Molecular mechanisms of quantitative resistance to Aphanomyces root rot in pea

Relevant candidate genes at Ae-Ps7.6 and defense pathways were identified in this study using pea NIL finemapping and RNAseq.Candidate gene validation is under progress using TILLING and CRISPR-Cas9 approaches.Metabolites profiles from plant roots and root exudates of same NILs material are currently under investigation (PhD Jeanne Couderc, 2024-2027).Pea (Pisum sativum) is a key species to agro-ecological and food transitions but is threatened by Aphanomyces root rot (ARR), caused by the soilborne oomycete Aphanomyces euteiches.Quantitative resistance is a major lever for the pea protection against ARR.Past extensive genetic studies identified genetic regions associated with ARR resistance [1] , including a major-effect Quantitative Trait Locus (QTL), Ae-Ps7.6.Using near-isogenic lines (NILs) [2] , we fine-mapped the QTL and performed transcriptomic analysis to uncover the QTL-conferred ARR resistance mechanisms that are so far unknown.