Stay green trait: variation, inheritance and its association with spot blotch resistance in spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

One thousand four hundred and seven spring wheat germplasm lines belonging to Indian and CIMMYT wheat programs were evaluated for stay green (SG) trait and resistance to spot blotch caused by Bipolaris sorokiniana during three consecutive crop seasons, 1999–2000, 2000–2001 and 2001–2002. Disease severity was recorded at six different growth stages beginning from tillering to late milk stage. SG trait was measured by following two approaches: difference for 0–9 scoring of green coloration (chlorophyll) of flag leaf and spike at the late dough stage (GS 87) and a new approach of leaf area under greenness (LAUG). Germplasm lines showed a wide range (7–89) for LAUG and were grouped into four viz., SG, moderately stay green, moderately non-stay green and non-stay green (NSG). However, very few (2.2%) lines showed high expression of SG trait, i.e., LAUG >60. LAUG appeared to be a better measure of SG trait than a 0–9 scale. Mean spot blotch ratings of SG genotypes were significantly lower than those of NSG genotypes at all growth stages. Two spot blotch resistant genotypes (Chirya 3 and Chirya 7) having strong expressions of SG trait were crossed with NSG, spot blotch susceptible cv. Sonalika. Individually threshed F₂ plants were used to advance the generations. SG trait and spot blotch severity were recorded in the parents and F₁, F₃, F₄, F₅, F₆ and F_6–7 generations under disease-protected and inoculated conditions. SG trait in the F₁ generation was intermediate and showed absence of dominance. Evaluation of progenies (202–207) in the segregating generations revealed that SG trait was under the control of around four additive genes. Lines homozygous for SG trait in F₄, F₅, F₆ and F_6–7 generations showed significantly lower mean area under disease progress curve (AUDPC) for spot blotch than those with NSG expression. A positive correlation (0.73) between SG trait and AUDPC further indicated a positive influence of SG on severity of spot blotch. The study established that variation for SG trait exists in spring wheat; around four additive genes control its inheritance in the crosses studied and there is positive association between SG trait and resistance to spot blotch.     

Variation and inheritance of leaf angle, and its association with spot blotch (Bipolaris sorokiniana) severity in wheat (Triticum aestivum)

One thousand four hundred and seven spring wheat germplasm lines belonging to Indian and CIMMYT wheat programs were evaluated for their leaf angle and resistance to spot blotch caused by Bipolaris sorokiniana during three consecutive crop seasons, 1994–95, 1995–96 and 1996–97.Disease severity was recorded at six different growth stages beginning from tillering to late milk stage. Three crosses (M 3109 × Sonalika, HP 1808 × K 9006 and HD 2662 × K 9006) were made between genotypes with erect and drooping leaves. M 3109 was resistant, Sonalika susceptible while the other three lines possessed moderate resistance to spot blotch. Individually threshed F₂ plants were used to advance the generations. Leaf angle and spot blotch resistance were recorded in parents, F₁, F₃, F₄and F₅ generations. Leaf erectness in F₁ generation showed partial dominance. Evaluation of F₃, F₄ and F₅ progenies(120–150) revealed that leaf angle was under the control of few genes that appeared to be close to three. Germplasm lines with erect and semi-erect leaves displayed lower spot blotch severity than those having drooping and semi-drooping leaves. Lines homozygous for erect leaf posture in F₃,F₄ and F₅ generations showed significantly lower mean AUDPC than those with drooping leaves. A positive correlation (0.58) between leaf angle and AUDPC further indicated a positive influence of leaf erectness on severity to spot blotch disease. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Relationship of plant height and days to maturity with resistance to spot blotch in wheat

A total of 1,407 spring wheat (T. aestivum) lines of Indian and CIMMYT (International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre, Mexico) origin were evaluated for plant height, days to maturity and resistance to spot blotch (caused by Bipolaris sorokiniana) during the 1994–95, 1995–96 and 1996–97 crop seasons. The frequency distribution of genotypes, based on disease score ignoring the growth stages, differed from the distribution in which disease score was assessed on a similar growth stage. Two crosses each,between `tall resistant × dwarf susceptible' and `late resistant × early susceptible' genotypes, were made. The evaluation of homozygous resistant lines in the F₃, F₄ and F₅ generations of both crosses showed a wide range of plant height and days to maturity. These lines showed significant differences for plant height and days to maturity but did not show a significant difference for AUDPC values of spot blotch. The correlation coefficients for AUDPC versus plant height or days to maturity were weak, i.e., – 0.336 and 0.061, respectively. Results indicated that resistance to spot blotch severity was independent of plant height and days to maturity in progenies from these crosses.     

Monosomic analysis of Helminthosporium leaf blight resistance genes in wheat

A set of 21 monosomic (2n ‐ 1) and the disomic (2n) lines of the ‘Chinese Spring’ cultivar were crossed with ‘Chirya‐3′, the CIMMYT synthetic wheat line which has been identified as highly resistant for Helminthosporium leaf blight disease (HLB), in order to locate the genes governing disease resistance. The F₁ and segregating populations were challenged and screened against the most virulent pure mono‐conidial HLB isolate KL‐8 (Karnal, India). The F₁ progenies of the crosses were found to be susceptible because of the recessive nature of resistance. The F₂ progeny of the control cross (‘Chinese Spring’בChirya‐3’), segregated in the ratio of 1: 15 (resistant: susceptible), indicating that resistance to HLB was controlled by a pair of recessive genes. While the F₂ progeny of 19 monosomic crosses segregated in the ratio of 1: 15 (resistant: susceptible), the progeny of the remaining two crosses, 7B and 7D, deviated significantly from the ratio, revealing that 7B and 7D were the critical chromosomes for resistance genes that were located one on each chromosome. Moreover, the critical lines, 7B and 7D, confirmed the digenic complementary recessive nature of gene action by fitting well with the overall pooled F₂ segregation ratio of 13: 51 (resistant: susceptible) as expected for digenic complementary recessive resistance. The F₃ segregation ratios of the critical crosses, based on their pooled F₂ analysis, was estimated as 19: 32: 13 (non‐segregating susceptible: segregating as susceptible and resistant: non‐segregating resistant). F₃ progenies when tested with these ratios showed goodness‐of‐fit, confirming that the two pairs of recessive resistance genes were located on chromosomes 7B and 7D.     

Genetic analysis of gene‐specific resistance to mungbean yellow mosaic virus in mungbean (Vigna radiata)

Six intervarietal crosses involving two resistant and three susceptible genotypes of mungbean were attempted with the objectives to determine the mode of inheritance of gene‐specific Mungbean Yellow Mosaic Virus (MYMV) resistance. An infector row technique along with artificial inoculation was used for evaluating parents, F₁, F₂ and F₃ plants for MYMV resistance. Disease scoring for MYMV indicated that F₁s were highly susceptible as were the susceptible parents while resistant parent exhibited resistant reaction. The F₂ progeny segregated in the ratio of 9 S:3 MS:3 MR:1 R suggesting that the resistance was governed by digenic recessive genes (r_m1 and r_m2). When one gene (r_m1) was present in the homozygous recessive condition in different plants, it conferred moderately susceptible (MS) reaction, whereas when other gene (r_m2) was in homozygous condition, moderately resistant (MR) reaction was obvious. When both genes (r_m1 and r_m2) were present together in the homozygous recessive condition, resistant reaction (R) was observed. The F₂ segregation explained on the basis of phenotypic expression was further confirmed by F₃ segregation.     

The inheritance of resistance to blue mold (Peronospora tabacina Adam) in two cultivars of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.)

Summary Two blue-mold resistant cultivars of Nicotiana tabacum L. were crossed with each other and with the susceptible Israeli local cultivar Mikhal. F₁, F₂ and F₃ progenies of these crosses, F₁ and F₂ of backcrosses and the parental varieties were grown in a series of experiments, in which the seedlings were exposed to heavy natural infection with Peronospora tabacina Adam. The genetic basis of resistance was found to be identical in the two resistant strains Bel-61-10 and Chemical mutant. A single dominant major gene determined the segregation of resistance versus susceptibility in the crosses of these strains with Mikhal. The level of resistance of resistant segregates was shifted by environment and by quantitatively modifying genes. The index of resistance, which was calculated as a weighted mean of the degree of blue-mold expression of the resistant segregates, differed in the generations of cross progeny. This could be explained by the different expected levels of the modifying genes in these generations. Heritability of the index of resistance was calculated by parent-offspring regression and it was found to be 0.542 in the F₃ and 0.227 in F₂ backcross progenies.     

Genetic analysis of resistance to <Emphasis Type="Italic">Fusarium</Emphasis> root rot in common bean

Fusarium root rot (FRR) is a major disease of common bean worldwide. Knowledge of the inheritance of resistance to FRR would be important in devising strategies to breed resistant varieties. Therefore, a 12 × 12 full diallel mating scheme with reciprocal crosses was performed to generate 132 F₁ progenies, which were then advanced to the F₃. The progenies were evaluated for resistance to FRR under green house conditions in Uganda. General combining ability (GCA) effects were highly significant (P ≤ 0.01) for disease scores. Specific combining ability effects were not significant (P > 0.05) in the F₁, but were highly significant (P < 0.01) in the F₃ generation. These results indicate that resistance to FRR was governed by genes with additive effects in combination with genes with non-additive effects. Reciprocal differences were also significant (P = 0.01) at F₁ and F₃, primarily reflecting a large influence of maternal effects in both these generations. In fact, susceptible parents did not differ significantly (P > 0.05) for disease scores when used as paternal parents in the F₃, but differed strongly as maternal parents (P = 0.0002). Generally, the progenies were distinctly more resistant when the resistant parent was used as the female in crosses, especially as observed in the F₃. The maternal effects were strong in the F₃ generation, suggesting a complex form of cytoplasmic–genetic interaction. The non-maternal reciprocal effects in the F₃ were significant (P < 0.05) in both the resistant × resistant diallel, and in the resistant × susceptible crosses. Mid-parent heterosis (MPH) occurred in most crosses, with average heterosis approximately equal in each of the three generations, indicating that epistasis was probably more influential than dominance of individual genes. Gene-number formulas indicated that several genes were involved in resistant × susceptible crosses. Among resistant × resistant crosses, many produced continuous distributions of F₁ progeny scores, suggesting polygenic inheritance, while bi-modal distributions were characteristic of the F₃ distributions, and fit expected ratios for two or three loci segregating in each cross. Dominant forms of epistasis favoring resistance were strongly indicated. Parent–offspring heritability estimates were moderate. Overall, the results indicate that resistant parents contain a number of different resistance genes that can be combined with the expectation of producing strong and durable resistance. The lines MLB-49-89A, MLB-48-89, RWR719 and Vuninkingi, with large and negative GCA effects, contributed high levels of resistance in crosses and would be recommended for use in breeding programs.     

Heritability estimates of field resistance to spot blotch in four spring wheat crosses

Spot blotch of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), caused by Bipolaris sorokiniana (Sacc. in Sorok.) Shoem., is a major disease in South Asia. Popular commercial cultivars have low levels of resistance to spot blotch. Information on the inheritance of spot blotch resistance in wheat is lacking. Field studies were conducted in four wheat crosses, each involving a Chinese hexaploid parent with high levels of resistance and a commercial cultivar with low to intermediate levels of resistance to spot blotch. Data were recorded in the F₂, F₃ and F₄ generations to estimate heritability. Field studies were conducted in three years (1992–94) at Rampur. Nepal, involving 150 lines in each cross. The spot blotch score was recorded as the percentage necrosis and associated chlorosis of the two upper most leaf surface. In the F₂ generation three spot blotch readings on the flag leaf were taken whereas in the F₃ and F₄ generations four readings were recorded at 5-day intervals on the flag and the penultimate leaves. The highest disease score (HDS) and the area under disease progress curve (AUDPC) were analysed. Heritability (h²) estimates for spot blotch resistance were intermediate to high measured in terms of HDS (0.47 < h² < 0.67) and also AUDPC (0.58 < h² < 0.77) both in F₃ and F₄ generations in each of the four crosses. Heritability values were somewhat higher for AUDPC than HDS. There were significant negative correlations (r) of days to heading with HDS (-0.186 < r < -0.515) and AUDPC (-0.218 < r < -0.623). One-hundred kernel weight was significantly negatively correlated to AUDPC (-0.245 < r < -0.454) in all crosses in each generation. The results suggest that selection for resistance to spot blotch could be effective in the segregating populations generated from hexaploid wheat parents having different levels of resistance. Although AUDPC appeared to be a better measure to determine genetic differences for spot blotch in wheat, HDS would be adequate in screening trials for resistance to spot blotch.     

Combining ability analysis of resistance to Helminthosporium leaf blight in spring wheat

Wheat breeders in South Asia are attempting to develop wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars resistant to Helminthosporium leaf blight (HLB), which occurs mainly as a complex of spot blotch caused by Cochliobolus sativus (Ito & Kuribayashi) Drechs. ex Dastur, and tan spot caused by Pyrenophora tritici-repentis (Died.) Drechs. Information on the combining ability for HLB resistance in wheat cultivars of South Asia is not available. This study was undertaken to examine the resistance to HLB in nine genetically diverse wheat parents, and to evaluate their general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) effects toward determining the genetic basis of disease resistance. Nine parents were crossed in a half-diallel mating design to produce 36 populations. The F₁ and F₂ progenies, and the parents were evaluated in replicated field tests at Rampur, Nepal. Multiple disease scores were recorded, and area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC) was calculated to measure disease severity over time. The combining ability analysis was performed using Griffing's Method 2, Model 1. The parents chosen showed wide variation for resistance to HLB. They and the F₁ and F₂ progenies differed significantly for AUDPC. GCA and SCA effects were significant in both generations suggesting that additive as well as non-additive genetic mechanisms were involved in the expression of resistance in these parents. Wheat genotypes 'SW89-5422', 'G 162', 'NL 781'and 'Chirya 7' had significantly negative GCA effects for AUDPC in both F₁ and F₂ generations, suggesting their prime suitability for use in wheat breeding programs to improve resistance to HLB. The estimate of narrow-sense heritability was 0.77 in both generations suggesting that selection for HLB resistance should be effective in these crosses. The results indicate a predominance of additive gene action in the inheritance of HLB resistance in spring wheat.     

Inheritance of resistance to Fusarium wilt in Indian lentil germplasm (Lens culinaris Medik.)

Summary Three lentil genotypes resistant to Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lentis viz. Pant L 234, JL 446 and LP 286 were crossed with two susceptible ones. The hybrid plants were all resistant in the eight crosses evaluated. Segregation pattern for wilt reaction in F₂, BC(P₁), BC(P₂) and F₃ generations in field and glasshouse conditions indicated that resistance to Fusarium wilt is under the control of two dominant duplicate genes in Pant L 234 and two independent dominant genes with complementary effects in JL 446 and LP 286. A third dominant gene complementary to the dominant genes in JL 446 and LP 286 is present in two susceptible lines. Allelic tests suggest the presence of five independently segregating genes for resistance. Duplicate dominant genes in Pant L 234 are non-allelic to two dominant genes with complementary effects in LP 286 and JL 446 and the third gene complementary to the two genes in JL 446 and LP 286 in susceptible lines JL 641 and L 9–12. Gene symbols among parental genotypes have been designated.     

Inheritance of resistance to Pyrenophora teres f. teres in spring barley

The inheritance of seedling resistance to a Swedish isolate of Pyrenophora teres f. teres was investigated in four resistance sources of spring barley. Accessions CI 2330, CI 5791, CI 5822 and CI 9779 were used as resistance sources, and the cultivar ‘Alexis’ was used as a susceptible parent in different crosses. From the disease reaction in the F₁, F₂ and F₃ generations it was concluded that the resistance was governed by the same two complementary genes in CI 5791, CI 822 and CI 9776. One of these genes was present in CI 2330. The first three cultivars were highly resistant to the isolate used in this investigation. These results, when combined with earlier studies, suggest that CI 5791, CI 5822 and CI 9776 may be of great value as sources of resistance to barley net blotch. Spearman's rank correlation between the disease reaction of F₂ plants and their F₃ progeny was highly significant (r = 0.75; P ≥ 0.001) It is suggested that selection in the F₂ generation is effective. In a backcross breeding scheme, single plant reactions in F₁ or F₂ need to be confirmed in later generations.     

Genetical analysis of resistance to Mycosphaerella pinodes in pea seedlings

Summary In studies of the inheritance of resistance, pea seedlings of seven lines in which stems and leaves were both resistant to Mycosphaerella pinodes were crossed with a line in which they were both susceptible. With seven of the crosses resistance was dominant to susceptibility. When F₂ progenies of five crosses were inoculated on either stems or leaves independently, phenotypes segregated in a ratio of 3 resistant: 1 susceptible indicating that a single dominant gene controlled resistance. F₂ progenies of one other cross gave ratios with a better fit to 9 resistant: 7 susceptible indicating that two co-dominant genes controlled resistance. The F₂ progeny of another cross segregated in complex ratios indicating multigene resistance.When resistant lines JI 97 and JI 1089 were crossed with a susceptible line and leaves and stems of each F₂ plant were inoculated, resistance phenotypes segregated independently demonstrating that leaf and stem resistance were controlled by different genes. In two experiments where the F₂ progeny of the cross JI 97×JI 1089 were tested for stem and leaf resistance separately, both characters segregated in a ratio of 15 resistant:1 susceptible indicating that these two resistant lines contain two non-allelic genes for stem resistance (designated Rmp1 and Rmp2) and two for leaf resistance (designated Rmp3 and Rmp4). Evidence that the gene for leaf resistance in JI 1089 is located in linkage group 4 of Pisum sativum is presented.     

Field screening of simulated segregating barley populations for resistance to scald

Summary Simulated segregating barley populations were screened for resistance to scald (Rhynchosporium secalis) in the field at commercial seeding rates. A reduction in infection on the susceptible component occurred with increasing proportions of resistant genotypes. Similar trends were seen in space planted experiments but the use of susceptible buffer rows counteracted the effect, enhanced the infection in susceptible plants and greatly improved discrimination between resistant and susceptible. These results have been applied to the routine testing of F₂ populations in the barley breeding programme.     

Inheritance of resistance to Karnal bunt (Tilletia indica Mitra) in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

The mode of inheritance and allelic relationships among genes conferring resistance to Karnal bunt were studied in seven bread-wheat (six resistant and one susceptible) genotypes. The resistant genotypes originated in China (‘Shanghai#8’), Brazil (PF71131), the USA (‘Chris’), and Mexico (‘Amsel’, CMH77.308 and ‘Pigeon’). The susceptible line WL711 was from India. Evaluation of these wheat lines and all possible crosses among their F₁ and F₃ generations (about 100 progenies in each cross) revealed that two partially recessive genes conferred the resistance to Karnal bunt in ‘Pigeon’, whereas four partially dominant genes were present in the other genotypes. ‘Chris’, ‘Amsel’ and PF71131 carry one gene, whereas ‘Shanghai#8’ and CMH77.308 have two genes. ‘Chris’, ‘Amsel’, and PF71131 have different genes, whereas one gene was common to PF71131, CMH77.308 and ‘Shanghai#8’, and another to ‘Chris’ and CMH77.308. Gene symbols were formally designated to the resistant stocks. Resistance was incomplete and stable.     

Genetic analysis of resistance to watermelon bud necrosis orthotospovirus in watermelon [Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum & Nakai]

An experiment was conducted to study the genetics and nature of gene action of resistance to watermelon bud necrosis orthotospovirus (WBNV) in watermelon. The experimental materials comprised of two resistant (BIL‐53 and IIHR‐19) and one susceptible (IIHR‐140) parents. Each of the resistant parents was crossed with the susceptible parent to develop six generations (P1, P2, F₁, F₂, BC1 and BC2) to study genetics. The results of segregation in F₂ and backcross progenies suggested that resistance is governed by a major dominant gene along with other background minor genes in both the crosses. BIL‐53 was found to possess higher degree of resistance with simple inheritance and hence may be of interest to breeders. Simple selection can be effective for improving the trait in the cross BIL‐53 × IIHR‐140 as additive gene action is prevalent.     

Genetic analysis of grain mold resistance in white seed sorghum genotypes

Grain molds in rainy season sorghums can cause poor grain quality resulting in economic losses. Grain molds are a major constraint to the sorghum production and for adoption of the improved cultivars. A complex of fungi causes grain mold. Information on genetics of grain mold resistance and mechanisms is required to facilitate the breeding of durable resistant cultivars. A genetic study was conducted using one white susceptible, three white resistant/tolerant sources, and one colored resistant source in the crossing programme to obtain four crosses. P₁, P₂, F₁, BC₁, and BC₂, and F₂ families of each cross were evaluated for the field grade and threshed grade scores, under sprinkler irrigation. Generation mean analyses and frequency distribution studies were carried out. The frequency distribution studies showed that grain mold resistance in the white-grained resistance sources was polygenic. The additive gene action and additive × additive gene interaction were significant in all the crosses. Simple recurrent selection or backcrossing should accumulate the genes for resistance. Epistasis gene interactions were observed in colored resistance × white resistance cross. Gene interaction was influenced by pronounced G × E. Pooled analysis showed that environment × additive gene interaction and environment × dominant gene interaction were significant. The complex genetics of mold resistance is due to the presence of different mechanisms of inheritance from various sources. Evaluation of segregating population for resistance and selection for stable derivatives in advanced generations in different environments will be effective.     

Genetics of resistance to ascochyta blight in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Summary Six chickpea lines resistant to Ascochyta rabiei (Pass.) Lab. were crossed to four susceptible cultivars. The hybrids were resistant in all the crosses except the crosses where resistant line BRG 8 was involved. Segregation pattern for diseases reaction in F₂, BCP₁, BCP₂ and F₃ generations in field and glasshouse conditions revealed that resistance to Ascochyta blight is under the control of a single dominant gene in EC 26446, PG 82-1, P 919, P 1252-1 and NEC 2451 while a recessive gene is responsible in BRG 8. Allelic tests indicated the presence of three independently segregating genes for resistance; one dominant gene in P 1215-1 and one in EC 26446 and PG 82-1, and a recessive one in BRG 8.Research paper No. 3600     

Genetic Relationships Among Four Pepper Genotypes Resistant to Phytophthora capsici

According to our previous investigations, resistance to Phytophthora capsid in Capsicum annuum genotypes, ‘Line 29’, ‘PI201232’, ‘PI201234’ and Serrano Criollo de Morelos 334 (‘SCM334’), seems to be controlled by three genes. In order to determine the genie relationships between these four sources of resistance, three experiments were conducted which included the four genotypes, their F₁s, F₂s, F3s and BC₁ generations together with the susceptible pepper genotype ‘Morron INI A 224’. Inoculations were made, when plants had 4—6 leaves, by irrigating the culture substrate with a zoospore suspension of P. capsici isolate ‘Bl’. Though the four genotypes showed percentages of resistance close to a 100%, none of them actually reached this level in the three experiments. ‘SCM334’ was the most resistant genotype, transmitting a high level of resistance to its F₁, F₂ and BQ generations. ‘Line 29’ was more resistant than ‘PI201232’ and ‘PI201234’. However, the F₁ F₂ and BQ generations of these three lines showed similar degrees of resistance. The four genotypes seem to have one of the three genes postulated for their resistance in common. All genes displayed a similar level of resistance, except the specific genes of ‘SCM334’, the effect of which was slightly higher. Several working procedures are suggested for breeding programmes.     

Identification of RAPD and SCAR markers linked to northern leaf blight resistance in waxy corn (Zea mays var. ceratina)

Exserohilum turcicum causes northern corn leaf blight (NCLB), an important disease occurring in maize producing areas throughout the world. Currently, the development of cultivars resistant to E. turcicum seems to be the most efficient method to control NCLB damage. Marker-assisted selection (MAS) enables breeders to improve selection efficiency. The objective of this work was to identify random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and sequence characterized amplified region (SCAR) markers associated with NCLB resistance. Bulked segregant analysis (BSA) was used to search for RAPD markers linked to NCLB resistance genes, using F₂ segregating population obtained by crossing a susceptible inbred ‘209W’ line with a resistant inbred ‘241W’ line. Two hundred and twenty-two decamer primers were screened to identify four RAPD markers: OPA07₅₂₁, OPA16₄₅₇, OPB09₅₂₀, and OPE20₅₃₆ linked to NCLB resistance phenotype. These markers were converted into dominant SCAR markers: SCA07₄₉₆, SCA16₄₂₀, SCB09₄₆₄, and SCE20₄₂₉, respectively. The RAPD and SCAR markers were developed successfully to identify NCLB resistant genotypes in segregating progenies carrying NCLB resistant traits. Thus, the markers identified in this study should be applicable for MAS for the NCLB resistance in waxy corn breeding programs.     

Genetic control of resistance to the aphid Brevicoryne brassicae in the wild species Brassica fruticulosa

Initial studies have shown variable resistance in Brassica fruticulosa to the aphid Brevicoryne brassicae The aim of this work was to fix high levels of resistance to B. brassicae in true breeding lines of B. fruticulosa and obtain data on the genetic control of resistance. Plants from initially variable B. fruticulosa accessions were selfed to produce inbred resistant and susceptible lines that were studied in three separate experiments to determine the extent to which resistance to B. brassicae had been fixed. Results from three experiments using successive generations of resistant and susceptible inbred lines showed that continued selection resulted in resistant inbred lines that supported an average of three aphids per plant compared with an average of 96 aphids per plant for susceptible inbred lines. Data collected from an experiment determining the resistant phenotype of lines including the selfed progenies and the F₁ and F₂ progeny of a cross between resistant and susceptible individual plants indicated that the resistance was not controlled by a single gene.