Molecular markers linked to resistance to the gall mite in blackcurrant

With 1 figure and 3 tables Gall mite (Cecidophyopsis ribis Westw.) is one of the most damaging pests of blackcurrants (Ribes nigrum L.) and is a vector of blackcurrant reversion virus. Ce and P genes provide resistance of blackcurrant to gall mite. A linkage map around the resistance locus controlled by predicted P gene was constructed. Forty‐three amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) and 19 microsatellite polymorphic markers obtained from analysis of the progeny obtained in cross with P gene donor ‘Dainiai’ were mapped. The obtained consensus map covers 691.196 cM, with an average marker spacing of 14.706 cM. AFLP fragment CTA‐ACC‐107 was closely linked to resistance to blackcurrant gall mite and was detected in the sixth linkage group. Screening of cultivars and hybrids with known resistance to gall mite confirmed that this dominant 107‐bp AFLP marker is linked to gall mite resistance in a comprehensive range of available Ribes germplasm with different genetic background and it may be used for early diagnosis of resistant to gall mite hybrids.