This invention relates to method for increasing resistance against pathogen or parasites in a perennial plant, in particular an apple plant. The invention also relates an isolated polynucleotide for use in this method. In the method of the invention a perennial plant with increased resistance against pathogens or parasites is obtained by incorporating into the genome of said perennial plant a gene that confers resistance against pathogens or parasites, wherein said gene is preferably derived from a plant that is capable of natural breeding with said perennial plant. In particular, this invention relates to a method for increasing resistance to apple scab by introducing Rvi15 (Vr2).
