Objectives

In this project, we intend to apply an integrative approach to explore a potential new source of resistance, dissect coffee resistance mechanisms and provide tools for rapid and easy selection of resistant genotypes. We propose to characterize the resistance of the Kawisari hybrid (C. arabica x C. liberica) derivative (CIFC 644/18), recently used as a resistant donor in breeding programs in India. This coffee genotype will be challenged with two distinct Hemileia vastatrix (Hv) races in order to establish an incompatible and a compatible interaction for comparative analysis. Making use of data generated in previous projects developed by the PI and by integrating cytology, transcriptomic and functional genomics this project aims to characterize resistance at the cytological and molecular level, and (1) identify genes differentially expressed during the reaction of coffee to Hv through RNA-Seq; (2) evaluate differential expression patterns of candidate genes by qPCR; and (3) validate and elucidate the role of selected putative resistance-related genes through functional reverse genetics. Combining all data from the different tasks, we expect, as an ultimate goal, to identify biomarkers putatively linked to coffee resistance to Hv. These biomarkers will be tested on other coffee genotypes with large spectra of resistance following re-evaluation with new Hv races, as a future useful tool for marker-assisted selection.

This project will also add sequence information to public databases generating new resources as reference data sets for future projects on coffee and other crops.

Bringing together researchers with expertise in this pathosystem and also in recombinant technology, transcriptomics, and bioinformatics, we expect to strongly contribute to deepening the knowledge of the mechanisms underlying coffee defences to Hv and to deliver candidate biomarkers for coffee durable resistance to be used in breeding programs.