Genetic control and evolutionary potential of a constitutive resistance mechanism against the spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana) in white spruce (Picea glauca).

ABSTRACT: Insect herbivory may drive evolution by selecting for trees with heritable resistance against defoliation. The spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana, SBW) is a highly damaging forest insect pest that can affect population structure of white spruce (Picea glauca) in North America. Resistance against SBW was recently described in white spruce and was linked to three constitutive resistance biomarkers: the phenolic compounds piceol and pungenol, and expression of a beta-glucosidase encoding gene (Pgβglu-1). We investigated the phenotypic variability and heritability of these resistance biomarkers and of picein, the precursor of piceol, in the foliage of 874 trees belonging to 33 full-sib families and 71 clonal lines under evaluation in seven field locations in Eastern Canada. We aimed to (

SUBMITTER: Mendez-Espinoza C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6039516 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature