Applying a defined set of molecular markers to improve selection of resistant grapevine accessions

Smart breeding programs aiming at the improvement of resistance to the main grapevine diseases are based on the application of molecular markers related to resistance genes. Although many markers are available in literature, a general overview of markers associated with disease resistances and suitable for marker assisted selection (MAS) is lacking. Hence, we propose a set of highly valuable markers for MAS, creating a homogeneous way for the grapevine community to proceed in smart breeding. This set is used in the project ‘RebSelect’ at Laimburg Research Centre where a disease resistant collection is being created in collaboration with private farmers and platforms. The collection consists of interesting hybrids released by breeding programs around the world, containing resistances to the principal diseases including downy and powdery mildew but also to other less prevalent pathogens. In order to select parents with multiple resistance genes that could be used for new crosses, the collection will be screened. Here we present preliminary results of the application of a marker set related to resistances in the different accessions of the collection