Deciphering the underlying genetics of galling resistance to the blueberry stem gall wasp in northern highbush blueberry.

ABSTRACT: Certain specialist herbivorous insects have evolved elegant mechanisms to manipulate the physiology of their host plants, including the ability to redirect the fate of plant cells toward the creation of a novel, tumor-like organ, called 'galls'. While some plants have evolved resistance to gall-inducing insects, the underlying genetic mechanisms remain poorly understood. In this study, we focused on the chalcid gall-inducing wasp, Hemadas nubilipennis (Ormyridae) and its host plant, highbush blueberry Vaccinium corymbosum (Ericaceae). To identify the genetic basis of resistance to gall induction in blueberry, we developed a genetic mapping population derived from the susceptible 'Liberty' and resistant 'Draper' cultivars. We identified four quantitative trait loci (QTLs) asso

SUBMITTER: Teresi SJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12552771 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature