Abstract: The invention relates to a method to improve breeding in dioecious plants, preferably Asparagus plants, comprising providing a plant in which the functional expression of the dominant suppressor of gynoecium development is disrupted or reduced and introducing said plant in inbreeding, backcross breeding, recurrent backcross breeding or double haploid breeding techniques. Preferably said dominant suppressor of gynoecium development is a gene comprising a DUF247 domain. Also provided are dioeciuos plants in which the expression of this gene is disrupted or reduced.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the field of plant breeding and, more specifically, to the development of white rust (Albugo occidentalis) resistant and downy mildew (Peronospora farinosa f. sp. spinaceae) resistant spinach plants having elite agronomic traits. The resistance to white rust is conferred by one or more alleles that co-segregate with at least one molecular marker selected from the group of SEQ ID No. 1-10. The resistance to downy mildew is conferred by an allele that co-segregates with at least one molecular marker selected from the group of SEQ ID No. 11-13. The disclosure relates further to the use of the molecular markers.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the field of plant breeding and, more specifically, to the development of white rust (Albugo occidentalis) resistant and downy mildew (Peronospora farinosa f. sp. spinaceae) resistant spinach plants having elite agronomic traits. The resistance to white rust is conferred by one or more alleles that co-segregate with at least one molecular marker selected from the group of SEQ ID No. 1-10. The resistance to downy mildew is conferred by an allele that co-segregates with at least one molecular marker selected from the group of SEQ ID No. 11-13. The disclosure relates further to the use of the molecular markers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method to improve breeding in dioecious plants, preferably Asparagus plants, comprising providing a plant in which the functional expression of the dominant suppressor of gynoecium development is disrupted or reduced and introducing said plant in inbreeding, backcross breeding, recurrent backcross breeding or double haploid breeding techniques. Preferably said dominant suppressor of gynoecium development is a gene comprising a DUF247 domain. Also provided are dioeciuos plants in which the expression of this gene is disrupted or reduced.