Identification of putative markers of noninfectious bud failure in almond (Prunus dulcis [Mill] D.A. Webb) through genome wide DNA methylation profiling and gene expression analysis in an almond x peach hybrid population

The goal of this study is to identify possible markers (genes or gene features) associated with the exhibition of non-infectious bud failure in almond by examining DNA methylation patterns in an almond x peach interspecific hybrid population. In this population, bud failure exhibition shows a 50% segregation. Three trees showing bud failure and three trees that are bud failure free were selected to analyze DNA methylation patterns as bud failure has been hypothesized to be related to differential DNA methylation. Results from this work can be used to screen almond germplasm for bud failure potential prior to use in breeding or production. These results also help to further our understanding of the epigenetic modifications underlying bud failure exhibition in almond.