Anatomical and biochemical comparison between raspberry species (Rubus spp.) with different levels of resistance to late yellow rust (Pucciniastrum americanum)

• Grant number: 18/17428-7
• Support type: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Effective date (Start): October 01, 2019
• Effective date (End): February 28, 2022
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Botany
• Principal Investigator: Beatriz Appezzato da Glória
• Grantee: Márcia Gonçalves Dias
• Home Institution: Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz (ESALQ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Piracicaba , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The production of raspberries in Brazil has been increasing due to the demand for fruits with nutraceutical potential and the high profitability to the producer, being an alternative to small family farms. The raspberry tree is a shrub of the genus Rubus L. (Rosaceae) and has several species and cultivars with characteristics of commercial and agronomic importance. In tropical climates, raspberry production can be impacted by diseases such as rust that is caused by the fungus Pucciniastrum americanum. This disease causes early defoliation of the shrub, which leads to a reduction in production, and may also impact the fruits, making them unfit for consumption. However, species with different levels of resistance to late yellow rust are found among the raspberry trees. The use of immune or high rust resistance species in commercial breeding programs may be an alternative to obtain agronomically resistant cultivars. The resistance acquired may be related to structural and/or biochemical defense mechanisms, pre- and/or post-formed.Therefore, the objective of this project will be to carry out histopathological and biochemical studies on species of raspberry trees with different levels of resistance to Pucciniastrum americanum to determine which defense mechanisms are involved in the control of late yellow rust.