Molecular methods in garden strawberry breeding for resistance to powdery mildew (Review)

The development of garden strawberry cultivars with high resistance to fungal pathogens constitutes a multifaceted challenge due to a combination of factors, including the high susceptibility of most genotypes, the lack of pronounced sources of natural genetic resistance, and the polygenic nature of resistance mechanisms. These characteristics limit the effi cacy of traditional breeding methods, thereby underscoring the necessity of implementing advanced molecular genetic approaches. DNA markers in breeding serve as a key tool for the identifi cation and selection of monogenic sources of resistance to powdery mildew. Particular attention deserves the MLO (Mildew Resistance Locus O), which infl uences plant susceptibility to the pathogen, playing a crucial role in the formation of strawberry resistance to Podosphaera aphanis. Scientifi c fi ndings demonstrate that employing diagnostic DNA markers IB535110 and IB533828, associated with the QTL 08 To-f, enables the eff ective screening of various garden strawberry genotypes for the presence of powdery mildew resistance. A comprehensive understanding of the genetic determinants of plant immunity is crucial for the development of targeted genetic interventions to achieve broad-spectrum disease resistance. The strategies may include both traditional breeding methods and modern molecular-genetic approaches, such as CRISPR-Cas9. This combination opens new perspectives for creating strawberry cultivars that can eff ectively withstand the pathogen across diverse cultivation conditions. Overall, the integration of advanced molecular-genetic methods into traditional breeding schemes can signifi cantly enhance the effi ciency of strawberry improvement. Utilizing markers for breeding resistance to powdery mildew and developing strategies for managing polygenic traits contribute to the creation of cultivars resilient against various pathogens. Consequently, the integration of innovative research into breeding practice holds promise for the sustainable development of horticulture and increased economic effi ciency in the commercial production of strawberry planting material.

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