Genetic variation and inheritance of susceptibility to Neonectria neomacrospora and Christmas tree traits in a progeny test of Nordmann fir
Key message
Pronounced additive genetic variation and high narrow-sense heritability for lesion length caused by Neonectria neomacrospora were found in a Nordmann fir progeny test. Significant inbreeding depression was detected in traits important for Christmas tree production. Recurrent selection for multiple traits would be successful for Christmas tree quality traits.
Abstract
Context The fungal pathogen N. neomacrospora causes severe damage in Nordmann fir Christmas trees in Denmark. Family variation in disease susceptibility in the species has not been investigated before. This is the first combined genetic analysis of susceptibility to N. neomacrospora and Christmas tree traits in Nordmann fir.
Aims Evaluate the genetic variation of susceptibility to N. neomacrospora and five Christmas tree traits in Nordmann fir.
Methods Five Christmas tree traits were measured on 2413 trees in a progeny test. Artificial inoculation was conducted on detached twigs of full-sib progenies with a N. neomacrospora isolate to assess the resistance/susceptibility. Observed variation was partitioned into genetic and environmental causes to understand the heritable control of the traits.
Results Pronounced additive genetic variation was observed in susceptibility to N. neomacrospora and Christmas tree traits. Narrow-sense heritability for susceptibility to N. neomacrospora was 0.63. Significant differences between selfings and outcrossed trees were detected for all traits. Significant improvement for Christmas tree quality could be observed in the breeding process.
Conclusion Resistance to N. neomacrospora disease and other Christmas tree characteristics can be improved through recurrent selection.
Keywords
Polymix mating; Spatial analysis; Narrow-sense heritability; Inbreeding
Publication
Xu, J., Nielsen, U.B., Isik, F. et al. Genetic variation and inheritance of susceptibility to Neonectria neomacrospora and Christmas tree traits in a progeny test of Nordmann fir. Annals of Forest Science 78, 22 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13595-021-01039-2
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Data availability
The datasets generated and/or analysed during the current study are available in the University of Copenhagen Data Bank, https://doi.org/10.17894/UCPH.E7D968E6-6DA4-4CE9-897D-7022E9536545
Handling Editor
Cécile Robin