Genes de resistencia inducida en Pinus hartwegii (Pinaceae) en el centro de México

Abstract

Background and Aims: Hartweg’s pine (Pinus hartwegii) is the pine species distributed at highest altitude in Mexico, forming climax communities between 3700 and 4300 m a.s.l. This species is threatened by illegal logging and an increased presence of bark beetles (Dendroctonus sp.) and dwarf mistletoes (Arceuthobium sp.) which are parasites. This triggers control and management plans that focus on the removal of affected trees, many of which could be individuals with genetic pools of high value. The objective of this work was to identify sequences of defense and/or resistance genes of parasitized pines, since there are no reported sequences to date for Mexican pines according literature consulted. Methods: Sequences of defense and resistance genes of conifers phylogenetically close to Pinus hartwegii were obtained. From these sequences primers were designed and PCR reactions carried out. Products were sequenced and sequences obtained were analyzed to determine if they corre- spond to defense and resistance genes of this pine species. Key results: Four sequences of genes linked to defense and resistance in conifers were obtained with a homology level of 93-100% with conifers of the genus Picea, Pinus and Pseudotsuga. Possible functions of these sequences in Pinus hartwegii defense against bark beetles and dwarf mistletoe are discussed and accession numbers in GenBank are reported. Conclusions: The reported sequences can be used in genetic expression studies of the Hartweg’s pine.