Leaf inoculation as an early screening test for cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) resistance to Phytophthora black pod disease

In this study a leaf inoculation method was used to standardize a bioassay for testing the genetic susceptibility (or resistance) of cocoa cultivars to black pod disease caused by Phytophthora palmivora and Phytophthora megakarya. Both whole leaves and leaf discs from non-lignified twigs, were suitable for inoculation with suspensions of 3 × 10⁵ zoospores/ml. Cocoa clones tested for resistance to black pod with leaf bioassays responded in the same rank order as reported for fruit inoculation in the literature. Furthermore, the rank of a cultivar within the classification stabilizes between 5 and 7 days after inoculation. The leaf bioassay for susceptibility of hybrid families, demonstrated a highly significant plant effect within the family, so that comparison between families was of limited value. Leaf bioassays enabled early and rapid selection of cocoa cultivars resistant to black pod disease, provided the method was strictly standardized and that results are compared with those from fruit inoculations reported in the literature.     

Antifungal modes of action of metalaxyl, cyprofuram, benalaxyl and oxadixyl in phenylamide-sensitive and phenylamide-resistant strains of Phytophthora megasperma f. sp. medicaginis and Phytophthora infestans

The activity of the phenylamide fungicides metalaxyl, cyprofuram, benalaxyl and oxadixyl against phenylamide-sensitive and phenylamide-resistant strains of Phytophthora megasperma f. sp. medicaginis and Phytophthora infestans has been compared in several tests. Metalaxyl showed the highest activity amongst the four fungicides against mycelial growth of sensitive strains on agar media. Benalaxyl and cyprofuram showed the highest activity against resistant strains. RNA synthesis of sensitive strains, measured as [³H]uridine incorporation, was inhibited by about 80% (P. megasperma) and by about 40% (P. infestans) by all phenylamides at concentrations of 1 μg/ml. At higher concentrations inhibition remained at this level, indicating that only part of the RNA synthesis was inhibited. RNA synthesis of resistant strains was completely insensitive to metalaxyl and oxadixyl at concentrations as high as 200 μg/ml. Cyprofuram, however, at concentrations above 1 μg/ml (P. megasperma) and 10 μg/ml (P. infestans) was inhibitory and at 200 μg/ml this compound almost completely inhibited the phenylamide-sensitive part of the RNA synthesis of both strains. In contrast to the other phenylamides, benalaxyl affected [³H]uridine uptake into mycelium at concentrations higher than 10 μg/ml, and at 100 μg/ml inhibition of uptake was almost total with both sensitive and resistant strains of both Phytophthora species. Inhibition of [³H]uridine uptake obviously is a feature of a second mechanism of action of benalaxyl. Endogenous RNA polymerase activity of isolated nuclei from sensitive strains of P. megasperma was inhibited at phenylamide concentrations as low as 0·1 μg/ml whereas that from resistant strains was not affected at concentrations as high as 100 μg/ml. Similarly, endogenous nuclear RNA polymerase activity of sensitive P. infestans strains appeared to be more sensitive to the phenylamides than that of resistant P. infestans strains. This suggests that resistance that developed in field strains of P. infestans has a basis similar to that of mutagen-induced resistance in laboratory strains of P. megasperma. Tests of the fungicidal activity of the phenylamides determined in a lucerne seedling assay (P. megasperma) and a detached potato leaf assay (P. infestans) clearly differentiated between sensitive and resistant strains. Resistance levels to cyprofuram and benalaxyl were as high as those to metalaxyl and oxadixyl, indicating that the additional effect of a second mechanism of action of benalaxyl and the property of cyprofuram to inhibit RNA synthesis of resistant strains at higher concentrations are of limited practical importance for counteracting phenylamide resistance.     

霜疫霉侵染对不同荔枝品种果皮苯丙烷类代谢的影响

荔枝霜疫霉病是荔枝生产过程中的主要病害之一,严重影响荔枝品质和产量.本文以霜疫霉病抗病品种'黑叶'和感病品种'桂味'成熟果实为材料,研究霜疫霉悬浮孢子接种后果皮中苯丙烷类代谢通路相关酶活性及代谢产物含量的变化,分析苯丙烷代谢通路与荔枝对霜疫霉侵染抗性的关系.研究结果表明:抗、感病品种接种霜疫霉菌后,其苯丙氨酸解氨酶(P...     

A comparison of the biochemical and physiological effects of the systemic fungicide cyprofuram with those of the related compounds metalaxyl and metolachlor

Strains of Phytophthora megasperma insensitive to the fungicide metalaxyl showed limited cross-resistance to the structurally related fungicide cyprofuram and to metolachlor, a herbicide with antifungal properties. The three compounds each inhibited nucleic acid synthesis, but the wide variation in resistance factors and in the degree of nucleic acid inhibition at the concentrations inhibiting mycelial growth by 50% indicated that cyprofuram and metolachlor possess alternative mechanisms of toxicity. Studies with protoplasts suggested that cyprofuram has a direct effect on the plasma membrane which may be important against those resistant strains where nucleic acid synthesis is least affected. Metolachlor also was extremely effective in causing protoplast lysis. Sporangia production by P. palmivora was stimulated by low concentrations of cyprofuram, and germination was delayed. As with other ‘acylalanine-type’ fungicides, inhibition of nucleic acid synthesis is considered to be the main mode of action. Some degree of cross-resistance between cyprofuram and other acylalanines is likely to occur in the field but the dual mode of action of cyprofuram might delay its onset. The effect of increased sporogenesis on the development of resistance is more difficult to assess.     

Screening for resistance to big-vein disease of lettuce (Lactuca sativa)

A methods was developed for screening of breeding populations and evaluation of genotypes of lettuce for resistance to big vein. First and rapid screening of plant populations or large numbers of genotypes was in greenhouse trials by inoculation of the substrate in which the seedlings to be tested were grown with viruliferous zoospores of Olpidium brassicae. Further testing with limited numbers of genotypes was in container tests, using dry soil with viruliferous resting spores as inoculum. No single criterion or simple and early parameter was found to represent fully the final effect of the disease on yield and quality at the time of harvest. Effect on head weight was not correlated with disease incidence or sympton severity. The final effect on promising lines and cultivars could only be studied in field experiments after zoospore inoculation of seedlings in the greenhouse or on naturally infested soil. All 55 lettuce genotypes tested, including American ‘resistant’ crisphead cultivars and breeding lines, developed symptoms of big vein in either test, but there were considerable differences in length of incubation time, sensitivity, and capacity to recover from disease. Loss of head weight was considerable in all nine genotypes tested for yield reduction after early inoculation, and for the crisphead cultivars also after late inoculation. Cos lettuce ‘Lobjoit's Green’ and ‘grasse’ lettuce ‘Little Gem’ are promising parental genotypes for breeding for resistance, as are two entries of Lactuca virosa.     

Systemicity and persistence of cymoxanil in mixture with oxadixyl and mancozeb against Phytophthora infestans and Plasmopara viticola

Uptake and translocation of the fungicide cymoxanil was studied using tomato and potato plants infected with Phytophthora infestans and grape plants infected with Plasmopara viticola. Translocation of cymoxanil was mainly translaminar and acropetal from roots and stems to leaves to an extent similar to that of the phenylamide fungicide oxadixyl. Basipetal translocation from upper to lower leaves, as well as lateral movement, was also observed but to a lesser extent. Plant parts that grew after application were protected against P. infestans and P. viticola because of systemic activity up to 7 days by cymoxanil alone and up to 14 days when cymoxanil was used as part of a three-way mixture with oxadixyl and mancozeb. Drench application of cymoxanil and a simultaneous spray application of mancozeb against P. infestans and P. viticola resulted in a significant synergistic interaction. The spray application of the three-way mixture oxadixyl/mancozeb/cymoxanil was more effective against both sensitive and phenylamide-resistant strains of P. infestans and P. viticola than the individual components alone, representing significant levels of synergistic interactions. Synergy ratios were higher for resistant than for sensitive strains of both pathogens.     

木瓜秀粉蚧为害对不同木薯品种次生代谢物质含量的影响

次生代谢物质在植物防御植食性害虫时发挥重要作用,但目前尚无次生代谢物质与木薯品种抗虫相关性的报道。本研究系统开展了木瓜秀粉蚧为害前后不同木薯品种叶组织中总酚、丙二醛、单宁等次生代谢物质含量的差异分析。结果表明,与为害前相比,木瓜秀粉蚧为害1、4、8 d后,感虫木薯品种‘BRA900’‘面包’‘SC205’和‘瑞士T7’叶组织中总酚与丙二醛含量无显著差异,单宁含量则显著降低,而抗虫木薯品种‘缅甸’和‘C1115’叶组织中总酚和单宁含量显著增加,丙二醛含量显著降低。抗虫木薯品种的总酚含量在粉蚧为害前显著低于感虫木薯品种,而粉蚧为害1、4、8 d后显著高于感虫木薯品种;抗虫木薯品种丙二醛含量在为害前与感虫木薯品种无显著差异,粉蚧为害1、4、8 d后显著低于感虫木薯品种;抗虫木薯品种单宁含量在为害前后均显著高于感虫木薯品种。相关性分析发现,木薯对木瓜秀粉蚧的抗性与叶组织中总酚含量和单宁含量显著正相关,与丙二醛含量显著负相关。本研究初步阐明基于次生代谢物质总酚、丙二醛、单宁的木薯品种对木瓜秀粉蚧的抗性机理。     

Increased frequency of phytosanitary pod removal in cacao (Theobroma cacao) increases yield economically in eastern Peru

Diseases caused by Moniliophthora roreri (moniliasis), Crinipellis perniciosa (witches’ broom) and Phytophthora palmivora (black pod) are the most important factors limiting cocoa production in Peru and cultural management is considered to be the only practical means of control for the smallholder. The objective of this study was to develop an epidemiologically and economically sound control recommendation based on the frequency of phytosanitary pod removal. Weekly removal of diseased pods reduced the incidence of diseases significantly in comparison with fortnightly removal. In three fields, moniliasis was decreased by 26–41%, black pod by 35–66% and witches’ broom on pods by 14–57%. The cumulative effect was a consistent yield increase from an average of 504–660 kg ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹. Returns compensated for increased labour costs. Weekly pod removal was 32% more profitable. Time-course analyses indicated that weekly removal should be practised throughout the year under field conditions of eastern Peru.     

Resistance to the legume pod borer, Maruca vitrata Fabricius, and the probable modalities involved in wild Vigna

A large number of accessions belonging to selected wild Vigna species namely V. unguiculata subspecies dekindtiana, V. oblongifolia, and V. vexillata were evaluated using choice (DCAT) and no-choice (NCFT) laboratory feeding bioassays to determine their resistance to the pod borer, Maruca vitrata Fabricius. The most resistant accessions belonged to V. vexillata, followed by those from V. oblongifolia, with a few outstanding exceptions from V. unguiculata. Even though the latter were the least resistant, they provided the greatest variability among the tested accessions. In the DCAT, the cultivated cowpea line, IT84S-2246, which was used as the susceptible control was always preferred for feeding by the larvae (feeding index [FI] of 1.10–2.60) than the V. unguiculata accessions (FI ranged from 0–0.52). Against the resistant control (itself belonging to V. vexillata), only a few accessions were less preferred, most of these being either V. vexillata or V. oblongifolia. Larvae lost weight on the most resistant from all three species, because they either did not feed, or fed very little. Weight gain was positively correlated with seed damage (r = 0.82, P < 0.01) and the amount of frass produced (r = 0.91, P < 0.01). Seed damage was also positively correlated with the amount of frass produced (r = 0.64, P < 0.05). On the basis of these results, we believe that both antibiosis (post-ingestive effects) and antixenosis (deterrence to boring into the pods to feed) modalities of resistance are involved. The results are discussed further in relation to the origin, domestication and use of these accessions in cowpea improvement.     

霜疫霉侵染后荔枝果皮结构变化的扫描电镜观察

霜疫霉病严重危害荔枝果实的产量和质量,其病原菌是霜疫霉(Phytophthora litchii Chen ex Ko et al.)。以4×10~4cfu/mL霜疫霉孢子悬浮液分别接种抗病品种‘黑叶’和感病品种‘桂味’的果实,通过扫描电子显微镜观察接种0、1、6、12、24、48、72、96 h后荔枝外果皮显微结构的变化。扫描电镜观察发现,‘黑叶’果皮的龟裂片平整,主要组成单元为微小乳突状结构,其中间微微凸起且结构致密紧实;‘桂味’果皮的裂片谷较深,主要组成单元为微小蜂窝状结构,其中间凹陷且壁薄挺立。随着贮藏时间的延长,2个品种外果皮均出现不同程度的损伤,但‘黑叶’比‘桂味’损伤较轻。用相同浓度霜疫霉孢子接种后,‘桂味’果皮附着孢子的数量是‘黑叶’的近5倍,说明‘桂味’果皮显微结构更易于霜疫霉孢子的附着和侵染。接种霜疫霉后,病原菌侵染加剧荔枝外果皮结构的崩解,但‘黑叶’外果皮崩解速度较慢。在‘黑叶’上霜疫霉的孢子萌发、菌丝生长和孢子囊形成都晚于‘桂味’,说明其对霜疫霉的生长有一定的抑制作用。‘黑叶’和‘桂味’果皮显微结构的差异是其对霜疫霉表现不同抗性的重要原因。     

西番莲不同种质资源抗寒性测定

为筛选贵州抗寒性强的西番莲品种,设定5个低温处理梯度,测定不同低温胁迫下6个品种西番莲枝条膜脂特性、可溶性物质、细胞保护酶,分析其变化趋势,并通过隶属函数法综合评价各品种抗寒能力。研究结果表明,所有品种枝条相对电导率均随处理温度降低而增加,‘蓝香西番莲'（Passiflora incarnata）、‘玛格丽特西番莲'（Passiflora ‘Lady Margaret'）、‘贵寒1号'（Passiflora edulis）半致死温度较其他低,各品种MDA变化趋势差异较大,总体上-20℃下MDA含量高于5℃处理,‘玛格丽特西番莲'‘贵寒1号'‘台农1号'‘巨无霸黄金果'枝条可溶性糖随处理温度降低呈下降趋势,各西番莲品种枝条可溶性蛋白质含量随处理温度降低呈先增加后减少趋势,除‘巨无霸黄金果'外,其他品种枝条CAT酶活性均随处理温度下降呈先上升后下降趋势,枝条POD酶活性随处理温度下降呈先上升后下降趋势,各品种枝条SOD酶活性随温度变化趋势差异较大。根据隶属函数法判定6个西番莲品种均为Ⅱ级,中抗寒性品种,得出各品种抗寒性强弱顺序为：‘贵寒1号'>‘蓝香西番莲'>‘玛格丽特西番莲'>‘台农1号'>‘紫花西番莲'（Passiflora amethystina）>‘巨无霸黄金果'。     

Field evaluation of the resistance of some faba bean (Vicia faba L.) genotypes to the parasitic weed Orobanche foetida Poiret

Heavy infestation of faba bean fields by Orobanche foetida is an emerging problem in Tunisia. Field trials during three consecutive crop seasons demonstrated the resistance of three genotypes to O. foetida, including the cv. Baraca, selected for resistance to O. crenata, and two Tunisian breeding lines, Bader and XBJ90.03-16-1-1-1. Resistant genotypes displayed a parasitism index two-fold lower than that of the susceptible checks. They carried 2–8 times less of tubercle attachments and 2–3 times less of emerged parasite spikes at pod setting stage and at crop maturity, respectively. Seed-yield losses by parasitism reached 90% for the susceptible checks and were two-fold lower for the resistant genotypes. Parasitism affected negatively the protein/starch ratio of seeds of both susceptible and resistant genotypes. The line XBJ90.03-16-1-1-1 was the best candidate for registration because of better productivity in non-infested fields and production of high-weight seeds.     

极小种群植物洛氏蝴蝶兰所处群落结构特征

洛氏蝴蝶兰（Phalaenopsis lobbii）野生资源珍贵,种群数量十分稀少,被列入我国优先拯救保护的极小种群野生植物。本研究对广西龙虎山自然保护区洛氏蝴蝶兰所在的群落1及广西大新县宝圩乡的海南风吹楠-凹脉金花茶的保护小区内所在的群落2进行了生境调查与样地调查,分析生境特征、物种组成、群落区系特点及群落结构。结果显示,调查群落1样地内共有维管束植物32科45属50种,群落生物多样性较为丰富,其中百合科为该群落的优势科;群落2样地内共有维管束植物26科35属38种,无优势科现象;所在群落属的地理成分中泛热带和热带亚洲成分占绝对优势,具有热带向亚热带过渡的性质;群落中均以高位芽植物为主,又以藤本植物的比例最大,林下郁闭度增大,表明洛氏蝴蝶兰对环境湿度和光照有一定的要求;洛氏蝴蝶兰在群落1、2草本层中重要值较低,仅作为伴生种,与常绿阔叶林群落植物共生。目前蝴蝶兰属野生植物资源的群落结构的野外调查与保育研究等方面的系统性研究较少,建议加强就地保护,结合迁地保护,研究濒危机理,通过人工栽培繁殖再进行引种回归野外,缓解洛氏蝴蝶兰野外濒危现状,并为合理开发利用提供技术支撑。     

Pre-breeding for resistance to Verticillium wilt in olive: Fishing in the wild relative gene pool

This study aimed to identify new sources of resistance to Verticillium wilt in olive. We evaluated various types of genotypes: wild olive trees (Olea europaea subsp. europaea var. sylvestris), genotypes belonging to related subspecie (Olea europaea subsp. guanchica) and genotypes coming from crosses between Picual cultivar and wild olive trees. Fifty-six genotypes were inoculated by dipping roots and then screened under controlled conditions to test their resistance to a highly virulent Defoliating isolate of Verticillium dahliae. Picual (susceptible) and Frantoio (resistant) were control cultivars. Wide variability and significant differences were obtained in the evaluated disease parameters. The Relative Susceptibility Index (RSI), summarizing the disease parameters, was used for final classification of genotypes. Thirteen genotypes were categorized as resistant: eight wild olives from different locations, two genotypes belonging to subsp. guanchica populations from Canary Islands and three genotypes obtained from one of the crosses Picual x wild. The identification of high levels of resistance to V. dahliae among wild olive genotypes may be helpful for the management of this disease. The resistant genotypes could be used as rootstocks for susceptible olive cultivars or parents in future breeding programs.     

Present state and future prospects of biotechnology in sunflower breeding

The cultivated sunflower is considered to be a species very recalcitrant to various methods of biotechnology, although substantial progress has been made in recent years. For example, very efficient embryo culture techniques are available for obtaining numerous wide crosses which can be very valuable for broadening genetic variation in sunflower. In particular, interspecific hybrids have been demonstrated to be a unique source for creating “new” traits, like cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) or resistance against devastating diseases, such as Sclerotinia rot. The succesful regeneration of entire plants from cultured somatic tissue or even single cells, i.e. protoplasts, has been demonstrated for specific genotypes. Furthermore, the recovery of androgenetic haploid and doubled haploid plants is basically feasible in sunflower, although the rate of regeneration strongly depends on genotype. Particular progress has been made in the field of “genome characterization”, by using both biochemical and molecular markers. In particular, the chloroplast and mitochondrial genomes have been analyzed and described in detail. Such analyses built the foundation for future “marker-based selection” and for the identification and isolation of specific genes as candidates for “genetic engineering”.     

Bph36介导的抗性机制及相关信号通路的研究

褐飞虱（Nilaparvata lugens Stål., BPH）是水稻最主要的害虫之一,给水稻生产造成严重的危害。携带不同抗性基因的抗褐飞虱水稻材料抗性机制不同,挖掘普通野生稻抗褐飞虱基因并研究其介导的抗性机制及相关信号通路对水稻育种具有重要的意义。本研究基于课题组前期从广西普通野生稻‘W2183'挖掘出的位于4号染色体InDel标记S13和X48之间38 kb处新基因Bph36,以‘9311'和‘抗蚊青占'为感性对照,05RBPH16和NIL-Bph36为抗性对照,通过褐飞虱宿主选择性、蜜露量测定、褐飞虱存活率及褐飞虱生长速率等方法分析Bph36介导的抗褐飞虱机制;同时,以‘抗蚊青占'为感性对照,NIL-Bph36为抗性对照,通过qRT-PCR分析植物防御昆虫侵害的三大信号途径：水杨酸、茉莉酸和乙烯相关基因表达量的差异。抗性机制研究结果表明：褐飞虱在抗性材料植株上的虫口密度显著低于感性材料植株,抗性材料上的褐飞虱存活率、群体生长率及取食后排泄的蜜露量均比感性对照显著降低。Bph36介导的抗性机制是寄主抗生性和害虫趋避性相互作用的结果。qRT-PCR结果表明：褐飞虱取食后,各个时间段抗性材料NIL-Bph36植株中水杨酸合成相关基因EDS1、PAD4、PAL和水杨酸途径病程相关蛋白基因PR10的表达量显著高于感性材料‘抗蚊青占'植株中的表达量;抗性材料NIL-Bph36植株中,茉莉酸合成基因LOX2和茉莉酸积累基因AOS2的表达量比褐飞虱取食前显著提升,但是比同时段感性材料植株中表达量显著降低;褐飞虱取食后,抗、感性材料植株中乙烯信号途径基因EIN2的表达量都受到抑制,基因ACO3表达量都提高,但2种材料间的差异不显著。茉莉酸途径和乙烯途径参与了NIL-Bph36植株抗褐飞虱的基础防御反应,但Bph36激活的抗性不是茉莉酸和乙烯依赖的信号防御途径而是激活水杨酸依赖的系统获得性抗性。研究结果为进一步研究Bph36与其他抗性基因聚合,培育兼有多种抗性机制和防御信号途径的优良品种奠定基础。     

17种报春苣苔属植物的组培苗移栽季节研究

探讨不同季节对报春苣苔属植物组培苗移栽成活的影响,为其今后组培苗工厂化、规模化生产提供技术支持.以17种报春苣台属植物的组培生根苗为材料,研究季节对移栽成活的影响,分析不同物种间在同一季节的移栽成活差异以及同一物种在4个不同季节的移栽成活差异.大部分种类在春季移栽具有较高的成活率;成活率最高与最低的种类为三苞报春苣苔和...     

A new allopolyploid wheat for stressed lands and poverty alleviation

To generate diversity for salt tolerance in wheat, we crossed Triticum turgidum ssp. durum with salt tolerant accessions of Aegilops geniculata. During the process, we discovered new allopolyploid wheat (informally called here “Durugen”) that originated through natural process. The present study aimed at documenting the significance of “Durugen” for salinity and poverty alleviation. Wide hybridization approach using emasculation and pollination procedure was used for hybrid production. Allopolyploidy was established through mitotic chromosomes counting. Evaluation of the third generation plants was made under field conditions using 50% of the normal irrigation water and salinity of 1/3: the sea water level. First generation plants showed morphological variation. Second generation was morphologically uniform. Evaluation of third generation plants showed reduction of 10 and 12% in biomass and 5 and 8% in grain yield under salinity and water deficiency, respectively, which were lower than the reduction observed earlier in other wheat genotypes growing under similar conditions. These data suggested that “Durugen” is more tolerant compared to other salt tolerant durum and bread wheat genotypes and that it can help alleviating poverty as it can produce more biomass and income for the inhabitants of stressed lands, who are moving to other places in search of livelihood.     

Identification of late blight, Colorado potato beetle, and blackleg resistance in three Mexican and two South American wild 2x (1EBN)Solanum species

Wild potatoes are important sources of genes for resistance to disease and insect pests. A collection of wild Mexican and South AmericanSolarium species from the US potato Genebank was evaluated under laboratory and/or field conditions for their reaction to late blight (Phytophthora infestans), Colorado potato beetle (CPB,Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say), and blackleg (Erwinia carotovora subsp.atroseptica (van Hall) Dye) in order to identify individual genotypes with multiple resistance genes. Late blight inoculations using aggressive isolates (US-8/A2 and US-11/A1 mating types) of P.infestans revealed a wide range of variation for resistance between and within the accessions of the wild species tested. For late blight, susceptible as well as moderately to highly resistant genotypes were observed in all the species tested. However, at least one accession from the three Mexican and one South American wild diploid species tested showed a relatively uniform high level of resistance toP. infestans. These includedS. bulbocastanum, S. pinnatisectum, S. cardiophyllum, andS. circaeifolium. Two accessions from South American speciesS. commersonii were highly susceptible to late blight. For the Colorado potato beetle test, only one species,S. pinnatisectum appeared uniformly resistant to CPB under field conditions. Results of screening for blackleg resistance showed that there were major differences between genotypes in the wild species. Accessions ofS. circaeifolium PI 498119 andS. bulbocastanum PI 243504 were identified as having significantly higher blackleg resistance than cultivated potato and the other wild species tested. However, genotypes from these two accessions were more susceptible to late blight and CPB. Characterization of theP. infestans isolate P1801C.16 used for late blight evaluation and multi-locus isolate tests using US-8/A2 and US-11/A1 races revealed that the resistance inS. pinnatisectum genotypes tested corresponded to a race-non-specific genetic system, which was different from any existing R genes.Solanum pin-natisectum genotypes with both high levels of late blight and CPB resistance as well as blackleg resistance genotypes identified in the present study represent a diverse gene pool that may be useful for development of new potato cultivars with multiple disease and insect resistance. The potential utilization of these valuable sources for improvement of cultivated potato is discussed.     

Donors for Resistance to Brown Planthopper Nilaparvata lugens (Stål) from Wild Rice Species

Out of 1 989 wild accessions sown in seed boxes for screening, only 1 003 wild accessions with good germination were screened against brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens (Stål) under greenhouse conditions. The collection comprised of accessions from 11 wild species and African cultivated rice. The germplasm was screened for BPH following standard seed box screening technique in the greenhouse. As many as 159 accessions were identified as resistant during the year 2012 based on one year screening. A selected set of BPH resistant accessions were screened again during 2013. Based on the two years screening, seven accessions of O. nivara (AA), one accession of O. officinalis (CC), seven accessions of O. australiensis (EE), five accessions of O. punctata (BB and BBCC) and nine accessions of O. latifolia (CCDD) were confirmed to be resistant to BPH. So far no BPH resistance genes have been identified and designated from O. nivara and O. punctata, hence these may act as new sources of resistance.