Andriy Kovalchuk (University of Helsinki): Genomic and exon-capture system identifies genetic variants of conifer genes involved in resistance to Heterobasidion infection

1. Seminar on Forest Pathology, 29 March 2017
Natural Resources Institute Finland, Viikki, Helsinki
Genome-wide exon-capture approach identifies genetic variants of
conifer genes linked to resistance to Heterobasidion infection
Andriy Kovalchuk
Department of Forest Sciences, P.O. Box 27, Latokartanonkaari 7, Helsinki, Finland
Email: andriy.kovalchuk@helsinki.fi
Root and butt rot caused by members of the Heterobasidion annosum species complex is the most
economically important disease of conifer trees in boreal forests. Wood decay in the infected trees
dramatically decreases their value and causes considerable losses to forest owners. Pine and spruce
trees vary in their susceptibility to Heterobasidion infection, but the genetic determinants
determining the variation in the susceptibility are not well understood.
We performed the identification of Norway spruce genes linked to resistance to Heterobasidion
infection using genome-wide exon-capture approach. First, 64 clonal Norway spruce lines were
phenotyped, and their response to Heterobasidion inoculation was determined by lesion length
measurements. Then, the selected spruce lines were genotypes by targeted resequencing and
identification of genetic variants (SNPs). Finally, genome-wide association analysis was performed
to identify genetic variants associated with the variation in the lesion lengths. The results of our
project will be discussed during the presentation.