Genetic control of resistance to soft rot caused by Erwinia carotovora subsp. carotovora in Zantedeschia spp. (Araceae), section Aestivae

The pattern of heredity of resistance to Erwinia carotovora subsp. carotovora in Zantedeschia spp. is investigated. Four species with different resistance levels (Z. albomaculata, Z. elliotiana, Z. pentlandii, Z. rehmannii) were compared to their reciprocal offspring. The occurrence of plastome-genome incompatibility (PGI) affected plant resistance in all families. Therefore, plants that suffered from PGI were omitted from genetic analyses. Resistance was quantitative and the correlation between resistance levels of parents and offspring (h ²= 0.33;r ²= 0.66) indicated a genetic basis of resistance. Z. rehmannii and Z. albomaculata contributed more resistance genes than Z. elliotiana or Z. pentlandii. Transgression among some of the offspring of Z. rehmannii and Z. albomaculata indicated the presence of complementary resistance genes in these two species and good potential for resistance breeding.     

Physico-chemical traits of Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp. pod wall affecting Melanagromyza obtusa (Malloch) damage

Pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] is an important legume crop in the semi-arid tropics, and pod fly [Melanagromyza obtusa (Malloch)] is an important emerging constraint to increase the production and productivity of this crop under subsistence farming conditions. Host plant resistance can be used as an important tool for the management of this pest. Therefore, a set of ten pigeonpea genotypes from a diverse array of plant growth types and maturity groups including two appropriate commercial checks, was evaluated for resistance to pod fly under field conditions, and characterized for physico-chemical pod traits. The non-determinate type GP 75 (extra early maturing) and GP 118 (early maturing), and determinate type GP 233 (extra early maturing) and GP 253 (early maturing) genotypes had significantly lower pod and seed damage as compared to determinate (Prabhat) and non-determinate (Manak) early maturing checks, suggesting that resistance to pod fly is not linked to plant growth type and maturity period of the genotype in pigeonpea. Pod wall thickness, trichome density, reducing and non-reducing sugars, total phenols, tannins, and crude fiber were found to be negatively associated (r = −0.83** to −0.97**), while total protein positively associated (r = 0.88** to 0.97**) with pod fly infestation. Therefore, these traits particularly total phenols, tannins, crude fiber, trichome density, and pod wall thickness, can be used as physico-chemical markers to identify pigeonpea genotypes with resistance to M. obtusa, and use in pod fly resistant breeding program in pigeonpea.     

The evaluation of adult plant resistance to powdery mildew (Erysiphe graminis f.sp. avenae) in transgressive lines of oats

Summary Previously identified segregant lines of oats with levels of adult plant resistance to powdery mildew (Erysiphe graminis f.sp. avenae) better than the resistant parent maintained this high level of resistance in field nurseries over two growing seasons. This enhancement was not expressed on inoculated detached leaves under laboratory conditions where no differences between the more resistant parent cv. Maldwyn and the most resistant segregants was detected. Reduced resistance was not detected in tests where leaf segments of the transgressive lines were inoculated with trained isolates. Problems associated with selecting for adult plant resistance under both field and laboratory conditions are discussed.     

Breeding strategy in foxtail millet,Setaria italica (L.P. Beauv.), following interspecific hybridization

Summary An interspecific cross between foxtail millet Setaria italica and its wild relative Setaria viridis was undertaken in order to introduce from the latter triazine resistance in the cultivated plant. Four backcross generations obtained with S. italica as recurrent parent were studied. Results show that only two backcross generations associated with selection are enough to eliminate weedy characters and to return to the cultivated type. S. viridis could thus be an interesting source for improvement of foxtail millet without a complex and time consuming breeding strategy.     

Inheritance of seed resistance to bruchids in cultivated mungbean (Vigna radiata, L. Wilczek)

Bruchid beetles or seed weevils are the most devastating stored pests of grain legumes causing considerable loss to mungbean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek). Breeding for bruchid resistance is a major goal in mungbean improvement. Few sources of resistance in cultivated genepool were identified and characterized, however, there has been no study on the genetic control of the resistance. In this study, we investigated the inheritance of seed resistance to Callosobruchus chinensis (L.) and C. maculatus (F.) in two landrace mungbean accessions, V2709BG and V2802BG. The F₁, F₂ and BC generations were developed from crosses between the resistant and susceptible accessions and evaluated for resistance to the insects. It was found that resistance to bruchids in seeds is controlled by maternal plant genotype. All F₁ plants derived from both direct and reciprocal crosses exhibited resistance to the bruchids. Segregation pattern of reaction to the beetles in the F₂ and backcross populations showed that the resistance is controlled by a major gene, with resistance is dominant at varying degrees of expressivity. Although the presence of modifiers was also observed. The gene is likely the same locus in both V2709BG and V2802BG. The resistant gene is considered very useful in breeding for seed resistance to bruchids in mungbean.     

Inheritance of resistance to angular leaf spot in Nicotiana tabacum L. cultivars burley 21 and kentucky 14

Summary The genetics of resistance to angular leaf spot caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. tabaci in Nicotiana tabacum cultivars Burley 21 and Kentucky 14 was investigated by studying disease reactions to three isolates of parental, F₁, F₂ and backcross generations derived from crosses between the resistant cultivars and the susceptible cultivar Judy's Pride. Studies were conducted in the greenhouse and in field plant beds. Chi-square values were computed to determine whether the observed ratios for disease reactions deviated from expected Mendelian ratios for a single, dominant gene controlling resistance to angular leaf spot in tobacco. Based on the resistance of the F₁ and the backcross generation to the resistant parent (BC-R), a 3 resistant: 1 susceptible segregation ratio in the F₂, and a 1 resistant: 1 susceptible segregation ratio in the backcross generation to the susceptible parent (BC-S), it was concluded that resistance to three isolates of Pseudomonas syringae pv. tabaci is governed by a single, dominant gene.     

Breeding and genetics of Fusarium basal rot resistance in onion

Fusarium basal plate rot (FBR), caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cepae, is an important soil-borne disease of onions worldwide. The causal organism infects the basal stem plate of the bulb and eventually kills the entire plant through degradation of the basal plate. F. o. f. sp.cepae infections in dormant bulbs during storage allow secondary infections to occur. The primary method of infection by F. o. f. sp. cepaeis through direct penetration of the basal stem plate. Infection can also occur through wounded tissue particularly roots and basal portions of bulb scales. The most cost-effective methods of control are crop rotation and host plant resistance. Current research suggests that a single gene, two genes, or multiple genes govern resistance to FBR. Breeding programs have successfully used screening procedures to develop intermediate- and long-day, FBR-resistant cultivars. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Inheritance of downy mildew resistance at cotyledon and adult-plant stages in ‘Couve Algarvia’ (Brassica oleracea var. tronchuda)

Parasitic nematodes damage white clover (Trifolium repens) roots, negatively impacting forage yield and persistence. No single gene resistance to nematodes has been identified in white clover. Trifolium semipilosum (2n = 2x = 16) genotypes exhibiting either complete resistance or susceptibility to infection by the clover root-knot nematode (CRKN), Meloidogyne trifoliophila, were identified. F₁ progeny (n = 92) of a pair-cross between ‘TsR’, a plant heterozygous for the resistance phenotype and ‘TsS’, a plant homozygous for the susceptible phenotype, were challenged with infective CRKN juveniles and evaluated subsequently for root galling. Segregation analysis indicated the resistance phenotype may be conferred by a single dominant allele at a locus (designated TRKR, Trifolium Root-knot Resistance) subject to segregation distortion. TsR, TsS, and bulked resistant and bulked susceptible F₁ progeny (n = 12/bulk) were screened using T. repens microsatellite (SSR) markers. Three SSRs revealed polymorphism in TsR and the resistant bulk, of which prs090 and prs247 map to loci on T. repens linkage group D2. Progeny were genotyped with these three SSRs and 23 additional SSRs from T. repens groups D1 and D2. Linkage analysis in both TsR and TsS demonstrated macro-synteny between T. repens group D homoeologues and the T. semipilosum linkage group (designated D_Ts) containing the TRKR locus. Significant segregation distortion was detected in TsR, and recombination in the central region of the T. semipilosum linkage group was suppressed relative to T. repens in both parents. These data demonstrate the opportunities and challenges for comparative mapping in Trifolium and characterisation of loci conferring resistance to plant-parasitic nematodes.     

Trichome characteristics of F1Lycopersicon esculentum × L. cheesmanii f. minor and L. esculentum × L. pennellii hybrids and effects on Myzus persicae

Summary The green peach aphid (Myzus persicae) is a serious pest of the tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum). Trichome-based host plant resistance of wild Lycopersicon species may offer an alternative to pesticides for management of this pest. Two wild species, Lycopersicon cheesmanii f. minor and L. pennellii, were crossed with L. esculentum and the types and densities of trichomes possessed by the F₁ hybrids measured. The effects of these trichomes on M. persicae were assessed by placing nymphs on leaves and, 96 hr later, designating each nymph as either dead, alive, emigrating off the leaf or unaccounted for. A generalised linear model was used to detect relationships between the numbers of nymphs in each designation and the densities of trichomes and leaf area. Mortality of nymphs on L. pennellii hybrids was associated with high densities of type IV and low densities of type I trichomes. Mortality of nymphs on L. cheesmanii f. minor hybrids was associated with high densities of type III trichomes. An increase in the densities of type III trichomes on L. pennellii hybrids was associated with greater numbers of nymphs emigrating off the leaf whilst unaccounted nymphs on L. pennellii hybrids were associated with increased densities of type VII and type I trichomes. Further experimentation using excised leaflets found mortality on L. pennellii hybrids may be due to nymphs being hindered by type I trichomes and increased densities of type V trichomes were associated with greater numbers of unhindered nymphs. Implications of results are discussed in the context of introducing trichome-based host plant resistance into L. esculentum.     

The location and characteristics of novel sources of resistance to Bremia Lactucae Regel (downy mildew) in wild Lactuca L. Species

Summary Twenty-one accessions of 3 wild Lactuca species which could be hybridised with L. sativa, the cultivated lettuce, were inoculated at different stages of plant development with 3 multivirulent isolates of Bremia lactucae. Nineteen sources of resistance to B. lactucae, not attributable to the previously recognised resistance factors 1–11 were identified. Two lines of L. serriola showed similar resistance patterns as lines carrying R11. The resistance of some accession was incomplete particularly at the seedling stage and this phenomenon may be race specific.Tests on segregating F₂ populations of crosses between 2 different L. serriola accessions and L. sativa cultivars showed that the resistance in one line (LSE/18) appears to be inherited as a single dominant gene, which is sometimes incomplete in expression and allelic to either Dm6 or R7. The segregation patterns for resistance in PI 281876 did not give readily interpretable ratios.To assess the frequency of occurrence in B. lactucae populations of virulence factors to overcome this novel resistance, 11 of the novel sources of resistance were inoculated with numerous collections of the pathogen from the UK, Czechoslovakia and elsewhere and found to show a high level of resistance.     

Genetics of resistance to early blight (Alternaria solani Sorauer) in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.)

The genetic nature of early blight resistance in tomato was studied in three crosses at seedling and adult plant stages. A six generation mean analysis of the cross Arka Saurabh (susceptible) × IHR1939 (resistance) and its reciprocal cross revealed that the resistance to early blight was conferred by recessive polygenes at both seedling and adult plant stages. This polygenic early blight resistance revealed the importance of additive and additive × additive gene effects at seedling stage and higher magnitude of dominance and dominance× dominance gene effects at adult plant stage. Evaluation of parents, F₁, F₂ and backcross generations of IHR1816 (resistance) × IHR1939 (resistance) revealed that the early blight resistance genes in IHR1816 (Lycopersicon esculentum NCEBR-1) and IHR1939 (Lycopersicon pimpinellifolium L4394) are independent. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Effects of recurrent selection for resistance to scab (Gibberella zeae) in wheat

Summary Scab caused by Gibberella zeae Petch., in common wheat, is one of the most severe diseases in China. A source population C0, bred for scab resistance, was developed through three cycles of multiple-parent crossing and intercrossing by means of the dominant male-sterile gene Ta1 (Ms2), according to Wu's scheme. Phenotypic recurrent selection methods for increasing the resistance to scab-infection of spikelets and seeds with the male-sterile plants were carried out simultaneously in Nanjing and Shanghai and at Jianyang, Fujian Province, for three cycles. The generations from C0 to C3 and two check cultivars were evaluated, using a randomized block design, under conditions of an artificially induced epidemic of scab during 1988–1990. The results indicate that there were significant differences in the resistance to scab between these generations. On average, the percentages of diseased spikelets and seeds of the male-fertile plants were reduced by 9% and 10%, respectively. The frequency of resistant plants was distinctly enhanced by recurrent selection. Analysis of variance showed that no significant differences existed between cycles of recurrent selection in agronomic characters such as plant height, spikes per plant, spike length, numbers of spikelets and seeds per spike, weight of seeds per spike and 100-kernel weight, days to heading and to maturity. Except for plant height, most of these traits tended to be slightly improved with improvement of resistance in the gene pool. The variance for resistance in the generations was decreased under selection. Recurrent selection for scab resistance using the dominant male-sterile gene Ta1 (Ms2) was both an effective and feasible breeding method for producing this character in wheat.     

The oat line Pc54 as a source of resistance to crown rust,stem rust and powdery mildew in Europe

Summary The oat line Pc54 was found to be resistant to powdery mildew under both field and glasshouse conditions. The ratio of resistant to susceptible F₂ and F₂ progeny of a cross between a selection from the Pc54 line (Cc7422) and a susceptible cultivar (Selma) showed that, in addition to carrying the crown rust resistance gene Pc54 and the pg15 gene for stem rust resistance, the mildew resistance of the Pc54 line was conditioned by a single incompletely dominant gene along with additional factors which modified the expression of resistance. Previous results, that there was no linkage between genes Pc54 and Pg15, were confirmed. In addition, there was no evidence of linkage between the mildew resistance gene and gene Pc54. Evaluation of selections from within the Pc54 line showed that the expression of both stem rust and mildew resistance was modified by, or linked to, plant height. The effectiveness of genes Pc54 and Pg15, as measured by virulence frequencies, in central and eastern Europe is described.     

Breeding for resistance to coffee berry disease caused by Colletrotrichum coffeanumNoack (Sensu Hindorf) in Coffea arabica L. I. Methods of preselection for resistance

Summary Two methods of preselection for resistance to coffee berry disease, by artificial inoculation of young coffee seedlings, have been developed recently at the Coffee Research Station in Kenya. The efficiency of these methods has been investigated in a series of experiments by comparing the results of the preselection tests with mature plant resistance, as indicated by visual field scores and artificial inoculation of berries and bud leaves of mature trees and including a large number of varieties and cultivars of Coffea arabica. The preselection test, by which the hypocotyl stems of 6-week old seedlings are inoculated with a spore suspension of the pathogen, proved to be more reliable than the second preselection test with shoot-tips of 10-month old plants. Correlation coefficients between the preselection test and mature plant resistance were resp. r=0.73–0.80 for the first test against r=0.60 for the latter.     

Evaluation of seedling and adult plant resistance in European wheat cultivars to Australian isolates of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Puccinia striiformis</Emphasis> f. sp. <Emphasis Type="Italic">tritici</Emphasis>

A set of 105 European wheat cultivars was assessed for seedling resistance and adult plant resistance (APR) to stripe (yellow) rust in greenhouse and field tests with selected Australian isolates of Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst). Twelve cultivars were susceptible to all pathotypes, and among the remainder, 11 designated seedling genes (Yr1, Yr3, Yr4, Yr6, Yr7, Yr9, Yr17, Yr27, Yr32, YrHVII and YrSP) and a range of unidentified seedling resistances were detected either singly or in combination. The identity of seedling resistance in 43 cultivars could not be determined with the available Pst pathotypes, and it is considered possible that at least some of these may carry uncharacterised seedling resistance genes. The gene Yr9 occurred with the highest frequency, present in 19 cultivars (18%), followed by Yr17, present in 10 cultivars (10%). Twenty four cultivars lacked seedling resistance that was effective against the pathotype used in field nurseries, and all but two of these displayed very high levels of APR. While the genetic identity of this APR is currently unknown, it is potentially a very useful source of resistance to Pst. Genetic studies are now needed to characterise this resistance to expedite its use in efforts to breed for resistance to stripe rust. Colin R. Wellings seconded from NSW Department of Primary Industries.     

Evaluation of seedling and adult plant resistance to leaf rust in European wheat cultivars

Summary A set of 105 European wheat cultivars, comprising 68 cultivars with known seedling resistance genes and 37 cultivars that had not been tested previously, was tested for resistance to selected Australian pathotypes of P. triticina in seedling greenhouse tests and adult plant field tests. Only 4% of the cultivars were susceptible at all growth stages. Twelve cultivars lacked detectable seedling resistance to leaf rust, and among the remaining cultivars, 10 designated genes were present either singly or in combination. Lr13 was the most frequently detected gene, present in 67 cultivars, followed by the rye-derived gene Lr26, present in 19 cultivars. Other genes present were Lr1, Lr3a, Lr3ka, Lr10, Lr14a, Lr17b, Lr20 and Lr37. There was evidence for unidentified seedling resistance in addition to known resistance genes in 11 cultivars. Field tests with known pathotypes of P. triticina demonstrated that 57% of the cultivars carried adult plant resistance (APR) to P. triticina. The genetic identity of the APR is largely unknown. Genetic studies on selected cultivars with unidentified seedling resistances as well as all of those identified to carry APR are required to determine the number and inheritance of the genes involved, to determine their relationships with previously designated rust resistance genes, and to assess their potential value in breeding for resistance to leaf rust.     

Heritability and gain from selection for quantitative resistance to Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria in Capsicum annuum L.

Summary Breeding for disease resistance in peppers (Capsicum spp.) to the bacterial spot pathogen (Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria (Doidge) Dye) has been based on either qualitative or quantitative evaluation methods. Quantitative evaluation of components of resistance, lesion number and lesion diameter, has been useful for determining quantitative resistance, but few breeders have applied these methods in routine selection programs. This study was aimed at determining the heritability and gain from selection for resistance to the bacterial spot pathogen based on three components of resistance. Random selections from a diverse intermated population of Capsicum annuum L. were self-pollinated for two generations to create S₁ and S₂ families. Thirty S₁ families, corresponding S₂ families and four homozygous check lines were evaluated. At forty-two days after seeding, two different leaves of each plant were inoculated by leaf infiltration with low concentrations (5×10³ colony forming units) of Group 2 (XCV PT, race 1) and 4 (XCV P, race 1) of the bacterium, respectively. After 15 days, lesion number cm^-2 and lesion diameter were measured. Total lesion area was calculated. Narrow-sense heritabilities for lesion number, lesion diameter, and total lesion area were 0, 43, and 31%, respectively, with Group 2, and 26, 43, and 33%, respectively, with Group 4. Actual S₂ gain from 20% selection pressure in the S₁ was approximately 50%, when selection towards resistance was based on total lesion area.     

The role of Lr34 in imparting durable resistance to wheat leaf rust through gene interaction

Summary The leaf rust responses of wheat lines carrying the complementary genes Lr27 and Lr31 and the same genes in a Chinese Spring background which contains Lr34, indicate that Lr34 interacts with the complementary genes to give enhanced levels of field resistance to leaf rust. Lr34, particularly in combination with other genes, is considered to be an important gene for imparting a high degree of durable resistance to leaf rust. Its similarity to Sr2, an adult plant gene for resistance to stem rust and its association with adult plant resistances to stem and stripe rusts are discussed.     

Interspecific hybridization between Solanum melongena and Solanum macrocarpon: study of the F1 hybrid plants

Summary Egg plant is one of the most common vegetable crop grown in India and other parts of the world. The cultivated egg plant Solanum melongena is found to be susceptible to the shoot and fruit borer (Leucinodes orbonalis). Whereas the species Solanum macrocarpon is resistant. In order to incorporate the resistance of shoot and fruit borer to the cultivated egg plant, an interspecific hybridization between Solanum melongena and Solanum macrocarpon and reciprocals were carried out. The hybrids were found to be sterile, the investigations revealed that the failure of seed set in hybrids is due to the ovule abortion. In order to overcome the sterility, the colchicine has been applied to the interspecific hybrids.     

Evaluation of seedling and adult plant resistance to stem rust in European wheat cultivars

A total of 105 European wheat cultivars were assessed for seedling and adult plant resistance (APR) to stem rust using an array of Australian isolates of Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici. Twenty-seven cultivars were susceptible at both seedling and adult plant growth stages. Twelve catalogued seedling stem rust resistance genes (Sr7b, Sr8a, Sr8b, Sr9b, Sr9g, Sr11, Sr15, Sr17, Sr29, Sr31, Sr36 and Sr38) were detected in the remaining cultivars, and 13 cultivars carried additional seedling resistance genes that could not be postulated with the isolates used. Low levels of APR to stem rust were found in the cultivars Artaban, Forno, Mec, Mercia, Pandas and Vlada. Although the genetic identity of this APR was not determined, it was clear that the only designated stem rust APR gene Sr2 was not present in any of the cultivars tested based on the absence of the linked traits seedling chlorosis and pseudo black chaff. One of these cultivars, Forno, is believed to carry the leaf rust APR gene Lr34, previously reported to be associated with improved resistance to stem rust. A detailed genetic characterisation of the APRs in these cultivars will be needed to understand their modes of inheritance and relationships with catalogued stem rust resistance genes. Such knowledge may help in developing cultivars with effective gene combinations that confer higher levels of protection.