Proteome of Plasmopara viticola-infected Vitis vinifera provides insights into grapevine Rpv1/Rpv3 pyramided resistance to downy mildew

Abstract Grapevine is one of the major fruit crops worldwide and requires phytochemical use due to susceptibility to numerous pests, including downy mildew. The pyramiding of previous identified QTL resistance regions allows selection of genotypes with combined resistance loci in order to build up sustainable resistance. This study investigates resistance response of pyramided plants containing Rpv1 and Rpv3 loci to Plasmopara viticola infection process. Phenotypic characterization showed complete resistance and lack of necrotic hypersensitive response spots. Principal Component Analysis revealed infected 96 hpi (hours post-inoculation) samples with the most distant proteomes of the entire dataset, followed by the proteome of infected 48 hpi samples. Quantitative and qualitative protein differences observed using 2-DE gels coupled to nanoHPLC-ESI-MS/MS analysis showed a lack of transient breakdown in defense responses (biphasic modulation) accompanying the onset of disease. Forty-one proteins were identified, which were mainly included into functional categories of redox and energy metabolism. l -ascorbate degradation pathway was the major altered pathway and suggests up-regulation of anti-oxidant metabolism in response to apoplastic oxidative burst after infection. Overall, these data provide new insights into molecular basis of this incompatible interaction and suggests several targets that could potentially be exploited to develop new protection strategies against this pathogen. Biological significance This study provide new insights into the molecular basis of incompatible interaction between Plasmopara viticola and pyramided Rpv1 / Rpv3 grapevine and suggests several targets that could potentially be exploited to develop new protection strategies against this pathogen. This is the first proteomic characterization of resistant grapevine available in the literature and it presents contrasting proteomic profiles of that of susceptible plants. The resistance against downy mildew in grapevine has been a long sought and the availability of resistance loci is of major importance. This is the first molecular characterization of resistance provided by Rpv 1 and Rpv 3 genes.