Breeding for Resistance to Significant Disease and Insect Pests of Red and Black Raspberry (Rubus idaeus and R. occidentalis) in the Pacific Northwest

Developing cultivars that are resistant to multiple biotic stresses is an important objective in raspberry plant breeding. Diseases such as Raspberry bushy dwarf virus and Phytophthora root rot have long been a high priority for raspberry breeding programs, whereas other pests, such as spotted wing Drosophila and the root lesion nematode, have been considered more recently. Breeding for improved resistance to these stresses has relied primarily on conventional breeding methods. However, rapid technological progress and increased access and affordability of genomic and phenomic methodologies may accelerate breeding and improve selection efficiency for genetic resistance to pests and pathogens. Such advancements are understudied for application in raspberry, but are emerging as a significant research interest. We review the current state of plant breeding research for the most significant diseases and pests affecting raspberry production in the Pacific Northwest of North America. In addition, we discuss new and relevant plant breeding methodologies that could contribute to future breeding objectives.