NL2014393B1

NL2014393B1 - Mildew resistance gene in kalanchoe.

Info

Publication number: NL2014393B1
Application number: NL2014393A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Johannes Vlielander Izaak; Lang Chunting; Adrianus Peeters Roger; Cornelis Maris Paulus
Original assignee: Fides Bv
Priority date: 2015-03-04
Filing date: 2015-03-04
Publication date: 2016-10-13

Abstract

The present invention relates to proteins capable of providing a mildew resistant phenotype, or mildew resistance, to plants belonging to the Kalanchoe genus. The present mildew resistance is preferably a resistance against mildew infections wherein Oidium kalanchoeae is the causative pathogen. The present invention also relates to nucleic acid sequences, or cDNA sequences, and genes encoding the present proteins. The present invention further relates to use of the present proteins, nucleic acid sequences and genes for selecting mildew resistant Kalanchoe plants, such as Oidium kalanchoeae resistant Kalanchoe plants, and to mildew resistant Kalanchoe plants, such as Oidium kalanchoeae resistant Kalanchoe plants, comprising the present proteins, mRNA forms of the present cDNAs or the present genes. Specifically, the present invention relates to proteins comprising one or more amino acid substitutions, deletions or insertions in a thioesterase, or thioesterase-like protein, of a Kalanchoe plant as compared the protein of SEQ ID No. 1, or proteins having 80% sequence identity therewith, wherein the one or more amino acid substitutions, deletions or insertions provide increased mildew resistance in a Kalanchoe plant as compared to a Kalanchoe plant comprising SEQ ID No. 1, or proteins having 80% sequence identity therewith.

Description

MILDEW RESISTANCE GENE IN KALANCHOE

Description

The present invention relates to proteins capable of providing a mildew resistant phenotype, or mildew resistance, to plants belonging to the Kalanchoe genus. The present mildew resistance is preferably a resistance against mildew infections wherein Oidium kalanchoeae is the causative pathogen. The present invention also relates to nucleic acid sequences, or cDNA sequences, and genes encoding the present proteins. The present invention further relates to use of the present proteins, nucleic acid sequences and genes for selecting mildew resistant Kalanchoe plants, such as Oidium kalanchoeae resistant Kalanchoe plants, and to mildew resistant Kalanchoe plants, such as Oidium kalanchoeae resistant Kalanchoe plants, comprising the present proteins, mRNA forms of the present cDNAs or the present genes.

Kalanchoe is a genus of about 125 species of tropical, succulent flowering plants in the family Crassulaceae. Only one species of this genus is known to originate from the Americas, 56 from southern & eastern Africa and 60 species from Madagascar. Kalanchoe plants are also found in south-eastern Asia and China.

Known species belonging to the Kalanchoe genus are Kalanchoe adelae; Kalanchoe arborescens, Kalanchoe beauverdii, Kalanchoe beharensis, Kalanchoe bentii, Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, Kalanchoe bouvetii, Kalanchoe bracteata, Kalanchoe campanulata, Kalanchoe crenata, Kalanchoe crundallii, Kalanchoe daigremontiana, Kalanchoe delagoensis, Kalanchoe dinklagei, Kalanchoe eriophylla, Kalanchoe farinacea, Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi, Kalanchoe figuereidoi, Kalanchoe flammea, Kalanchoe gastonis, Kalanchoe glaucescens, Kalanchoe gracilipes, Kalanchoe grandidieri, Kalanchoe grandiflora, Kalanchoe hildebrantii, Kalanchoe jongmansii, Kalanchoe kewensis, Kalanchoe laciniata, Kalanchoe laetivirens, Kalanchoe lateritia, Kalanchoe laxiflora, Kalanchoe linearifolia, Kalanchoe longiflora, Kalanchoe luciae, Kalanchoe macrochlamys, Kalanchoe manginii, Kalanchoe marnieriana, Kalanchoe marmorata, Kalanchoe millottii, Kalanchoe miniata, Kalanchoe nyikae, Kalanchoe obtusa, Kalanchoe orgyalis, Kalanchoe peltata, Kalanchoe petitiana, Kalanchoe pinnata, Kalanchoe porphyrocalyx, Kalanchoe prolifera, Kalanchoe pubescens, Kalanchoe pumila, Kalanchoe quartiniana, Kalanchoe rhombopilosa, Kalanchoe robusta, Kalanchoe rolandi, Kalanchoe rosei, Kalanchoe rotundifolia, Kalanchoe schizophylla, Kalanchoe serrata, Kalanchoe sexangularis, Kalanchoe streptantha, Kalanchoe suarezensis, Kalanchoe synsepala, Kalanchoe synsepalaf. dissecta, Kalanchoe thyrsiflora, Kalanchoe tomentosa, Kalanchoe tubiflora, Kalanchoe uniflora, Kalanchoe velutina and Kalanchoe viguieri.

Most Kalanchoe plants are shrubs or perennial herbaceous plants, but a few are annual or biennial. The largest plant, Kalanchoe beharensis from Madagascar can reach 6 meters but most species are less than 1 meter. Kalanchoe plants are characterized by opening their flowers through growing new cells on the inner surface of the petals to force them outwards and on the outside of the petals to close them.

Kalanchoe plants are generally cultivated as ornamental houseplants and rock or succulent garden plants. Kalanchoe plans are popular because of their ease of propagation, low water requirements, and wide variety of flower colors typically borne in clusters well above the vegetative growth. The section Bryophyllum - formerly an independent genus - contains species such as the "Air plant" Kalanchoe pinnata. In these plants, new individuals develop vegetatively as plantlets, also known as bulbils or gemmae, at indents along the leaves. These young plants eventually drop off and root. No males have been found in species of this genus which does flower and produce seeds and is commonly designated as the Mother of Thousands.

In common with other Crassulaceae (such as the genera Tylecodon, Cotyledon and Adromischus), some Kalanchoe species contain bufadienolide cardiac glycosides which can cause cardiac poisoning, particularly in grazing animals. This is a particular problem in the native range of many Kalanchoe species in the Karoo region of South Africa, where the resulting animal disease is known as krimpsiekte (shrinking disease) or cotyledonosis. Similar poisonings have also occurred in Australia.

In traditional medicine, Kalanchoe species have been used to treat ailments such as infections, rheumatism and inflammation. Kalanchoe extracts also have immunosuppressive effects. Kalanchoe pinnata has been recorded in Trinidad and Tobago as being used as a traditional treatment for hypertension.

Mildew disease manifests itself as a thin, superficial, usually whitish growth consisting of minute hyphae (fungal filaments) produced especially on living plants. In horticulture, mildew is a disease generally caused a by fungus belonging to the order Erysiphales. The name ‘mildew’ can also be used more generally to mean mold growth. In the art, mildew is also designated as powdery mildew and the terms mildew and powdery mildew are interchangeably used herein.

Kalanchoe is especially susceptible to mildew. Although mildew generally is not harmful to the growth of the plant, it does cause the plant to become unsightly and unattractive and thereby incurring significant economical losses for plant breeders.

The primary symptom of a mildew infection in Kalanchoe is the presence of a white talcum powder-like growth on leaves, buds, stems, new shoots and flowers. Mildew fungi prefer to infect young, tender leaves but will infect older leaves as well. Other symptoms associated with mildew include leaf yellowing, leaf necrosis, leaf rolling, distortion of leaves and premature leaf drop. Kalanchoe infected with mildew often become stunted. A severe mildew infection can eventually cover the entire plant. Preventing a mildew infection can be accomplished through cultural control methods or fungicides.

Both culture based methods and fungicides to control mildew in Kalanchoe have disadvantages. For example, culture based methods are not practical for commercial growth and culture of Kalanchoe plants and the disadvantages of fungicides are commonly known such as their impact on the environment and the development of resistant mildew pathogens due to selective pressure by the fungicide.

Considering the economical impact of a mildew infection, there is a continuing need in the art of Kalanchoe breeding for mildew resistant Kalanchoe plants and especially Kalanchoe plants being resistant tot the mildew pathogen Oidium kalanchoeae. In the art, Oidium kalanchoeae, Oidium kalanchoeae is also designated Oidium kalanchoës or Oidium calanchoeae.

It is an object of the present invention, amongst other objects, to meet the above need of the art.

The above object, amongst other objects, is met by the present invention through providing mildew, or powdery mildew, resistance genes encoding mildew resistance providing thioesterase or thioesterase-like proteins.

Specifically, the above object, amongst other objects and according to a first aspect, is met by the present invention through providing proteins comprising one or more amino acid substitutions, deletions or insertions in a thioesterase, or thioesterase-like protein, of a Kalanchoe plant as compared the protein of SEQ ID No. 1, or proteins having 80% sequence identity therewith, wherein the one or more amino acid substitutions, deletions or insertions provide an increased mildew resistance in a Kalanchoe plant as compared to a Kalanchoe plant comprising SEQ ID No. 1, or proteins having 80% sequence identity therewith.

The proteins described herein can be designated as ROK-1 proteins for being the first proteins identified providing mildew resistance and especially resistance to the mildew pathogen Oidium kalanchoeae.

The present increased mildew resistance, and especially the present resistance to Oidium kalanchoeae, is observed irrespective whether the encoding genes are homozygously or heterozygously present.

Within the context of the present invention, sequence identity percentages of 80% to 99% are contemplated such as 81%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97% or 98%, under the condition that the corresponding protein provides mildew resistance in Kalanchoe plants.

As used herein, sequence identity, after suitable alignment, indicates the percentage identical amino acids or nucleic acids, over the entire length of SEQ ID No. 1 or SEQ ID No. 3, respectively.

According to an especially preferred embodiment of this aspect of the present invention, the present protein comprises one or more amino acid substitutions, deletions or insertions in amino acids 1 to 50 of SEQ ID No. 1. The present inventors have surprisingly discovered that the present mildew resistant phenotype, such as resistance to the mildew pathogen Oidium kalanchoeae, is especially provided through modification of the N-terminal region of SEQ ID No. 1. The present invention preferably relates to amino acid substitutions at position 22 and/or position 23 of SEQ ID No. 1, more preferably substitution of the amino acid threonine at position 22 and/or 23 of SEQ ID No. 1, most preferably substitution of the amino acid threonine with the amino acid alanine at position 22 and/or 23 of SEQ ID No. 1.

According to yet another especially preferred embodiment of the present invention, the amino acid sequence of the present protein is the amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID No. 2.

According to a most preferred embodiment, the proteins according to the present invention comprise the amino acid sequence motif “PATAAEST”. In comparison, a protein not providing mildew resistance comprises, for example, the amino acid sequence motif “PATTTEST”.

According to a preferred embodiment of this first aspect of the present invention, the present Kalanchoe plant is selected from the group consisting of Kalanchoe adelae, Kalanchoe arborescens, Kalanchoe beauverdii, Kalanchoe beharensis, Kalanchoe bentii, Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, Kalanchoe bouvetii, Kalanchoe bracteata, Kalanchoe campanulata, Kalanchoe crenata, Kalanchoe crundallii, Kalanchoe daigremontiana, Kalanchoe delagoensis, Kalanchoe dinklagei, Kalanchoe eriophylla, Kalanchoe farinacea, Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi, Kalanchoe figuereidoi, Kalanchoe flammea, Kalanchoe gastonis, Kalanchoe glaucescens, Kalanchoe gracilipes, Kalanchoe grandidieri, Kalanchoe grandiflora, Kalanchoe hildebrantii, Kalanchoe jongmansii, Kalanchoe kewensis, Kalanchoe laciniata, Kalanchoe laetivirens, Kalanchoe lateritia, Kalanchoe laxiflora, Kalanchoe linearifolia, Kalanchoe longiflora, Kalanchoe luciae, Kalanchoe macrochlamys, Kalanchoe manginii, Kalanchoe marnieriana, Kalanchoe marmorata, Kalanchoe millottii, Kalanchoe miniata, Kalanchoe nyikae, Kalanchoe obtusa, Kalanchoe orgyalis,

Kalanchoe peltata, Kalanchoe petitiana, Kalanchoe pinnata, Kalanchoe porphyrocalyx,

Kalanchoe prolifera, Kalanchoe pubescens, Kalanchoe pumila, Kalanchoe quartiniana, Kalanchoe rhombopilosa, Kalanchoe robusta, Kalanchoe rolandi, Kalanchoe rosei, Kalanchoe rotundifolia, Kalanchoe schizophylla, Kalanchoe serrata, Kalanchoe sexangularis, Kalanchoe streptantha, Kalanchoe suarezensis, Kalanchoe synsepala, Kalanchoe synsepalaf dissecta, Kalanchoe thyrsiflora, Kalanchoe tomentosa, Kalanchoe tubiflora, Kalanchoe uniflora, Kalanchoe velutina and Kalanchoe viguieri; preferably decorative flowering Kalanchoe plants selected from the group consisting of K. blossfeldiana, K. laciniata, K rotundifolia, K aromatica, K. pubescens, K. grandiflora, K. citrina, K. ambolensis, K faustii, K schumacherii, K pritwitzii, K flammea, K. figueredoi, K rauhii, K obtusa, K pumila, K marmorata, K porphyrocalux, K jongmansii, K pinnata, K diagremontiana, K gracilipes, K campanulata, K latisepela, K coccinea, K fedtschenkoi, K tubiflora, K. decumbens, K manginii, K orgyalis, K crenata, K. tomentosa and hybrids thereof.

According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to nucleic acid sequences encoding the present proteins, preferably the present nucleic acids sequences have a nucleic acid substitution at position 64, and/or 67 of SEQ ID No. 3 such as a substitution of A with G, more preferably the present nucleic acid sequences have a sequence as depicted in SEQ ID No. 4 or SEQ ID No. 5 or SEQ ID No. 6.

According to a third aspect, the present invention relates to genes capable of being transcribed into the present nucleic acid sequences and the present proteins. Accordingly, the present invention encompasses genes capable of, under appropriate conditions, being a template for transcribing mRNA which mRNA is subsequently translated into the present protein sequences.

According to a fourth aspect, the present invention relates to the use of the present proteins, nucleic acid sequences or genes for selecting a mildew resistant Kalanchoe plant. Such selection can comprise the identification, preferably in an early stage of development, of mildew resistant Kalanchoe plants, such as Oidium kalanchoeae resistant Kalanchoe plants by, for example, hybridization, PCR, ELISA, restriction analysis or Northern/Southern blots thereby facilitating the breeding process of existing and new Kalanchoe plants.

The present use is preferably used for the selection of mildew resistant Kalanchoe plants selected from the group consisting of Kalanchoe adelae, Kalanchoe arborescens, Kalanchoe beauverdii, Kalanchoe beharensis, Kalanchoe bentii, Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, Kalanchoe bouvetii, Kalanchoe bracteata, Kalanchoe campanulata, Kalanchoe crenata, Kalanchoe crundallii, Kalanchoe daigremontiana, Kalanchoe delagoensis, Kalanchoe dinklagei, Kalanchoe eriophylla, Kalanchoe farinacea, Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi, Kalanchoe figuereidoi, Kalanchoe flammea, Kalanchoe gastonis, Kalanchoe glaucescens, Kalanchoe gracilipes, Kalanchoe grandidieri, Kalanchoe grandiflora, Kalanchoe hildebrantii, Kalanchoe jongmansii, Kalanchoe kewensis, Kalanchoe laciniata, Kalanchoe laetivirens, Kalanchoe lateritia, Kalanchoe laxiflora, Kalanchoe linearifolia, Kalanchoe longiflora, Kalanchoe luciae, Kalanchoe macrochlamys, Kalanchoe manginii, Kalanchoe marnieriana, Kalanchoe marmorata, Kalanchoe millottii, Kalanchoe miniata, Kalanchoe nyikae, Kalanchoe obtusa, Kalanchoe orgyalis, Kalanchoe peltata, Kalanchoe petitiana, Kalanchoe pinnata, Kalanchoe porphyrocalyx, Kalanchoe prolifera, Kalanchoe pubescens, Kalanchoe pumila, Kalanchoe quartiniana, Kalanchoe rhombopilosa, Kalanchoe robusta, Kalanchoe rolandi, Kalanchoe rosei, Kalanchoe rotundifolia, Kalanchoe schizophylla, Kalanchoe serrata, Kalanchoe sexangularis, Kalanchoe streptantha, Kalanchoe suarezensis, Kalanchoe synsepala, Kalanchoe synsepalaf. dissecta, Kalanchoe thyrsiflora, Kalanchoe tomentosa, Kalanchoe tubiflora, Kalanchoe uniflora, Kalanchoe velutina and Kalanchoe viguierv, more preferably decorative flowering Kalanchoe plants selected from the group consisting of K blossfeldiana, K laciniata, K rotundifolia, K aromatica, K pubescens, K grandiflora, K citrina, K ambolensis, Kfaustii, K schumacherii, K pritwitzii, K flammea, K figueredoi, K rauhii, K obtusa, K pumila, K marmorata, K porphyrocalux, K jongmansii, K pinnata, K. diagremontiana, K. gracilipes, K. campanulata, K latisepela, K coccinea, K fedtschenkoi, K tubiflora, K decumbens, K manginii, K orgyalis, K crenata, K tomentosa and hybrids thereof.

According to a fifth aspect, the present invention relates to plants, protoplasts or plant parts comprising the present proteins, the present nucleic acid sequences or the present genes. The present plant, protoplasts or plant parts are preferably selected from, or obtained from, a plant selected from the group consisting of Kalanchoe adelae, Kalanchoe arborescens, Kalanchoe beauverdii, Kalanchoe beharensis, Kalanchoe bentii, Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, Kalanchoe bouvetii, Kalanchoe bracteata, Kalanchoe campanulata, Kalanchoe crenata, Kalanchoe crundallii, Kalanchoe daigremontiana, Kalanchoe delagoensis, Kalanchoe dinklagei, Kalanchoe eriophylla, Kalanchoe farinacea, Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi, Kalanchoe figuereidoi, Kalanchoe flammea, Kalanchoe gastonis, Kalanchoe glaucescens, Kalanchoe gracilipes, Kalanchoe grandidieri, Kalanchoe grandiflora, Kalanchoe hildebrantii, Kalanchoe jongmansii, Kalanchoe kewensis, Kalanchoe laciniata, Kalanchoe laetivirens, Kalanchoe lateritia, Kalanchoe laxiflora, Kalanchoe linearifolia, Kalanchoe longiflora, Kalanchoe luciae, Kalanchoe macrochlamys, Kalanchoe manginii, Kalanchoe marnieriana, Kalanchoe marmorata, Kalanchoe millottii, Kalanchoe miniata, Kalanchoe nyikae, Kalanchoe obtusa, Kalanchoe orgyalis, Kalanchoe peltata, Kalanchoe petitiana, Kalanchoe pinnata, Kalanchoe porphyrocalyx, Kalanchoe prolifera, Kalanchoe pubescens, Kalanchoe pumila, Kalanchoe quartiniana, Kalanchoe rhombopilosa, Kalanchoe robusta, Kalanchoe rolandi, Kalanchoe rosei, Kalanchoe rotundifolia, Kalanchoe schizophylla, Kalanchoe serrata, Kalanchoe sexangularis, Kalanchoe streptantha, Kalanchoe suarezensis, Kalanchoe synsepala, Kalanchoe synsepalaf dissecta, Kalanchoe thyrsiflora, Kalanchoe tomentosa, Kalanchoe tubiflora, Kalanchoe uniflora, Kalanchoe velutina and Kalanchoe viguierv, preferably decorative flowering Kalanchoe plants selected from the group consisting of K. blossfeldiana, K laciniata, K rotundifolia, K aromatica, K pubescens, K grandiflora, K citrina, K ambolensis, Kfaustii, K schumacherii, K pritwitzii, K flammea, K figueredoi, K rauhii, K obtusa, K pumila, K marmorata, K porphyrocalux, K jongmansii, K pinnata, K diagremontiana, K gracilipes, K campanulata, K latisepela, K coccinea, K fedtschenkoi, K tubiflora, K decumbens, K manginii, K orgyalis, K crenata, K tomentosa and hybrids thereof.

The present invention will be further detailed in the example below of especially preferred embodiments of the present invention. In the example, reference is made to figures wherein:

Figure 1: shows an alignment of a thioesterase protein according to the present invention providing mildew resistance (upper sequence) and the thioesterase protein of SEQ ID No.l (bottom sequence). The consensus sequence between the two proteins is shown in the middle line;

Figure 2: shows a boxplot of the present mildew resistance in relation to the nucleotide sequences found at position at positions 64 (SNP_14) and 67 (SNP_17) of SEQ ID No. 3 in homozygous and heterozygous form. For position 67, the non-coding nucleotides are shown, i.e. C/C; T/C and T/T instead of the coding nucleotides G/G; A/G; A/A, respectively.

Example

An Oidium kalanchoeae mildew resistant Kalanchoe blossfeldiana parent plant of which representative seeds were deposited at NCIMB Ferguson Building, Craibstone Estate, Bucksburn, Aberdeen AB21 9YA, United Kingdom under deposit number NCIMB 42379 on March 2, 2015, was crossed with a mildew susceptible Kalanchoe blossfeldiana plant and a segregating progeny was obtained. Progeny was assayed for Oidium kalanchoeae resistance by infecting plants of approximately 4 weeks old with Oidium kalanchoeae. Subsequently, the infected plants were grown for approximately 4 weeks under the following conditions: temperature: day 20°C/ night 18 °C; relative humidity: day 60%/ night 80%; day length: 20 hours (artificial light with an intensity between 1000 and 2000 lux).

Then the plants were visually scored for mildew susceptibility/resistance on a scale of 1 to 9 whereby 1 denoted completely mildew susceptible and 9 completely mildew resistant (no visible infection).

Analysis of the progeny showed that the observed mildew resistant phenotype correlated with two nucleotide substitutions at positions 64 and 67 of the coding sequence of a gene encoding a thioesterase protein or thioesterase-like protein. As depicted in Figure 1, both nucleotide substitutions resulted in amino acid substitutions in the N-terminal region of the thioesterase protein or thioesterase-like protein.

The analysis of the mildew phenotype in the above segregating population is summarized in Table 1 below and Figure 2.

Table 1: Analysis of a segregating population of the present mildew resistance phenotype wherein 1 denotes minimal mildew resistance or the absence thereof and 9 denotes maximal mildew resistance.

SEQUENCE LISTING <110> DNA GREEN GROUP B.V. <120> MILDEW RESISTANCE GENE IN KALANCHOE <130> 4/2RJ44/7 <160> 6 <170> Patentln version 3.5 <210> 1 <211> 197

<212> PRT <213> Kalanchoe blossfeldiana <400> 1

Met Arg ser Gly Thr lie Cys val lie Asn Gly Lys Cys Gly ser lie 15 10 15

His Arg Pro Ala Thr Thr Thr Glu ser Thr ser Lys Lys ser Asn Thr 20 25 30

Pro Leu Thr His Arg ser Asn ser Asp Arg ser Leu Met Asp Leu Glu 35 40 45

Ala val Lys Gin Leu Leu Glu Lys Gly Asp ser Glu ser Gin Gin Ala 50 55 60 lie Asp ser Met Arg ser Arg Phe Phe Glu Pro Phe Met Met Ala Gly 65 70 75 80

Leu Lys val Glu Arg val Glu Pro Gly Arg Leu lie Cys ser Met Lys 85 90 95 val Pro Ala Arg Leu Leu Asn Ala Gly Gly Phe Leu His Gly Gly Ala 100 105 110

Thr Ala Thr Leu val Asp Leu val Gly ser Ala Ala lie Phe Thr Ala 115 120 125

Gly Ala Thr val Thr Gly val ser val Glu lie ser val ser Tyr Leu 130 135 140

Asp Al a Ala Phe Glu Gly Glu Glu val Glu lie Glu Al a Arg val Leu 145 150 155 160

Arg val Gly Lys Ala val Gly val val ser val Glu lie Arg Lys Lys 165 170 175

Gly ser Gly Lys lie val Ala Gin Gly Arg His Thr Lys Tyr Leu Al a 180 185 190 val Ala ser Lys Leu 195 <210> 2 <211> 197

<212> PRT <213> Kalanchoe blossfeldiana <400> 2

Met Arg ser Gly Thr lie cys val lie Asn Gly Lys cys Gly ser lie 15 10 15

His Arg Pro Al a Thr Al a Ala Glu ser Thr ser Lys Lys ser Asn Thr 20 25 30

Pro Leu Thr His Arg ser Asn ser Asp Arg ser Leu Met Asp Leu Glu 35 40 45

Al a val Lys Gin Leu Leu Glu Lys Gly Asp ser Glu ser Gin Gin Al a 50 55 60 lie Asp ser Met Arg ser Arg Phe Phe Glu Pro Phe Met Met Ala Gly 65 70 75 80

Thr Ala Thr Leu val Asp Leu val Gly ser Ala Ala lie Phe Thr Ala 115 120 125

Gly Ala Thr Val Thr Gly val ser val Glu lie ser val ser Tyr Leu 130 135 140

Asp Ala Ala Phe Glu Gly Glu Glu val Glu lie Glu Ala Arg val Leu 145 150 155 160

Arg val Gly Lys Ala val Gly val val ser val Glu lie Arg Lys Lys 165 170 175

Gly ser Gly Lys lie val Ala Gin Gly Arg His Thr Lys Tyr Leu Ala 180 185 190 val Ala ser Lys Leu 195 <210> 3 <211> 594

<212> DNA <213> Kalanchoe blossfeldiana <400> 3 atgagatccg ggacgatttg tgtaataaac ggaaagtgtg gaagcatcca caggccagca 60 acaacaacag aatctacatc gaaaaaatcg aacacrcctt tgactcatcg atcgaactcc 120 gaccggtctc tgatggatct ggaagcagtg aagcagttgc tggagaaggg agacagcgaa 180 agccagcaag cgatcgactc gatgcgctca cggttcttcg agccgttcat gatggcaggg 240 ctgaaggtgg agagggtgga gccagggagg ctgatctgca gcatgaaggt gccggcgcgg 300 ctgctgaacg cgggagggtt cctgcacggg ggagcgacgg cgacgctggt ggatctggtg 360 ggmtcggcgg cgatattcac ggcgggggcg acggtgacgg gcgtgtcggt ggagatcagc 420 gtgtcgtatc tggacgcggc gttcgagggg gaggaggtgg agatcgaggc gcgggtgctg 480 agggtgggga aggcggtggg ggtcgtcagc gttgagattc ggaagaaggg ragtgggaag 540 attgtggcgc aggggcggca caccaagtat ctggctgtgg ccagcaagct gtag 594 <210> 4 <211> 594

<212> DNA <213> Kalanchoe blossfeldiana <400> 4 atgagatccg ggacgatttg tgtaataaac ggaaagtgtg gaagcatcca caggccagca 60 acagcarcag aatctacatc gaaaaaatcg aacacrcctt tgactcatcg atcgaactcc 120 gaccggtctc tgatggatct ggaagcagtg aagcagttgc tggagaaggg agacagcgaa 180 agccagcaag cgatcgactc gatgcgctca cggttcttcg agccgttcat gatggcaggg 240 ctgaaggtgg agagggtgga gccagggagg ctgatctgca gcatgaaggt gccggcgcgg 300 ctgctgaacg cgggagggtt cctgcacggg ggagcgacgg cgacgctggt ggatctggtg 360 ggmtcggcgg cgatattcac ggcgggggcg acggtgacgg gcgtgtcggt ggagatcagc 420 gtgtcgtatc tggacgcggc gttcgagggg gaggaggtgg agatcgaggc gcgggtgctg 480 agggtgggga aggcggtggg ggtcgtcagc gttgagattc ggaagaaggg ragtgggaag 540 attgtggcgc aggggcggca caccaagtat ctggctgtgg ccagcaagct gtag 594 <210> 5 <211> 594

<212> DNA <213> Kalanchoe blossfeldiana <400> 5 atgagatccg ggacgatttg tgtaataaac ggaaagtgtg gaagcatcca caggccagca 60 acarcagcag aatctacatc gaaaaaatcg aacacrcctt tgactcatcg atcgaactcc 120 gaccggtctc tgatggatct ggaagcagtg aagcagttgc tggagaaggg agacagcgaa 180 agccagcaag cgatcgactc gatgcgctca cggttcttcg agccgttcat gatggcaggg 240 ctgaaggtgg agagggtgga gccagggagg ctgatctgca gcatgaaggt gccggcgcgg 300 ctgctgaacg cgggagggtt cctgcacggg ggagcgacgg cgacgctggt ggatctggtg 360 ggmtcggcgg cgatattcac ggcgggggcg acggtgacgg gcgtgtcggt ggagatcagc 420 gtgtcgtatc tggacgcggc gttcgagggg gaggaggtgg agatcgaggc gcgggtgctg 480 agggtgggga aggcggtggg ggtcgtcagc gttgagattc ggaagaaggg ragtgggaag 540 attgtggcgc aggggcggca caccaagtat ctggctgtgg ccagcaagct gtag 594 <210> 6 <211> 594

<212> DNA <213> Kalanchoe blossfeldiana <400> 6 atgagatccg ggacgatttg tgtaataaac ggaaagtgtg gaagcatcca caggccagca 60 acagcagcag aatctacatc gaaaaaatcg aacacrcctt tgactcatcg atcgaactcc 120 gaccggtctc tgatggatct ggaagcagtg aagcagttgc tggagaaggg agacagcgaa 180 agccagcaag cgatcgactc gatgcgctca cggttcttcg agccgttcat gatggcaggg 240 ctgaaggtgg agagggtgga gccagggagg ctgatctgca gcatgaaggt gccggcgcgg 300 ctgctgaacg cgggagggtt cctgcacggg ggagcgacgg cgacgctggt ggatctggtg 360 ggmtcggcgg cgatattcac ggcgggggcg acggtgacgg gcgtgtcggt ggagatcagc 420 gtgtcgtatc tggacgcggc gttcgagggg gaggaggtgg agatcgaggc gcgggtgctg 480 agggtgggga aggcggtggg ggtcgtcagc gttgagattc ggaagaaggg ragtgggaag 540 attgtggcgc aggggcggca caccaagtat ctggctgtgg ccagcaagct gtag 594

CLAUSES 1. Protein comprising one or more amino acid substitutions, deletions or insertions in a thioesterase, or thioesterase-like protein, of a Kalanchoe plant as compared the protein of SEQ ID No. 1, or proteins having 80% sequence identity therewith, said one or more amino acid substitutions, deletions or insertions provide increased mildew resistance in a Kalanchoe plant as compared to a Kalanchoe plant comprising SEQ ID No. 1, or proteins having 80% sequence identity therewith. 2. Protein according to clause 1, wherein said one or more amino acid substitutions, deletions or insertions are comprised in amino acids 1 to 50 of SEQ ID No. 1. 3. Protein according to clause 1 or clause 2, wherein said one or more amino acid substitutions are substitution at positions 22 and/or 23 of SEQ ID No. 1 4. Protein according to any of the clauses 1 to 3, wherein said one or more amino acid substations are an amino acid substitution of the amino acid threonine at position 22 and/or at position 23 of SEQ ID No. 1. 5. Protein according to any of the clauses 1 to 4, wherein said one or more amino acid substations are an amino acid substitution of the amino acid threonine to alanine at position 22 and/or at position 23 of SEQ ID No. 1. 6. Protein according to any of the clauses 1 to 5, wherein said protein is the protein of SEQ ID No. 2. 7. Protein according to any of the clauses 1 to 6 comprising the amino acid sequence motif “PATAAEST”. 8. Protein according to any of the clauses 1 to 7, wherein said Kalanchoe plant is selected from the group consisting of Kalanchoe adelae, Kalanchoe arborescens, Kalanchoe beauverdii, Kalanchoe beharensis, Kalanchoe bentii, Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, Kalanchoe bouvetii, Kalanchoe bracteata, Kalanchoe campanulata, Kalanchoe crenata, Kalanchoe crundallii, Kalanchoe daigremontiana, Kalanchoe delagoensis, Kalanchoe dinklagei, Kalanchoe eriophylla, Kalanchoe farinacea, Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi, Kalanchoe figuereidoi, Kalanchoe flammea, Kalanchoe gastonis, Kalanchoe glaucescens, Kalanchoe gracilipes, Kalanchoe grandidieri, Kalanchoe grandiflora, Kalanchoe hildebrantii, Kalanchoe jongmansii, Kalanchoe kewensis, Kalanchoe laciniata, Kalanchoe laetivirens, Kalanchoe lateritia, Kalanchoe laxiflora, Kalanchoe linearifolia, Kalanchoe longiflora, Kalanchoe luciae, Kalanchoe macrochlamys, Kalanchoe manginii, Kalanchoe mamieriana, Kalanchoe marmorata, Kalanchoe millottii, Kalanchoe miniata, Kalanchoe nyikae, Kalanchoe obtusa, Kalanchoe orgyalis, Kalanchoe peltata, Kalanchoe petitiana, Kalanchoe pinnata, Kalanchoe porphyrocalyx, Kalanchoe prolifera, Kalanchoe pubescens, Kalanchoe pumila, Kalanchoe quartiniana, Kalanchoe rhombopilosa, Kalanchoe robusta, Kalanchoe rolandi, Kalanchoe rosei, Kalanchoe rotundifolia, Kalanchoe schizophylla, Kalanchoe serrata, Kalanchoe sexangularis, Kalanchoe streptantha, Kalanchoe suarezensis, Kalanchoe synsepala, Kalanchoe synsepalaf. dissecta, Kalanchoe thyrsiflora, Kalanchoe tomentosa, Kalanchoe tubiflora, Kalanchoe uniflora, Kalanchoe velutina and Kalanchoe viguieri; preferably decorative flowering Kalanchoe plants selected from the group consisting of K. blossfeldiana, K. laciniata, K. rotundifolia, K. aromatica, K. pubescens, K. grandiflora, K. citrina, K. ambolensis, Kfaustii, K schumacherii, K pritwitzii, K. flammea, K. figueredoi, K rauhii, K. obtusa, K. pumila, K. marmorata, K porphyrocalux, K. jongmansii, K. pinnata, K. diagremontiana, K. gracilipes, K. campanulata, K latisepela, K. coccinea, K. fedtschenkoi, K. tubiflora, K. decumbens, K manginii, K orgyalis, K crenata, K. tomentosa and hybrids thereof. 9. Protein according to any of the clauses 1 to 8, wherein said mildew resistance is a resistance against the mildew pathogen Oidium kalanchoeae. 10. Nucleic acid encoding a protein according to any of the clauses 1 to 9. 11. Nucleic acid according to clause 10 having a nucleic acid substitution at position 64, and/or at position 67 of SEQ ID No. 3. 12. Nucleic acid according to clause 10 or clause 11, said nucleic acid is the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID No. 4 or SEQ ID No. 5 or SEQ ID No. 6. 13. Gene capable of being transcribed into a nucleic acid sequence according to any of the clauses 10 to 12 or encoding a protein according to any one of the clauses 1 to 9. 14. Use of a protein according to any one of the clauses 1 to 9 or a nucleic acid sequence according to any of the clauses 10 to 12 or a gene according to clause 13 for selecting a mildew resistant Kalanchoe plant, preferably an Oidium kalanchoeae resistant Kalanchoe plant. 15. Use according to clause 14, wherein said Kalanchoe plant is selected from the group consisting of Kalanchoe adelae, Kalanchoe arborescens, Kalanchoe beauverdii, Kalanchoe beharensis, Kalanchoe bentii, Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, Kalanchoe bouvetii, Kalanchoe bracteata, Kalanchoe campanulata, Kalanchoe crenata, Kalanchoe crundallii, Kalanchoe daigremontiana, Kalanchoe delagoensis, Kalanchoe dinklagei, Kalanchoe eriophylla, Kalanchoe farinacea, Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi, Kalanchoe figuereidoi, Kalanchoe flammea, Kalanchoe gastonis, Kalanchoe glaucescens, Kalanchoe gracilipes, Kalanchoe grandidieri, Kalanchoe grandiflora, Kalanchoe hildebrantii, Kalanchoe jongmansii, Kalanchoe kewensis, Kalanchoe laciniata, Kalanchoe laetivirens, Kalanchoe lateritia, Kalanchoe laxiflora, Kalanchoe linearifolia,

Kalanchoe longiflora, Kalanchoe luciae, Kalanchoe macrochlamys, Kalanchoe manginii, Kalanchoe marnieriana, Kalanchoe marmorata, Kalanchoe millottii, Kalanchoe miniata, Kalanchoe nyikae, Kalanchoe obtusa, Kalanchoe orgyalis, Kalanchoe peltata, Kalanchoe petitiana, Kalanchoe pinnata, Kalanchoe porphyrocalyx, Kalanchoe prolifera, Kalanchoe pubescens, Kalanchoe pumila, Kalanchoe quartiniana, Kalanchoe rhombopilosa, Kalanchoe robusta, Kalanchoe rolandi, Kalanchoe rosei, Kalanchoe rotundifolia, Kalanchoe schizophylla, Kalanchoe serrata, Kalanchoe sexangularis, Kalanchoe streptantha, Kalanchoe suarezensis, Kalanchoe synsepala, Kalanchoe synsepalaf dissecta, Kalanchoe thyrsiflora, Kalanchoe tomentosa, Kalanchoe tubiflora, Kalanchoe uniflora, Kalanchoe velutina and Kalanchoe viguierv, preferably decorative flowering Kalanchoe plants selected from the group consisting of K. blossfeldiana, K laciniata, K. rotundifolia, K. aromatica, K. pubescens, K grandiflora, K. citrina, K ambolensis, K. faustii, K. schumacherii, K. pritwitzü, K. flammea, K. figueredoi, K rauhii, K obtusa, K pumila, K. marmorata, K. porphyrocalux, K. jongmansii, K pinnata, K. diagremontiana, K. gracilipes, K. campanulata, K. latisepela, K. coccinea, K. fedtschenkoi, K tubiflora, K decumbens, K. manginii, K. orgyalis, K. crenata, K. tomentosa and hybrids thereof. 16. Plant, protoplast or plant parts comprising a protein according to any one of the clauses 1 to 9, a nucleic acid sequence according to any of the clauses 10 to 12 or a gene according to clause 13 wherein said plant, or a plant derived from said protoplast or plant parts, is resistant to mildew, preferably resistant to the mildew pathogen Oidium kalanchoeae. 17. Plant, protoplast or plant parts according to clause 16, wherein said plant, protoplast or plant parts are selected from the group consisting of Kalanchoe adelae, Kalanchoe arborescens, Kalanchoe beauverdii, Kalanchoe beharensis, Kalanchoe bentii, Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, Kalanchoe bouvetii, Kalanchoe bracteata, Kalanchoe campanulata, Kalanchoe crenata, Kalanchoe crundallii, Kalanchoe daigremontiana, Kalanchoe delagoensis, Kalanchoe dinklagei, Kalanchoe eriophylla, Kalanchoe farinacea, Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi, Kalanchoe figuereidoi, Kalanchoe flammea, Kalanchoe gastonis, Kalanchoe glaucescens, Kalanchoe gracilipes, Kalanchoe grandidieri, Kalanchoe grandiflora, Kalanchoe hildebrantii, Kalanchoe jongmansii, Kalanchoe kewensis, Kalanchoe laciniata, Kalanchoe laetivirens, Kalanchoe lateritia, Kalanchoe laxiflora, Kalanchoe linearifolia, Kalanchoe longiflora, Kalanchoe luciae, Kalanchoe macrochlamys, Kalanchoe manginii, Kalanchoe mamieriana, Kalanchoe marmorata, Kalanchoe millottii, Kalanchoe miniata, Kalanchoe nyikae, Kalanchoe obtusa, Kalanchoe orgyalis,

Kalanchoe prolifera, Kalanchoe pubescens, Kalanchoe pumila, Kalanchoe quartiniana, Kalanchoe rhombopilosa, Kalanchoe robusta, Kalanchoe rolandi, Kalanchoe rosei, Kalanchoe rotundifolia, Kalanchoe schizophylla, Kalanchoe serrata, Kalanchoe sexangularis, Kalanchoe streptantha, Kalanchoe suarezensis, Kalanchoe synsepala, Kalanchoe synsepalaf. dissecta, Kalanchoe thyrsiflora, Kalanchoe tomentosa, Kalanchoe tubiflora, Kalanchoe uniflora, Kalanchoe velutina and Kalanchoe viguierv, preferably decorative flowering Kalanchoe plants selected from the group consisting of K blossfeldiana, K laciniata, K rotundifolia, K aromatica, K. pubescens, K. grandiflora, K citrina, K ambolensis, Kfaustii, K schumacherii, K pritwitzii, K. flammea, K figueredoi, K. rauhii, K. obtusa, K. pumila, K marmorata, K porphyrocalux, K. jongmansii, K pinnata, K. diagremontiana, K. gracilipes, K campanulata, K latisepela, K. coccinea, K fedtschenkoi, K tubiflora, K. decumbens, K. manginii, K. orgyalis, K crenata, K tomentosa and hybrids thereof. 18. Use of a protein according to any one of the clauses 1 to 9 or a nucleic acid sequence according any one of the clauses 10 to 12 or a gene according to clause 13 for development of a molecular marker indicative of, or associated with, mildew resistance, preferably said resistance is resistance against the pathogen Oidium kalanchoeae.

Claims

A protein comprising one or more amino acid substitutions, deletions or insertions in a thioesterase, or a thioesterase-like, protein from a Kalanchoe plant in comparison with the protein of SEQ ID NO. 1, or proteins with 80% sequence identity thereto, said one or more amino acid substitutions, deletions or insertions provide increased mildew resistance in a Kalanchoe plant as compared to a Kalanchoe plant comprising SEQ ID NO. 1, or proteins with 80% sequence identity therewith.

The protein of claim 1, wherein said one or more amino acid substitutions, deletions, or insertions are included in amino acids 1 to 50 of SEQ ID NO. 1.

The protein of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said one or more amino acid substitutions are substitutions at positions 22 and / or 23 of SEQ ID NO. 1.

The protein of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said one or more amino acid substitutions are substitutions of the amino acid threonine at position 22 and / or at position 23 of SEQ ID NO. 1.

The protein of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said one or more amino acid substitutions are substitutions of the amino acid threonine with alanine at position 22 and / or at position 23 of SEQ ID NO. 1.

The protein of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said protein is the protein of SEQ ID NO. 2.

The protein of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein said protein comprises the amino acid sequence motif "PATAEST".

The protein of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein said Kalanchoe plant is selected from the group consisting of Kalanchoe adelae, Kalanchoe arborescens, Kalanchoe beauverdii, Kalanchoe beharensis, Kalanchoe bentii, Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, Kalanchoe bouvetii, Kalanchoe bracteata , Kalanchoe campanulata, Kalanchoe crenata, Kalanchoe crundallii, Kalanchoe daigremontiana, Kalanchoe delagoensis, Kalanchoe dinklagei, Kalanchoe eriophylla, Kalanchoe farinacea, Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi, Kalanchoe figuereidoi, Kalanchoe flammea, Kalanchoe glaanchu grau, kalanchu glaanchu, Kalanchoe glaanchu, Kalanchoe glaanchu, Kalanchoe glaanchu hildebrantii, Kalanchoe jongmansii, Kalanchoe kewensis, Kalanchoe laciniata, Kalanchoe laetivirens, Kalanchoe lateritia, Kalanchoe laxiflora, Kalanchoe linearifolia, Kalanchoe longiflora, Kalanchoe luciae, Kalanchoe macrochlamys, Kalanchoe manginii, Kalanchoe maranchoe, Kalanchoe marmanchoe, Kalanchoe marmanchoe, Kalanchoe maranchoe, Kalanchoe, Kalanchoe, Marmanchi a, Kalanchoe nyikae, Kalanchoe obtusa, Kalanchoe orgyalis, Kalanchoe peltata, Kalanchoe petitiana, Kalanchoe pinnata, Kalanchoe porphyrocalyx, Kalanchoe prolifera, Kalanchoe pubescens, Kalanchoe pumila, Kalanchoe quartiniana, Kalanchoe rhombopilosa, Kalanchoe rose, Kalanchoe robusta Kalanchoe schizophylla, Kalanchoe serrata, Kalanchoe sexangularis, Kalanchoe streptantha, Kalanchoe suarezensis, Kalanchoe synsepala, Kalanchoe synsepalaf. dissecta, Kalanchoe thyrsiflora, Kalanchoe tomentosa, Kalanchoe tubiflora, Kalanchoe uniflora, Kalanchoe velutina and Kalanchoe viguieri; preferably decoration flowering Kalanchoe plants selected from the group consisting of K. blossfeldiana, K. laciniata, K. rotundifolia, K. aromatica, K. pubescens, K. grandiflora, K. citrina, K. antbolensis, K.faustii, K schumacherii, K. pritwitzii, K. flammea, K. figueredoi, K. rauhii, K. obtusa, K. pumila, K. marmorata, K. porphyrocalux, K. jongmansii, K. pinnata, K. diagremontiana, K. gracilipes , K. campanulata, K. latisepela, K. coccinea, K. fedtschenkoi, K. tubiflora, K. decumbens, K. manginii, K. orgyalis, K. crenata, K. tomentosa and hybrids thereof.

The protein of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein said mildew resistance is a resistance to the mildew pathogen Oidium kalanchoeae.

A nucleic acid encoding a protein according to any of claims 1 to 9.

The nucleic acid of claim 10 with a nucleic acid substitution at position 64 and / or position 67 of SEQ ID NO. 3.

The nucleic acid of claim 10 or claim 11, wherein said nucleic acid is the nucleic acid of SEQ ID NO. 4, SEQ ID NO. 5 or SEQ ID No. 6.

A gene suitable for being transcribed in a nucleic acid sequence according to any of claims 10 to 12, or encoding a protein according to any of claims 1 to 9.

Use of a protein according to any of claims 1 to 9 or a nucleic acid according to any of claims 10 to 12 or a gene according to claim 13 for selecting a mildew-resistant Kalanchoe plant, preferably an Oidium Kalanchoeae resistant Kalanchoe plant.

Use according to claim 14, wherein said Kalanchoe plant is selected from the group consisting of Kalanchoe adelae, Kalanchoe arborescens, Kalanchoe beauverdii, Kalanchoe beharensis, Kalanchoe bentii, Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, Kalanchoe bouvetii, Kalanchoe bracteata, Kalanchoe campanulata, Kalanchoe crenata, Kalanchoe crundallii, Kalanchoe daigremontiana, Kalanchoe delagoensis, Kalanchoe dinklagei, Kalanchoe eriophylla, Kalanchoe farinacea, Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi, Kalanchoe figuereidoi, Kalanchoe flammea, Kalanchoe gastonis, Kalanchoe glauoeier, Kalanchoe graanchoe, Kalanchoe graanchoe, Kalanchoe, graanchoe, Kalanchoe, graanchoe , Kalanchoe laciniata, Kalanchoe laetivirens, Kalanchoe lateritia, Kalanchoe laxiflora, Kalanchoe linearifolia, Kalanchoe longiflora, Kalanchoe luciae, Kalanchoe macrochlamys, Kalanchoe manginii, Kalanchoe mamieriana, Kalanchoe marmorata, Kalanchoe millotta, Kalanchoe minottika, Kalanchoe minika , Kalanchoe obtusa, Kalanchoe orgyalis, Kalanchoe peltata, Kalanchoe petitiana, Kalanchoe pinnata, Kalanchoe porphyrocalyx, Kalanchoe prolifera, Kalanchoe pubescens, Kalanchoe pumila, Kalanchoe quartiniana, Kalanchoe rhombopilosa, Kalanchoe robusta, Kalanchoe rolanchoe, Kalanchoe rotanchanch Kalanchoe roseanchoe Kalanchoe roseanchoe serrata, Kalanchoe sexangularis, Kalanchoe streptantha, Kalanchoe suarezensis, Kalanchoe synsepala, Kalanchoe synsepalaf dissecta, Kalanchoe thyrsiflora, Kalanchoe tomentosa, Kalanchoe tubiflora, Kalanchoe uniflora, Kalanchoe velutina and Kalanchoe viguieri 'group consisting of flowering plants. K. blossfeldiana, K. laciniata, K. rotundifolia, K. aromatica, K. pubescens, K. grandiflora, K. citrina, K. ambolensis, K.faustii, K. schumacherii, K. pritwitzii, K. flammea, K. figueredoi, K. rauhii, K. obtusa, K. pumila, K. marmorata, K. porphyrocalux, K. jongmansii, K. pinnata, K. diagremontiana, K. gracilipes, K. campanulata, K. latisepela, K. coccinea, K. fedtschenkoi, K. tubiflora, K. decumbens, K. manginii, K. orgyalis, K. crenata, K. tomentosa and hybrids thereof.

A plant, protoplast or plant parts comprising a protein according to any of claims 1 to 9, a nucleic acid according to any of claims 10 to 12 or a gene according to claim 13, wherein said plant, or a plant obtained from said protoplast or plant parts is resistant to mildew, preferably resistant to the mildew pathogen Oidium kalanchoeae.

The plant, protoplast or plant parts according to claim 16, wherein said Kalanchoe plant, protoplast or plant parts are selected from the group consisting of Kalanchoe adelae, Kalanchoe arborescens, Kalanchoe beauverdii, Kalanchoe beharensis, Kalanchoe bentii, Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, Kalanchoe bouvetii, Kalanchoe bracteata , Kalanchoe campanulata, Kalanchoe crenata, Kalanchoe crundallii, Kalanchoe daigremontiana, Kalanchoe delagoensis, Kalanchoe dinklagei, Kalanchoe eriophylla, Kalanchoe farinacea, Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi, Kalanchoe figuereidoi, Kalanchoe flammea, Kalanchoe glaanchu grau, kalanchu glaanchu, Kalanchoe glaanchu, Kalanchoe glaanchu, Kalanchoe glaanchu hildebrantii, Kalanchoe jongmansii, Kalanchoe kewensis, Kalanchoe laciniata, Kalanchoe laetivirens, Kalanchoe lateritia, Kalanchoe laxiflora, Kalanchoe linearifolia, Kalanchoe longiflora, Kalanchoe luciae, Kalanchoe macrochlamys, Kalanchoe manginii, Kalanchoe maranchera, Kalanchoe maranchiera oe millottii, Kalanchoe miniata, Kalanchoe nyikae, Kalanchoe obtusa, Kalanchoe orgyalis, Kalanchoe peltata, Kalanchoe petitiana, Kalanchoe pinnata, Kalanchoe porphyrocalyx, Kalanchoe prolifera, Kalanchoe pubescens, Kalanchoe pumila, Kalanchoe quartinoe, Kalanchoe, Kalanchoe, Kalanchoe, Kalanchoe, Kalanchoe, Kalanchoe, Kalanchoe, Kalanchoe, Kalanchoe , Kalanchoe rotundifolia, Kalanchoe schizophylla, Kalanchoe serrata, Kalanchoe sexangularis, Kalanchoe streptantha, Kalanchoe suarezensis, Kalanchoe synsepala, Kalanchoe synsepalaf dissecta, Kalanchoe thyrsiflora, Kalanchoe tomentosa, Kalanchoe tubiflora, Kalanchoe Kalifoeuuoe, Kalanchoe unuphoe plant, Kalanchoe Kalifuuoe, Kalanchoe kalifuuoeoe selected from the group consisting of K. blossfeldiana, K. laciniata, K. rotundifolia, K. aromatica, K. pubescens, K. grandiflora, K. citrina, K. ambolensis, K. faustii, K. schumacherii, K. pritwitzii , K. flammea, K. figueredoi, K. rauhii, K. obtusa, K. pumila, K. marmorata, K. porphyrocalux, K. jongmansii, K. pinnata, K. diagremontiana, K. gracilipes, K. campanulata, K. latisepela, K. coccinea, K. fedtschenkoi, K. tubiflora, K. decumbens, K. manginii, K. orgyalis, K. crenata, K. tomentosa and hybrids thereof.

Use of a protein according to any of claims 1 to 9 or a nucleic acid according to any of claims 10 to 12 or a gene according to claim 13 for the development of a molecular marker indicative of, or associated with, mildew resistance, preferably resistance to the pathogen Oidium kalanchoeae.