Molecular analysis of some diseases and reproduction characteristics in apples from Central Anatolia (Niğde Province)

Apple scab and fire blight are among the main diseases in apple production. Researchers are conducting studies to tackle these diseases as well as endeavoring to provide apple producers with disease-resistant plant materials. Self-incompatibility in apples engenders problems in pollination and yield. Molecular studies are crucial for revealing the potential of plant materials in this aspect. In this study, 48 genotypes among Niğde Misket Apple were investigated regarding apple scabs and fire blight resistance as well as self-incompatibility with respective markers and genes. Results showed genotypes had resistance alleles of Rvi6 and QTL FB_Mar12, as well as the presence of S26 and S9 alleles of the S gene. These results highlight new hypotheses for further research, particularly regarding disease resistance related to these genes, as well as the relationships among genotypes, cultivars, and species carrying these alleles.