Bioinformatic analysis of the putative hop antifungal chitinase HCH1

Hop (Humulus lupulus) is highly susceptible to powdery mildew caused by the fungal pathogen Podosphaera macularis. The putative resistance (R) gene HCH1 is purported to encode an endochitinase with antifungal activity. Whilst expression of HCH1 is associated with fungal resistance, no studies to date have verified that HCH1 encodes an endochitinase. Herein bioinformatics approach is used to characterise the putative HCH1 gene and confirm the identity of the associated encoded protein: a family 19 class IB endochitinase. The characterisation of HCH1 provides insights into the evolved biotic stress response by hop, and thereby presents as a promising target for selective breeding of powdery mildew resistant crops.