found on the Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science electronic journal website at: https://doi.org/10.21273/JASHS05460-24
Established in 1903, the American Society for Horticultural Science is recognized around the world as one of the most respected and influential professional societies for horticultural scientists. ASHS is committed to promoting and encouraging national and international interest in scientific research and education in all branches of horticulture.
Comprised of thousands of members worldwide, ASHS represents a broad cross-section of the horticultural community-scientists, educators, students, landscape and turf managers, government, extension agents and industry professionals. ASHS members focus on practices and problems in horticulture: breeding, propagation, production and management, harvesting, handling and storage, processing, marketing and use of horticultural plants and products. To learn more, visit ashs.org.
