Genetic dissection of the Rlm3-4-7-9 blackleg R gene cluster and KASP marker improvement

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Key Result

This research has provided an in-depth understanding of resistance genes in the Rlm3-4-7-9 cluster, which is very important for the genetic improvement of canola against blackleg.

Project Summary

The objective of this research project is to identify the Rlm3, 4, 7 , 9 genes for resistance against blackleg, develop allele specific markers B. napus donor lines for canola breeding and understand the function of these genes.

Outcomes

Researchers cloned the Rlm9 gene. Rlm9 encodes a wall associated kinase like (WAKL) protein. WAKLs are a new emerging class of R genes and Rlm9 is the first WAKL to be reported from Brassica. Rlm9 was introgressed into the B. napus cultivar Topas and provided to the industry as a donor line to be used in canola breeding against blackleg disease.

Cloning and knowledge of the sequence of these genes has facilitated the design of gene-specific allele markers for genotyping and breeding. It has advanced the understanding of their function and interaction with the corresponding L. maculans Avr genes.