An apparent breakdown of Vf resistance occurring in an apple orchard in Bistrita area

Scab resistance through the Rvi6 gene was largely used in Romanian breeding programs including those from Fruit Research & Development Station (FRDS) Bistrita. The aim of the study was to verify the efficacy of the resistance due to the Vf gene under the current conditions in the Bistrita area. Three scab resistant apple cultivars bred at FRDS Bistrita were monitored in the field, in comparison with the Rvi6 ‘Florina’ and ‘Prima’ cvs., and the sensitive ‘Idared’ and ‘Golden Delicious’ cvs. Molecular markers (AM-19, U1₄₀₀ and AL07) were used in PCR to check the presence of the Rvi6 gene in the genome of the three Romanian varieties. During the years 2019-2021, scab lesions appeared on all the resistant cultivars studied. PCR results showed the presence of Rvi6 gene on ‘Bistritean’, ‘Salva’, ‘Aura’, ‘Prima’ and ‘Florina’ genoms. The results suggest a possible breakdown of the resistance given by the Rvi6 gene in the current ecological conditions in this area. Scab symptoms occurring on cultivars that have the Rvi6 gene could lead to the hypothesis that different scab races are now present in our area or that some genetic variations occurred on the existing races so that they overcome Rvi6 gene.