N605ab,a specific molecular marker for <Emphasis Type="Italic">Phytophthora infestans</Emphasis>, distinguishes three genotypes in Japan

Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis using the OPG-06 primer generated specific patterns for Japanese genotypes US-1, JP-1, and a new A1 (JP-2, JP-3, and JP-4) of Phytophthora infestans. N605, a specific RAPD fragment, was cloned and sequenced. PCR primers BD1/BD2 were constructed based on the N605 sequence and were used to clarify the genotypes. PCR products using the BD1/BD2 primers (N605ab marker) easily distinguished the new A1 from US-1 and JP-1. This technique provides a simple and effective method for rapid genotype discrimination that can be used in ecological experiments and forecasts for the occurrence of late blight.     

Genetic relationships between the dominant genotypes of Phytophthora infestans in Hokkaido, Japan

The genetic characteristics of the dominant genotypes of Phytophthora infestans in Japan (US-1, JP-1, Japanese A1-A, A1-B) were compared. Differences were evident in the peptidase genotype, amplified fragment length polymorphism, and RG57 DNA fingerprints. Almost all of the fingerprint bands for the Japanese genotype A1-B were also present in JP-1 and Japanese A1-A, and few bands were unique to Japanese A1-B. These results suggest that the Japanese A1-B genotype was generated from sexual reproduction involving Japanese A1-A and JP-1 or related genotypes.     

Use of microsatellite marker Pi26 for rapid discrimination of five Japanese genotypes of Phytophthora infestans

Microsatellite markers were tested to rapidly discriminate five Japanese genotypes (US-1, JP-1, JP-2, JP-3, and JP-4) of Phytophthora infestans. Collected from 1958 to 2007, 111 isolates of Japanese P. infestans were examined using a fluorescent-labeled primer and capillary electrophoresis. Microsatellite marker Pi26 generated specific products for each genotype without any differences in terms of isolation area or year for a particular genotype. The Pi26 marker is a powerful tool for obtaining information on the structure of Japanese populations of P. infestans.     

Characterization of some Asian isolates of Phytophthora infestans

A total of 401 isolates of Phytophthora infestans were collected from eight Asian regions (Korea, India, Taiwan, Indonesia, Thailand, Nepal, China and Japan) between 1992 and 2000 – 318 from potato and 83 from tomato. The isolates were analysed for mating type, metalaxyl resistance, RG57 fingerprinting, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplotype and the polymorphism of three allozyme loci, i.e. glucose-6-phosphate isomerase ( Gpi ), peptidase ( Pep ) and malic enzyme ( Me ). The isolates were multilocus-genotyped based on RFLP (RG57) fingerprint, dilocus allozyme genotype, mtDNA haplotype and mating type. Twenty multilocus genotypes were identified among 125 isolates. Of these genotypes, 14 had not been previously reported. Some of the multilocus genotypes were common to isolates from several geographical regions, suggesting migration. The metalaxyl-resistant isolates belonged to the multilocus genotypes JP-1, JP-2, and JP-3. Multilocus genotypes coexisting in a single field were found in following regions: Thailand (1994), central China (1996), Nepal (1997) and Japan (1998 and 2000). The possible origins of certain genotypes are discussed, including the possibility of sexual recombination within the P. infestans populations in Nepal and perhaps Thailand.     

Common resistance to different <Emphasis Type="Italic">Fusarium</Emphasis> spp. causing <Emphasis Type="Italic">Fusarium</Emphasis> head blight in wheat

Different sets of wheat genotypes were tested under field conditions by spraying inocula of isolates of seven Fusarium spp. and Microdochium nivale (formerly F. nivale) in the period 1998–2002. The severity of Fusarium head blight (FHB), Fusarium-damaged kernels (FDK), the yield reduction and the deoxynivalenol (DON) contamination were also measured to describe the nature of the resistance. The degrees of FHB severity of genotypes to F. graminearum, F. culmorum, F. avenaceum, F. sporotrichioides, F. poae, F.␣verticillioides, F. sambucinum and M. nivale were very similar, indicating that the resistance to F.␣graminearum was similar to that for other Fusarium spp. listed. This is an important message to breeders as the resistance relates not only to any particular isolate of F. graminearum, but similarly to isolates of other Fusarium spp. This holds true for all the parameters measured. The DON contamination refers only to DON-producers F. graminearum and F. culmorum. Highly significant correlations were found between FHB, FDK, yield loss and DON contamination. Resistance components such as resistance to kernel infection, resistance to DON and tolerance were identified in the more susceptible genotypes. As compared with western European genotypes which produced up to 700 mg kg⁻¹ DON, the Hungarian genotypes produced only 100 mg kg⁻¹ at a similar FDK level. This research demonstrates the importance of measuring both FDK and DON in the breeding and selection of resistant germplasm and cultivars.     

Mechanisms of resistance in cotton to whitefly (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Bemisia tabaci</Emphasis>): Tolerance

Screen house experiments were conducted under no choice conditions, to determine the tolerance, a mechanism of resistance, in cotton under a population pressure of 150 and 300 pairs of whiteflies Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae). Twelve cotton genotypes, viz., four resistant (NHH 44, Supriya, LD694 and PA 183), four susceptible (F 846, IS-376/4/1/20/72, LK 861 and RS 2013) and four with moderate reaction (T x Maroon 2-78, MRC 6304Bt, RS 2098 and CNH 911) to B. tabaci were assessed in terms of decrease in plant height, number of nodes and chlorophyll content (a, b and total) from control. The study revealed that all three characters are important to identify tolerance. A strong tolerance mechanism is operating in NHH 44. The genotypes LD 694 and PA 183 were rated as moderately tolerant, however, IS 376/4/1/20/72, Tx Maroon 2-78, MRC 6304Bt, F 846 and CNH 911 exhibited no tolerance mechanism and were categorized as the most susceptible genotypes.     

AFLP analysis of genetic diversity in populations of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Botrytis elliptica</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Botrytis tulipae</Emphasis> from the Netherlands

The objective of this study was to assess the genetic diversity and to infer the mode of reproduction of Botrytis elliptica and B. tulipae in the Netherlands. First, three molecular typing methods were compared for their ability to differentiate isolates of B. tulipae, B. elliptica, and B. cinerea. The methods compared were multilocus sequencing, restriction analysis of the ribosomal intergenic spacer (IGS) region, and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analysis. AFLP fingerprinting provided the most efficient method to differentiate isolates within each Botrytis species and therefore this method was used for population analyses of B. elliptica and B. tulipae. Isolates of both species were sampled during successive growing seasons in experimental field plots in Lisse and other locations in the Netherlands. Among 174 B. elliptica isolates, 105 genotypes could be discriminated and 87 genotypes were found only once, reflecting high genotypic variation. Clonal genotypes were found only within growing seasons and in one location. Linkage disequilibrium analyses indicated that between 9.4% and 19.3% of the loci in clone-corrected samples were linked. The multilocus association index provided no evidence for random mating. We conclude that sexual recombination occurs in the B. elliptica population. Among the 170 B. tulipae isolates, 25 genotypes could be discriminated and four genotypes were found only once, reflecting a low genotypic variation. Clonal genotypes were frequently found in different growing seasons and different locations. Linkage disequilibrium analyses indicated that between 25.2% and 48.6% of the loci in clone-corrected samples were linked. We conclude that the B. tulipae population is mainly clonal with some recombination.     

Assessment of resistance to <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ceratocystis cacaofunesta</Emphasis> in cacao genotypes

Ceratocystis wilt of cacao (caused by Ceratocystis cacaofunesta) is a dangerous disease and results in the death of the plant. This fungus was recently identified in the major cacao-producing regions of Brazil, and was observed to be more aggressive than isolates from other geographical locations. The objective of this study was to develop and test a consistent method to assess cacao genotype response to C. cacaofunesta, based on young plants (seedlings or cuttings). The fungus was inoculated by the deposition of propagule suspensions on cut stems. The parameters to assess disease progress were (a) disease incidence, (b) differences in mortality between the most contrasting cacao genotypes for resistance and susceptibility, (c) disease index, (d) consistency of response over time and (e) relative lesion heights. When seedlings were used for the analyses, the ICS-1 and TSH-1188 genotypes proved to be useful as genetic standards for susceptibility and resistance to C. cacaofunesta, respectively. Inoculum concentrations between 10⁴ and 10⁵ propagules ml⁻¹ and the moment at which the disease incidence stabilized provided appropriate conditions for genotypic comparison. When ten cacao genotypes propagated by cuttings (clones) were assessed, the results confirmed TSH-1188 as the reference genotype for resistance to C. cacaofunesta, while the remaining clones could be grouped as resistant (CEPEC-2008), moderately resistant (CEPEC-2002, CEPEC-2007) and susceptible (CEPEC-2009, CCN-10, CCN-51, HW-25, PH-16, SJ-02). The analytical concepts and results were discussed in terms of their application in breeding programmes aimed at developing genetic resistance to Ceratocystis wilt of cacao.     

Elucidating resistance in cotton genotypes to whitefly, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bemisia tabaci,</Emphasis> by population buildup studies

Plant resistance has become an important component of integrated pest management (IPM) for management of whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae), an important pest of cotton in India. The present studies were undertaken to standardize the plant stage and identify resistant cotton genotypes against whitefly. Nine plant stages of F846, a susceptible cotton genotype, were exposed to whitefly for 25 days under no-choice conditions. The population buildup (eggs, nymphs, pupae and adults) was recorded. The 12-, 14- and 16-leaf stages were suitable for plant resistance studies against whitefly, and the 14-leaf stage was taken for further studies. Ten cotton genotypes of Gossypium hirsutum and two of G. arboreum were covered with split cages in which five pairs of B. tabaci (F₁) were released. The population buildup was recorded to categorize genotypes as resistant, moderately resistant, moderately susceptible or susceptible. The experiment was repeated with F₂ and F₃ generation whiteflies. Based on overall average score of three experiments, LD694 was rated as resistant; LK861, Supriya, RS2013, CNH911 and PA183 as moderately resistant; IS-376/4/1/20/72, NHH44, TxMaroon2-78, Bt 6304 and RS2098 as moderately susceptible; and F846 as susceptible. LD694 was found to be resistant in three consecutive generations of whitefly.     

Assessment of infection in wheat by <Emphasis Type="Italic">Fusarium</Emphasis> protein equivalent levels

Determination of the Fusarium protein equivalent (FPE) levels in kernels for better characterisation of genotypes showing Fusarium head blight (FHB) resistance, and better detection of susceptibility to kernel infection among genotypes with slight symptom expression was carried out. Twelve wheat cultivars and eight hexaploid winter wheat lines derived from a cross of Triticum aestivum with related species T. macha, T. polonicum, and T. dicoccoides were evaluated for levels of spike and kernel infection, the content of the mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON) and FPE in kernels after artificial inoculation with the fungus Fusarium culmorum in the field in 2006–2007. The ELISA immunochemical method was employed for the quantitative analyses of DON and FPE. Three wheat lines had a significantly low infection of spikes and kernels compared to cvs Sumai 3 and Nobeoka Bozu, indicating the presence of specific resistance mechanisms to FHB. The significantly low AUDPC (area under the disease progress curve) and the high level of FPE and DON content in kernels indicated a lack of resistance in one wheat line (crossed with T. polonicum). The results showed highly significant correlations (P < 0.01) between FPE and DON content and between FPE and AUDPC. In addition, correlations between FPE and reductions in yield components were also highly significant. Quantification of Fusarium spp. in wheat kernels can be helpful for evaluating wheat genotypes for their levels of resistance to FHB.     

Host Specialization not Detected Among Isolates of the EC-1 Lineage of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Phytophthora infestans</Emphasis> Attacking Wild and Cultivated Potatoes in Peru

To determine whether populations of Phytophthora infestans attacking wild and cultivated potatoes in the highlands of Peru are specialized on their hosts of origin, we characterized isolates using several neutral markers, metalaxyl resistance and for aggressiveness in a detached leaf assay. One hundred and fifty-three isolates were collected from the northern and central highlands of Peru from different potato cultivars (both modern and native cultivars) and from different species of wild, tuber-bearing potatoes. All the isolates analyzed belonged to one of four clonal lineages that had been described previously in Peru: EC-1, US-1, PE-3 and PE-7. The EC-1 lineage (n = 133) was dominant and present in similar frequencies on wild and cultivated potatoes. PE-3 (n = 14) was found primarily on cultivated potatoes, with only one isolate coming from a wild host. US-1 (n = 2) and PE-7 (n = 4) were rare; all but one (PE-7) occurred on wild potatoes. Isolates from the EC-1 lineage from modern cultivars were compared in three separate detached leaf inoculation assays with EC-1 isolates from the wild potato species S. sogarandinum, S. bill-hookerii or S. huancabambense, respectively. No significant interactions between isolate type (from wild or cultivated potato) and host type (wild or cultivated) were measured for any assay. It appears that the pathogen genotypes in the EC-1 lineage indiscriminately attack both wild and cultivated tuber-bearing solanaceous hosts in Peru, and breeders should be able to select for resistance using the common EC-1 lineage.     

Genetic characterization of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pepino mosaic virus</Emphasis> isolates from Belgian greenhouse tomatoes reveals genetic recombination

Over a period of a few years, Pepino mosaic virus (PepMV) has become one of the most important viral diseases in tomato production worldwide. Infection by PepMV can cause a broad range of symptoms on tomato plants, often leading to significant financial losses. At present, five PepMV genotypes (EU, LP, CH2, US1 and US2) have been described, three of which (EU, LP and US2) have been reported in Europe. Thus far, no correlation has been found between different PepMV genotypes and the symptoms expressed in infected plants. In this paper, the genetic diversity of the PepMV population in Belgian greenhouses is studied and related to symptom development in tomato crops. A novel assay based on restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) was developed to discriminate between the different PepMV genotypes. Both RFLP and sequence analysis revealed the occurrence of two genotypes, the EU genotype and the CH2 genotype, within tomato production in Belgium. Whereas no differences were observed in symptom expression between plants infected by one of the two genotypes, co-infection with both genotypes resulted in more severe PepMV symptoms. Furthermore, our study revealed that PepMV recombinants frequently occur in mixed infections under natural conditions. This may possibly result in the generation of viral variants with increased aggressiveness.     

Feeding behavior of<Emphasis Type="Italic">Aphis gossypii</Emphasis> on resistant accessions of different melon genotypes (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Cucumis melo</Emphasis>)

The feeding behavior of the melon aphidAphis gossypii Glover (Homoptera: Aphididae) was monitored using the electrical penetration graph (EPG) technique on different melon (Cucumis melo L.) genotypes showing resistance to the aphid. The aphid-resistant genotypes used were PI-161375 and PI-414723, sources of theVat andAgr genes, respectively. TGR-1551, a newC. melo accession from Zimbabwe, was also tested. Our goal was to localize the tissues where the resistance factors are expressed and to determine if the resistance mechanisms operating in the three aphid-resistant accessions were the same. Our results indicated that the three selected lines have resistant factors located at the epidermis, mesophyll and vascular tissues. However, the behavior ofA. gossypii on TGR-1551 was different from the two other resistant accessions, as indicated by a longer phloem salivation phase (E1 phase). Many of the E1 phases observed for aphids feeding on TGR-1551 were not followed by phloem ingestion (E2 phase). These results suggest that TGR-1551 has a resistance mechanism that preventsA. gossypii from initiating ingestion from the phloem. Preference tests under free choice conditions also showed that aphids rejected accessions TGR-1551 or PI-414723 faster than PI-161375. Our results support the hypothesis thatAgr andVat are coding for different kinds of resistance strategies. Comparisons of aphid life history parameters also indicated that TGR-1551 is a very promising new source to breed for resistance againstA. gossypii. http://www.phytoparasitica.org posting Jan. 16, 2002.     

Pear decline resistance in progenies of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pyrus</Emphasis> taxa used as rootstocks

Progenies of 39 open-pollinated genotypes belonging to 26 Pyrus taxa were examined for pear decline resistance and pomological traits when used as rootstocks. Following graft inoculation and observation over 18 years, considerable differences in pear decline resistance between and within the progenies were observed. Not affected or little affected and moderately to severely affected trees were observed in all progenies. However, great quantitative differences among them were observed. In the progenies of about one third of the pollinated trees most of the individuals showed a high level of resistance to grafted trees. Significantly different from this group was another third of the progenies that mostly showed high susceptibility in grafted trees. Between these two groups there were progenies that statistically neither differed from the resistant nor from the susceptible group. These progenies were defined as moderately resistant. Significant differences in resistance were also observed between progenies of genotypes of the same species that originated from different locations. These data indicate segregation of the resistance trait and show that seedling progenies are unsuitable as rootstocks in commercial pear growing. Instead, careful selection of suitable genotypes for propagation is required. Great differences between and within the progenies examined were also observed in vigour and yield efficiency.     

Genetic control of partial resistance to ‘collar’ and ‘root’ isolates of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Phoma macdonaldii</Emphasis> in sunflower

Phoma macdonaldii is one of the most important pathogens of sunflower (Heliantus annuus) in France. In order to determine the inheritance of resistance to the disease, five sunflower genotypes with wide genetic variability for resistance to two ‘collar’ and two ‘root’ Phoma isolates were crossed in a diallel programme. Four separate experiments were undertaken under controlled conditions. In each one, the response of parental genotypes and their F1 hybrids were evaluated with one of the four Phoma isolates. Analysis of variance was performed to determine the effects of genotype on disease severity score when inoculated with ‘collar’ or ‘root’ Phoma isolates and showed significant variability among parents and F1 hybrids for disease severity score. Diallel analysis showed that general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) effects for resistance to ‘collar’ and ‘root’ Phoma isolates were highly significant for each of the four isolates indicating that both kinds of gene effects were important in controlling the resistance. The GCA/SCA ratios were more than one for three out of four isolates showing that additive genetic effects were more important than non-additive effects for resistance to three of the studied Phoma isolates. Hence, conventional breeding methods could be recommended to achieve genetic improvement to such ‘collar’ and ‘root’ Phoma isolates.     

Molecular phylogenetic analysis reveals at least five genetic races of<Emphasis Type="Italic">Bemisia tabaci</Emphasis> in China

Phylogenetic analysis using ITS1 and CO1 nucleotide sequences has revealed six major races ofBemisia tabaci in the world, including three major indigenous races in the Asia-Pacific region,viz., B. tabaci (Asia),B. tabaci (Bali) andB. tabaci (Australia), but the status of a large collection of genotypes in this region remains unresolved. The ITS1 sequences of representative whitefly samples collected from around China were determined in this study. These sequences and other homologous sequences retrieved from GenBank were then used to conduct a phylogenetic analysis. The results demonstrated that the whiteflies collected in China were split genetically into four groups, where at least five genetic races were revealed,i.e., B biotype (SDLe, XJEp, XJAt, HNNt, BJIb, GDEp, XJGh, GDHrs, XJSm and SHEp), Bali group (ZJGh), M biotype (Hainan1), G biotype (GXCm) and Asian H/K group (FJIb, GDCv), although the Asian H/K group with low bootstrap score remains unresolved. Of all genetic races, the B biotype is the most extensively distributed. In the dendogram, the J biotype, L biotype and Q biotype cluster together and form a sister clade to the B biotype. The data indicate that extensive migration ofB. tabaci has taken place in Asian countries. The populations ZJGh, FJIb, GDCv, GXCm and Hainanl collected in China might have originated there, but the possibility that they were introduced from elsewhere cannot be excluded at this point. Using PyR from Israel as a reference Q biotype, the random amplified polymorphic DNA banding patterns of SDLe, XJEp, XJAt and HNNt were shown to be consistent with that of the Q biotype, which indicated that the four local whitefly populations identified as the B biotype based on ITS1 sequences were closely related to the Q biotype. http//www.phytoparasitica.org posting Sept. 12, 2006.     

Breaking of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Beet necrotic yellow vein virus</Emphasis> resistance in sugar beet is independent of virus and vector inoculum densities

Beet necrotic yellow vein virus (BNYVV) is transmitted by Polymyxa betae to sugar beet, causing rhizomania disease. Resistance-breaking strains of BNYVV, overcoming single (Rz1) or double (e.g. Rz1  +  Rz2) major resistance genes in sugar beet have been observed in France and recently in the USA and Spain. To demonstrate if resistance-breaking is dependent on inoculum density, the inoculum concentration of BNYVV and P. betae in soil samples where resistance-breaking had been observed was estimated using the most probable number (MPN) method. The MPN-values obtained displayed highly significant differences with respect to the virus concentration in various soils and did not correlate with the ability to overcome resistance. Virus quantification in susceptible plants demonstrated that soils containing resistance-breaking isolates of BNYVV did not produce higher virus concentrations. The MPN assay was repeated with Rz1  +  Rz2 partially-resistant sugar beets to see if the resistance-breaking is concentration-dependent. There was no correlation between soil dilution and increased virus concentration in Rz1  +  Rz2 plants produced by BNYVV resistance-breaking strains. Determination of the absolute P. betae concentration by ELISA demonstrated that all resistance-breaking soil samples contained elevated concentrations. However, the calculation of the proportion of viruliferous P. betae did not show a positive correlation with the resistance-breaking ability. Finally resistance-breaking was studied with susceptible, Rz1 and Rz1  + Rz2 genotypes and standardised rhizomania inoculum added to sterilised soil. Results from these experiments supported the conclusion that resistance-breaking did not correlate with virus concentration or level of viruliferous P. betae in the soil.     

Comparison of Chinese and Japanese A1 isolates of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Phytophthora infestans</Emphasis>

The mating type, glucose-6-phosphate isomerase (Gpi) and peptidase (Pep) genotypes, RG57 fingerprint, and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplotype of Chinese isolates of Phytophthora infestans collected in Hebei and Gansu in 1996 were compared with those of Japanese isolates collected during 1997–2000. The Chinese isolates were divided into four genotypes, one of which was identical to the dominant Japanese genotype, A1-A (mating type A1; Gpi 100/100; Pep 100/100; RG57 100010001100110100011001110: 1–25, 14a, and 24a; and mtDNA haplotype IIa). Comparison of the genotypes with reported data revealed that some completely and partially identical genotypes occur in Russia and parts of Europe. The other two A1 genotypes and one A2 genotype were also detected in Gansu (Gpi 100/100, Pep 100/100, and mtDNA haplotype Ia), which were regarded as unique to this region.     

Genetics of host-pathogen interactions in the <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pyrenophora teres</Emphasis> f. <Emphasis Type="Italic">teres</Emphasis> (net form) – barley (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Hordeum vulgare)</Emphasis> pathosystem

The genetics of host-pathogen interactions in the Hordeum vulgare – P. teres f. teres pathosystem was studied in twelve resistant barley accessions, i.e. CI 9825, CI 9819, Diamond, CI 4922, CI 5401, Harbin, c-8755, c-21849, c-8721 c-23874, c-19979, c-15811. F₂ analyses of crosses with susceptible genotypes employing various isolates (from Europe, USA, Canada, and Australia) revealed that resistance is mostly isolate-specific and controlled by one or two genes. Segregation in ascospore progeny from two crosses between isolates of different origin revealed that avirulence in P. teres is also determined by one or two genes. An epistatic effect of suppressor genes on avirulence genes is proposed for the genetics of virulence to Diamond, Harbin, CI 5401 and c-8721 in the fungal crosses D (181-6 × A80) and F (H-22 × 92-178/9). Segregation in F₂ of crosses of three new sources of resistance (c-23874, c-19979, c-15811) to the susceptible cv. Pirkka was studied in laboratory and greenhouse tests by using seven P. teres isolates, i.e. 181-6, d8-3, d8-4, d9-1, d9-4, F4 and F74. In addition, virulence to these barley accessions of ascospore progeny from crosses of the same isolates was studied. Based on these studies it was concluded that depending on the isolate used, resistance of c-23874 is determined at least by two genes and in c-19979 and c-15811 by three genes. The results of this parallel analyses of genetics of resistance and genetics of virulence allows the postulation of a gene–for–gene interaction in the P. teres – H. vulgare pathosystem.     

Genotype × environment interactions in symptom development and yield of cassava genotypes with artificial and natural cassava bacterial blight infections

Thirty-seven cassava genotypes from Benin, including advanced breeding lines, were tested for their reaction to bacterial blight in the forest–savanna transition, wet savanna and dry savanna zones of Benin. Sixteen genotypes were repeated in 12 environments. In year 1998, genotypes RB92164, RB92022, TMS30572, BEN86004, RB92033 and Dangbo2, and in year 2000, genotypes RB92202, RB92151, RB92132 and TMS30572 were resistant in one ecozone. Among the more resistant genotypes, CAP94030, BEN86040, RB89509, RB92132 and TMS30572 showed low interaction across environments and were most stable in disease reaction. Ten genotypes were classified as high yielding across environments. Among the more resistant group of genotypes, only TMS30572 and RB89509 were high yielding, with RB89509 being unstable in yield across environments. Selection of genotypes proved reliable only after artificial inoculation. Comparing environments, artificially inoculated treatments in the wet savanna zone and in the forest–savanna transition zone with stable high symptom severity proved most suitable for screening of genotypes, while the wet savanna zone with low natural infection in year 1998 was suitable for production of propagation material, and the site in the dry savanna zone with natural infection in year 1998 was the best environment for cassava production. The correlation between disease severity and root yield was significant only for the non-inoculated treatment in the dry savanna zone in year 2000 (R = –0.58), but not in any other environment. Among the 37 genotypes tested, several genotypes can be recommended to farmers in specific ecozones, and genotype TMS30572 revealed as relatively stable in disease resistance and in high yield across ecozones.