Embrapa Hortaliças studies partnership with institution responsible for sequencing the lettuce genome

The first version of the complete lettuce genome was published earlier this year by a team of scientists from “The Genome Center”, at the University of California – Davis campus (USA). The researcher who led this task, Dr. Richard Michelmore, was present at Embrapa Hortaliças, on August 18, to discuss the possibility of intensifying joint work in the area of ​​genetics, genomics and lettuce improvement.

“Professor Michelmore has been one of the world's leading figures in the characterization of resistance genes to different microorganisms that are harmful to lettuce, but which also affect other vegetables”, highlights researcher Leonardo Boiteux, from the area of ​​genetic improvement, who coordinated the technical visit.

According to him, there are diseases that affect lettuce cultivation throughout the world and, based on this common denominator, the proposal is to establish a partnership between institutions to search for resistance genes to the main fungi, viruses and nematodes that attack the crop in Brazilian conditions. . “We believe that there is a great chance of developing studies in partnership mainly to overcome diseases such as fusarium wilt, leaf turner, root-knot nematodes and downy mildew”, says the researcher.

To map the lettuce genome, one of the largest in the plant kingdom, the North American research group had to use pioneering and innovative analysis techniques that allowed it to generate information to support genetic improvement programs in the search for molecular markers linked with lettuce genes. interest in the cultivation of this vegetable.

“Molecular markers represent important tools to help the selection process of a vast set of genetic characteristics of interest both to the scientific community and to lettuce producers and consumers”, highlights Boiteux when listing that the characteristics can involve both agronomic aspects and productivity and disease resistance, including for issues related to the assimilation of soil nutrients and functional compounds.

The Unit team that welcomed Dr. Michelmore were researchers Leonardo Boiteux and Fábio Suinaga (genetics and breeding), Maria Esther Fonseca (genomic analysis), Ailton Reis (phytopathology), Mirtes Lima (virology) and students Cleia Cabral (mycology ) and Geane Fontes (virology).