Identifying key genes for European canker resistance in apple: machine learning and gene expression profiling of quantitative disease resistance.

ABSTRACT: European canker, caused by Neonectria ditissima, is a major disease of apple (Malus × domestica) with limited control options, making host resistance a key management strategy. Although quantitative disease resistance (QDR) has been identified, the underlying molecular basis remains poorly understood. We investigated candidate genes associated with resistance using transcriptomic profiling of a bi-parental population segregating for six QTLs linked to canker resistance. RNA sequencing combined with machine learning enabled the identification of key biomarkers predictive of disease resistance. Integration of expression and QTL data highlighted genes involved in phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, immune receptors (NLRs, RLKs, WAKs), and epigenetic regulators, implicating their roles in host defen

SUBMITTER: Karlstrom A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12835272 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature