Cultivar reactions and the genetic basis of resistance to alternaria stem canker (Alternaria alternata f.sp. lycopersici) in tomato

The reactions of several tomato cultivars and the genetic basis of resistance to an isolate of Alternaria alternata f. sp. lycopersici were examined. Among the 105 cultivars tested only two, Regal and Toper, were susceptible, while the remainder were highly resistant. The resistant cultivar ACE 55 VF (P_;) was crossed with the susceptible cultivar Earlypak No. 7 (P₁)- When F₁, F₂, F₃, BC₁, BC₁ selfed, F₂ X P₂ and BC₁P₂ x P₁ progenies were inoculated at the two-leaf stage with a suspension of spores of the pathogen, the ratios of resistant to susceptible plants indicated that resistance was conferred by a single dominant gene.     

Transgressive segregation for resistance to Pyrenophora teres in barley

Populations of F₁, F₂, F₁× parent 1 (BC1), F₁× parent 2 (BC2), and F₃ resulting from two crosses between four susceptible varieties of barley used in national and international breeding programmes were tested at the seedling stage for their resistance to an isolate of Pyrenophora teres which is virulent to the parental varieties. Infection type, average lesion size, and number of lesions per unit leaf area were used to assess disease reaction. In the two crosses, F₂ and especially F₃ generations (produced by self pollination of selected resistant F₂ plants) showed more resistance expressed by infection type and average lesion size than either parent. The frequency distributions of F₂ and F₃ generations derived from these crosses were continuous and showed transgressive segregation for resistance. The results indicated that the four cultivars used in this study possessed additive genes for resistance to P. teres. Thus useful resistance could be obtained following crossing of susceptible cultivars and selection in succeeding generations.     

Occurrence and inheritance of resistance to powdery mildew (Oidium lycopersici) in Lycopersicon species

Among 146 accessions of Lycopersicon pimpinellifolium , 132 of L. esculentum var. cerasiforme and 53 of L. peruvianum screened for resistance to powdery mildew, caused by Oidium lycopersici , a wide variation in reactions was found. Two plants of L. esculentum var. cerasiforme accession LA-1230 were resistant. One resistant symptomless plant of accession LA-1230, designated LC-95, produced homozygous resistant progenies. LC-95 was crossed with cv. Marmande (susceptible parent) and F₁, F₂ and backcrosses to the resistant and the susceptible parents were derived. These genotypes were grown in glasshouses at 23°C and 95–100% RH and inoculated with O. lycopersici . The F₁ plants were susceptible. F₂ and backcross segregations fitted the hypothesis of a single recessive gene which is here designated ol-2 .     

Inheritance of resistance to carboxylic acid amide (CAA) fungicides in Plasmopara viticola

Mandipropamid is a new mandelic acid amide fungicide expressing high activity against foliar infecting oomycetes, including the grapevine downy mildew, Plasmopara viticola . Because cross-resistance with the valinamide fungicides iprovalicarb and benthiavalicarb and the cinnamic acid amide fungicides dimethomorph and flumorph was postulated, all five compounds are classified as carboxylic acid amide (CAA) fungicides. To support this classification, cross-resistance among these compounds with field isolates and the segregation of resistance in F₁ and F₂ progeny of P. viticola were evaluated. A bimodal distribution of sensitivity in field isolates and cross-resistance among all CAAs for the vast majority of isolates were detected. Crosses between sensitive (s) and CAA-resistant (r) isolates of opposite mating types, P1 and P2, yielded abundant oospores. All F₁-progeny isolates were sensitive to CAAs (s:r segregation 1:0), whereas in F₂ progeny segregation of about 9:1 (s:r) was observed suggesting that resistance to CAA fungicides is controlled by two recessive nuclear genes. Mating type segregated in a ratio P1:P2 of c . 2:1 in F₁ and 1:1 in F₂ progeny. In the same crosses, resistance to the phenylamide fungicide mefenoxam segregated in a ratio of c . 1:3:2 (sensitive:intermediate:resistant), reflecting the monogenic, semidominant nature of resistance. The risk of resistance in P. viticola was classified as high for phenylamide and moderate for CAA fungicides. This is the first report on the inheritance of phenotypic traits in P. viticola .     

Genetic analyses of resistance of the wheat differential cultivars Carstens V and Spaldings Prolific to two races of Puccinia striiformis

Genetic analysis of resistance of wheat seedlings to two races of Puccinia striiformis was conducted on F₁, F₂ and F₃ generations from crosses Carstens V (CV) × Lee, Spaldings Prolific (SPA) × Lee and CV × SPA. F₂ generations from crosses of CV and SPA with Strubes Dickkopf (SD) were also studied. The plants were classified into six resistance classes and analysed by factorial correspondence analysis and nonhierarchical classification. The two P. striiformis isolates tested were a French isolate of race 43E138 and a Lebanese isolate of race 2E16, selected for the differences in their virulence spectra for the common differential cultivars Strubes Dickkopf and Nord Desprez. Resistance of CV and SPA was recessive and dominant to races 43E138 and 2E16, respectively. CV possessed three or four resistance genes, one of them being expressed with both races. Two genes of CV had a cumulative effect for resistance to 43E138 and two or three gave dominant resistance to 2E16. SPA had three resistance genes, all of which gave resistance to 2E16 and two of which also gave resistance to 43E138. SPA had one gene in common with CV for resistance to both races. Furthermore, the gene for resistance to race 2E16 in CV and SPA was allelic with a gene in SD, and was probably Yr25 .     

Genetics of resistance to cotton leaf curl disease in Gossypium hirsutum

Twenty-two cotton varieties were screened for resistance to cotton leaf curl disease (CLCuD), a disease of viral origin, using three procedures: field evaluation, whitefly transmission assay and graft inoculation. Viral infection of cotton varieties was determined by visual symptom assessment as well as dot-blot and multiplex PCR diagnostic techniques. Crosses were made between the most susceptible variety (S-12) and highly resistant varieties (CP-15/2, LRA-5166 and CIM-443). All F₁ plants of these crosses were resistant, showing dominant expression of the resistance as well as the absence of extrachromosomal inheritance. The F₂ plants of the crosses CP-15/2 × S12, LRA-5166 × S-12 and CIM-443 × S12 exhibited a ratio of 13 resistant (symptomless) to three susceptible (with symptoms). Screening of the F₂ generation for virus infection by multiplex PCR further subdivided the resistant class into those exhibiting a high level of resistance (HR; PCR-negative) and those exhibiting resistance (R; symptomless, yet showing virus replication by PCR analysis). Hence, the final ratio was 3:10:3 (HR:resistant:susceptible). The F₃ progeny of susceptible F₂ plants segregated for resistance, indicating the probable presence of a suppressor gene ( S ). These findings are consistent with three genes being involved in G. hirsutum resistance to CLCuD, two for resistance ( R _1CLCuDhir and R _2CLCuDhir ) and a suppressor of resistance ( S _CLCuDhir ).     

Inheritance of partial resistance to race 2 of Albugo candida in canola-quality mustard (Brassica juncea) and its role in resistance breeding

The inheritance of partial resistance to race 2 of Albugo candida was studied in a canola-quality line of Brassica juncea . This partially resistant line was crossed with the susceptible B. juncea cultivar Commercial Brown. F₁, F₁(reciprocal), F₂, BC and doubled haploid generations from the cross were inoculated with a zoospore suspension of race 2 to study segregation of partial resistance. The partially resistant phenotype appeared to be controlled by a single dominant gene that has variable expression. This partial resistance can have implications in breeding for disease resistance against white rust, as adult plants did not develop hypertrophic growth or stagheads under greenhouse and field conditions.     

Inheritance of tolerance to metribuzin in durum wheat

The inheritance of tolerance to the herbicide metribuzin was studied in two durum wheat cultivars, one of which, 'Anton', is resistant and one, 'Nita', susceptible. Parents, F₁, F₂ and F₃ of the crosses 'Anton' × 'Nita' and 'Nita' × 'Anton' were tested for herbicide response. The character evaluated was the increase in weight of plants treated with the herbicide. As there were no significant differences between progenies of reciprocal crosses, cytoplasm was not involved in tolerance. Tolerance was semi-dominant with means values of F₁, F₂ and F₃ progenies in the range of mid-parent. The heritability of this trait estimated by regression of the average of progeny F₃ in their parent F₂ had a value of 0.23 ± 0.063 and a value of 0.52 ± 0.150 estimated by the relation V _G/ V _P for full-sib F₂ families.     

A genetic study of the relationship between height, time of ear emergence and resistance to Septoria nodorum in wheat

Winter wheat cultivars of varying height were intercrossed and the progeny were studied in field trials to determine whether the greater resistance to S. nodorum of the taller cultivars was fortuitous or the result of genetic association.
Variation in height, in resistance and in time of ear emergence was continuous, providing no evidence of the existence of individual genes of major effect. In F₂ and backcross generations, the inheritance of all three characters was principally additive. Among random F₃ and F₄ families there was a clear tendency for tall straw and resistance to segregate together, proving that the association between these characters was not fortuitous and providing evidence of linkage or pleiotropy in their genetic control. There was a similar though less consistent tendency for late ear emergence and resistance to segregate together. There was substantial residual variation in resistance, not associated with variation in height or time of ear emergence, but its heritability was difficult to prove by comparisons between F₃ and F₄ generations, perhaps partly because of genotype x environment interaction.
It is proposed that resistance is under polygenic control and pleiotropy rather than linkage is suggested as the explanation of its genetic association with height and with time of ear emergence. The existence of genes affecting resistance independently of height and time of ear emergence is also inferred. It is suggested that they permit the breeding of resistant cultivars of any height, though with increasing difficulty as height is reduced.     

The identification of a gene for race-specific resistance to Peronospora parasitica (downy mildew) in Brassica napus var. oleifera (oilseed rape)

The oilseed rape cultivar Cresor was resistant to 14 isolates of Peronospora parasitica derived from crops of Brassica napus in the UK. Segregation for resistance to one isolate among F₂ plants and F₃ progeny of crosses between Cresor and the susceptible cultivars Victor and Jet Neuf indicated that resistance was controlled by a single gene. There was evidence that genetic background and environment could influence the phenotypic expression of this resistance. Two sexual progeny isolates derived from a homothallic isolate of P. parasitica avirulent on Cresor were completely virulent on this cultivar. This suggested that the parental isolate was heterozygous at a matching locus or loci for avirulence and demonstrated the race-specific nature of the resistance.     

Quantitative resistance to Plum pox virus in Prunus davidiana P1908 linked to components of the eukaryotic translation initiation complex

A complex, polygenic resistance to Plum pox virus (PPV) was previously described in a wild peach-related species, Prunus davidiana clone P1908. In the current study, an analysis of quantitative trait loci (QTL) was performed on an F₂ population comprising 99 individuals obtained by selfing the F₁ individual #40 of an interspecific cross between susceptible nectarine cv. Summergrand and the resistant P. davidiana clone P1908. Six QTL were identified using both parametric and non-parametric methods of detection, individually explaining 5–28% of the phenotypic variance. The total phenotypic variation explained ranged from 29 to 58%. Alignment of the genetic map of the F₂ cross with the P. davidiana parent map showed consistency of QTL over generations, with three of the six QTL co-localizing at the 1-LOD interval and another one at the 2-LOD interval. Two of the QTL were mapped onto linkage group one, where resistance to PPV was previously mapped in apricot. Development and mapping of new microsatellite markers linked to candidate genes revealed a striking co-localization of three of the detected QTL with gene copies coding for eukaryotic translation initiation factors eIF4E and eIF(iso)4G. As co-localization of one QTL with candidate gene eIF(iso)4E was previously reported in the F₁ population, the results reported here strongly reinforce the idea that components of the eukaryotic translation initiation complex are correlated with resistance to PPV in P. davidiana P1908.     

Evaluation of carrot resistance to alternaria leaf blight in controlled environments

The objective of this study was to find a technique for plant resistance screening to alternaria leaf blight (ALB), caused by the fungus Alternaria dauci , in controlled environments. Glasshouse and laboratory screening methods were compared using three cultivars and F₂ genotypes segregating for ALB resistance evaluated against self-pollinated F₃ field-grown plants. Plant disease was assessed through a disease index obtained from the size and number of symptoms on carrot leaves. The results indicated the value of glasshouse evaluation and the inadequacy of detached leaf and hypocotyl assays for carrot screening for ALB resistance. Spearman's rank correlation, applied to results obtained with both F₂ plants and their progeny, indicated that the optimal evaluation stage for ALB resistance in carrot is 20 days after inoculation. This test was powerful enough to be used as a prescreening test in breeding programmes.     

The genetic analysis of resistance to fusarium crown and root rot of tomato

The tomato line IRB-301-31, resistant to fusarium crown and root rot ( Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. radicis-lycopersici ) was crossed with two susceptible cultivars, Motelle and Earlypak No. 7. When F₁, F₂ and backcross progenies were inoculated at the one-leaf stage with a suspension of spores of the pathogen, all could be classified as either resistant (healthy) or susceptible (dead). The ratios of resistant to susceptible plants indicated that resistance was conferred by a single dominant gene, designated Fr1.     

Genetics of avirulences in Erysiphe graminis f.sp. hordei

The genetics of avirulences towards barley mildew resistances were analysed in crosses of the Ervsiphe graminis f.sp. hordei isolate DH14 with CC107 and with CC138. Nine avirulences, Av r_a9, Avr _a10, Avr _a11, Avr _a12, Avr _Ab, Avr _CP, Avr _h, Avr _k and Avr _La, segregated as single genes in one or other cross. However. F₁ segregation data were consistent with avirulence matching the Mla7 resistance gene being controlled by two genes, designated Avr _a7 1 and Avr _a7 2. Infection types of avirulent isolates differed on varieties in which Mla7 had been derived from each of the four known sources of that resistance. Linkage was detected between Avr _a7 1 and Avr _h in the cross CC107 × DH14, and between Avr _a10 and Avr _k, Avr _a11 and Avr _La, and Avr _h and the triadimenol response gene Tdl2 in CC138 × DH14.     

Studies on the inheritance of resistance to metalaxyl in Phytophthora infestans

Single-oospore progeny from matings between field isolates of Phytophthora infestans either highly resistant or sensitive to metalaxyl were analysed for fungicide sensitivity in vitro, mating type and, in some cases, allozyme variation at the locus for glucosephosphate isomerase ( GPI-1. ) In each cross the majority of first-generation (F₁) progeny showed intermediate sensitivity to metalaxyl. Frequency distributions were skewed towards sensitivity and a few progeny were either wholly sensitive or resistant phenotypes. Allozyme analysis of F₁ progeny from a cross between parents of Dutch and Mexican origin showed that c. 10% were selfs of both parents and of parental phenotype for metalaxyl sensitivity. The selfs of the A2 but not the Al parent segregated for mating type. Two backcross generations to the metalaxyl-resistant Dutch parent gave unexpected phenotypic frequency distributions and aberrant ratios for genotypes at the GPI-I locus.
Progeny of another backcross between an F₁ isolate of intermediate sensitivity and its sensitive Egyptian parent gave a 1:1 ratio for sensitive: intermediate phenotypes. F₂ progeny from a related sibmating between intermediate phenotypes segregated in a ratio close to 1:2:1 for sensitive: intermediate: resistant phenotypes. Segregation was also observed among sexual progeny of an intermediate self-fertile isolate from the backcross generation but not among progeny of a resistant self-fertile phenotype. Mating type segregated in both cases.
These data are consistent with resistance to metalaxyl in P. infestans being governed by a single nuclear locus exhibiting incomplete dominance. This hypothesis is discussed in relation to the incidence of resistance to metalaxyl in natural populations of P. infestans.     

Response of interspecific Brassica juncea/Brassica rapa hybrids and their advanced progenies to Albugo candida (white blister)

Transfer of factors for resistance to white blister disease caused by Albugo candida between Brassica species involving two genotypes each of B. juncea and B. rapa was studied in hybrids. More hybrids were obtained by in vivo than in vitro techniques, although an in vitro phase was a prerequisite for the establishment of in vivo hybrids. Hybrids were identified by PCR-based inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers with both male and female species-specific bands being identified. There was a positive correlation between disease severity and number of days after sowing ( r  > 0·93), the highest being towards pod formation and plant maturity at 110 days after sowing. The plants from F₂ and BC₁ progeny showed higher resistance to A. candida than either of the parents. Plants of B. juncea and B. rapa with high field resistance (disease index < 1·0) were selected from BC₂ and F₂BC₁ generations. The frequency of plants classified as resistant in BC₂ progeny ranged from 4·5 to 39·0% in cross-combinations involving B. juncea genotypes as female parent, compared with 100% in the reciprocal cross involving B. rapa as female parent.     

Specific resistance to soybean stem canker conferred by the Rdm4 locus

The Rdm4 gene from soybean cv. Hutcheson has been extensively used to incorporate resistance to soybean stem canker (SSC), caused by Diaporthe phaseolorum var . meridionalis (Dpm), into soybean commercial cultivars. The objective of this work was to characterize the inheritance of the Rdm4 locus in different populations derived from the cross: J77-339 ( rdm / rdm , susceptible) × Hutcheson ( Rdm4 / Rdm4 , resistant) in independent interactions with two local isolates of Dpm. Four F₂ populations were obtained and two were advanced to the F₃ generation as separate F_2:3 families to perform progeny tests. Each population was inoculated with the CE109 and/or CE112 isolates of Dpm. Within each plant–pathogen interaction, the resistance gene segregated as completely dominant. However, cross resistance, or opposite disease reactions, to CE109 and CE112 isolates of Dpm were observed in four F_2:3 families, indicating an intergenic recombination event between two nonallelic genes interacting specifically with each isolate of Dpm. The distance between them, estimated as the recombination fraction, was 29%, suggesting that both genes were not tightly linked, but close enough to segregate together in most crosses. Results indicated the existence of a genomic region in cv. Hutcheson composed of race-specific resistance loci with at least two Rdm genes: the previously recognized Rdm4 and a novel gene, tentatively named Rdm5 , conferring specific resistance to Dpm isolates CE109 and CE112.     

THE GENETIC RESPONSE OF BARLEY TO DDT AND BARBAN AND ITS SIGNIFICANCE IN CROP PROTECTION

Summary. The response of eleven barley varieties to DDT and barban was assessed in field and glasshouse trials. Chlorosis following the application of DDT and minimal doses of barban is an all-or-nothing effect, whereas in apical inhibition there are several degrees of resistance. The criteria used to assess the eflect of barban on apical inhibition were fresh weight of seedlings, fertile tiller production at maturity and visual estimates of damage at the seedling stage and at maturity. Inheritance studies showed that resistance to the chlorosis reaction of both DDT and barban is controlled by single recessive genes independently inherited.
Resistance to apical inhibition, on the other hand, appears to be quantitatively inherited. When F₂ and F₃ segregating populations in the field were sprayed with barban, the proportion of resistant plants in successive generations was markedly increased.
The authors conclude that collaboration between plant breeder and pest control specialists could lead to a far more efficient control of weed, pest and pathogen by the development of varieties of crop plants with a high degree of tolerance to the chemical employed, especially under conditions where selectivity is narrow and delicate, such as in the control of other monocotyledonous plants in cereals.     

Evaluation of variability in Striga aspera, Striga hermonthica and their hybrids using morphological characters and random amplified polymorphic DNA markers

Striga aspera and Striga hermonthica are recognized as separate species, but their close morphological similarity causes difficulty in distinguishing between them in areas where they coexist in Africa. In this study, crosses between the species were made using randomly selected morphologically typical parental plants collected from different locations in Nigeria. Genetic analysis of both species and their reciprocal F₁ hybrids were determined using cluster analysis of DNA profiles derived from genetic polymorphism (RAPD)-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) markers. Principal component and hierarchical cluster analyses were used to separate parental and hybrid populations based on 13 morphological characteristics. Morphological data from wild samples of both species were compared with the hand-pollinated parental, F₁ and F₂ hybrids, and back-crosses. Results showed that S. aspera and S. hermonthica were genetically and morphologically distinct. Morphological and genetic analyses revealed two major clusters: a S. aspera cluster and a S. hermonthica cluster. Genetically, the F₁ hybrids showed closer affinity to their maternal parents, while morphologically, the F₁ hybrids formed distinct clusters intermediate to the parents. Most F₂ plants and back-crosses were morphologically similar to S. hermonthica . Comparative morphological analysis of wild and hand-pollinated populations showed some samples from the wild clustered with the hybrids, suggesting that hybrids may exist in nature.     

A new blast resistance gene identified in the Indian native rice cultivar Aus373 through allelism and linkage tests

Blast, caused by Pyricularia grisea , is a major constraint on rice production. To widen genetic diversity for disease resistance, the Indian native rice cultivar Aus373 was screened by F₂ segregation analyses to investigate the genetic basis of its high resistance. Aus373 was crossed with a series of Japanese differential cultivars (JDCs) and the Chinese susceptible cultivar Lijiangxintuanheigu (LTH). The resistance ratios of subsequent F₂ progenies were used to determine the number of blast-resistance loci present as well as allelic relationships with known loci. Resistance of Aus373 was governed by dominant alleles at two loci, one at the Pi-k locus and the second apparently at a new locus linked to an isozyme gene Amp-1 with a recombination fraction of 37.9 ± 3.0% on chromosome 2. This putative new locus and allele were designated Pi16 (t).