Molecular markers for improving control of soil-borne pathogen <Emphasis Type="Italic">Fusarium oxysporum</Emphasis> in sugar beet

Fusarium spp. cause severe damage in many agricultural crops, including sugar beet, with Fusarium oxysporum historically being considered as the most damaging of all species. Sugar beet needs to be protected from this class of soil-borne pathogens in order to ensure an optimal sugar yield in the field. Genetic control of the disease is crucial in managing these pathogens. Identification of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers linked to resistance can be a powerful tool for the introgression of valuable genes needed to develop Fusarium-resistant varieties. A candidate gene approach was carried out to identify SNP markers linked to putative Fusarium resistance sources in sugar beet. Five resistant analogue genes (RGAs) were screened by means of high resolution melting (HRM) analysis in a set of sugar beet lines, considered as resistant and susceptible to Fusarium oxysporum. HRM polymorphisms were observed in 80% of amplicons. Two HRM polymorphisms were significantly associated with Fusarium resistance (P < 0.05). The amplicons that showed association were sequenced and two SNPs were identified. The association was further validated on 96 susceptible and 96 resistant plants using competitive allele-specific PCR (KASPar) technology. The selected SNPs could be used for marker-assisted breeding of Fusarium resistance in sugar beet.     

Identification of the <Emphasis Type="Italic">S</Emphasis> locus core sequences determining self-incompatibility and <Emphasis Type="Italic">S</Emphasis> multigene family from draft genome sequences of radish (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Raphanus sativus</Emphasis> L.)

The S core and its flanking sequences were identified from two independent draft genome sequences of radish (Raphanus sativus L.). After gap-filling with PCR, the S core regions and full-length S receptor kinase (SRK) genes from two radish genomes were obtained. Phylogenetic analysis of the SRK genes clearly showed that one S core region belonged to the class I S haplotypes, but the other was included in the class II S haplotypes. Three sequences showing homology with known transposable elements were identified in the core regions, and one intact copia-type long terminal repeat (LTR)-retrotransposon containing a 4125-bp open reading frame (ORF) was identified in the class I S haplotype. A total of 61 genes showing homology with the SRK genes were identified from two draft genome sequences. Among them, the RsKD1 showed the highest homology with the SRK genes. There was 90% nucleotide sequence identity between the RsKD1 and RsSRK1 genes in the kinase domains. The phylogenetic tree of SRK genes and 13 most closely related homologs showed that all homologs were more closely related to the class II SRK genes than to the class I SRKs. Physical mapping of radish SRK-homologous genes and their B. rapa orthologs showed that two radish homologs and their B. rapa orthologs were tightly linked to the SRK genes in radish and B. rapa genomes. Sequence information about multiple SRK-homologs identified in this study would be helpful for designing reliable primer pairs for faithful PCR amplification of the SRK alleles, leading to improvement of the S haplotyping system in radish breeding programs.     

Identification of SNP for rice blast resistance gene <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pike</Emphasis> and development of the gene-specific markers

Rice blast disease caused by Magnaporthe oryzae is an important limiting factor to rice production in the world. Introgression of blast resistance genes into improved germplasm by marker-assisted selection has been considered as an effective and environmentally beneficial means to control this disease. Pike, a broad-spectrum blast resistance gene, was cloned by map-based strategy recently in our laboratory. Two adjacent CC-NBS-LRR genes (designated as Pike-1 and Pike-2) were required for Pike-mediated resistance. In the current study, sequence alignment of the SNP G1328C and the SNP-surrounding region let us find that the Pik DNA variants of the studied rice lines appear to be divided into G-, C-, T- and G’-types. Based on the four genotypes, a Pike-specific marker system consisting of three PCR-based markers CP-G1328C, CP-G1328T and CP-G1328G’ was developed and used to effectively differentiate G-type allele from each of the others. Using this marker system, we investigated distribution of the Pik DNA variants in a set of 326 rice varieties or breeding lines and found that there were 2, 130, 135 and 59 rice lines identified to carry G-, C-, T- and G’-type alleles, respectively. In addition, with sequence data of the SNP G1328C-containing genomic region derived from 56 rice lines, we constructed a phylogenetic tree with three major clades which just corresponded to the types of the Pik DNA variants described above.     

Asparagine synthetase genes (<Emphasis Type="Italic">AsnS1</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">AsnS2</Emphasis>) in durum wheat: structural analysis and expression under nitrogen stress

Wheat is one of the most widely grown cereal crops based on the amount of calories it provides in the human diet. Durum wheat (Triticum turgidum ssp. durum) is largely used for production of pasta and other products. In order to use genetic knowledge to improve the understanding of N-use efficiency, we carried out, for the first time in durum wheat, the isolation and the characterization of four members of the asparagine synthetase (AsnS) gene family. Phylogenetic inference clustered the Ttu-AsnS1 (1.1 and 1.2) and Ttu-AsnS2 (2.1 and 2.2) genes in AsnS gene class I, which is present in monocots and dicots. Class I genes underwent a subsequent duplication leading to the formation of two subgroups. Plants of Svevo cultivar were grown under N-stress conditions and expression of the four AsnS genes was investigated at three developmental stages (seedling, booting, and late milk development), crucial for N absorption, assimilation and remobilization. AsnS1 genes were down-regulated in N-stressed roots, stems and leaves during seedling growth and booting, but seemed to play a role in N remobilization in flag leaves during grain filling. AsnS2 genes were scarcely expressed in roots, stems, and leaves. In N-stressed spikes there was no differential expression in any of the genes. The genes were mapped in silico using a durum wheat SNP map, assigning Ttu-AsnS1 genes to chromosome 5 and Ttu-AsnS2 to chromosome 3. These findings provide a better understanding of the role of ASN genes in response to N stress in durum wheat.     

Genome-wide association analysis of seed germination percentage and germination index in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Brassica napus</Emphasis> L. under salt and drought stresses

Identifying genetic loci and possible candidate genes related to salt and drought stresses would be an economical, feasible and efficient way to accelerate the progress of abiotic tolerance breeding in rapeseed. In this study, a seed germination experiment using distilled water, salt and drought stresses was carried out with 520 B. napus germplasm resources. The rapeseed accessions showed large variation in the seed germination percentage (GP) and germination index (GI), with GP ranging from 26 to 100%, 0 to 100% and 0 to 100% and GI from 3.05 to 53.92, 0 to 24.50 and 0 to 25.00 in distilled water, under salt stress and drought stress, respectively. The coefficients of GP and GI were 0.72, 0.97 and 0.96 in distilled water, under salt stress and drought stress, respectively. A genome-wide association analysis of the 520 accessions was performed using the Q+K model and 31,839 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) sites, revealing 23 SNPs associated with GP and 20 SNPs associated with GI under salt and drought stresses. The significant loci rs32406 and rs9466 on chromosome C08 and A04 were mapped to sites 3.32 and 2.20 kb from the salt- and drought-responsive gene BnaC08g41070 and drought-responsive gene BnaA04g02620D, respectively. BnaC06g01910D, a drought-responsive gene on chromosome C06, was found to overlap with the significant locus rs44427. In addition, 37 candidate genes associated with GP and GI under salt and drought stresses were detected. Most of these candidate genes regulate signal transduction and proline biosynthesis or encode a ubiquitin ligase E3; some have unknown biological functions and may respond to salt and drought stresses together as a complex network.     

Rapid identification of a major effect QTL conferring adult plant resistance to stripe rust in wheat cultivar Yaco“S”

Stripe rust is a devastating disease in common wheat (Triticum aestivum) worldwide. Growing cultivars with adult-plant resistance (APR) is an environmental friendly approach that provides long-term protection to wheat from this disease. Wheat cultivar Yaco“S” showed a high level of APR to stripe rust in the field from 2008 to 2014. The objective of this study was to detect the major quantitative trait loci (QTL) for APR to stripe rust in Yaco“S”. One hundred and eighty-four F_2:3 lines were developed from a cross between Yaco“S” and susceptible cultivar Mingxian169. Illumina 90K and 660K single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) chips were implemented to bulked pools and their parents to identify SNPs associated with the major QTL. A high-density linkage map was constructed using simple sequence repeat (SSR) and SNP markers. Inclusive composite interval mapping detected a major effect QTL Qyryac.nwafu-2BS conferring stable resistance to stripe rust in all tested environments. Qyryac.nwafu-2BS were mapped to a 1.3 cm interval and explained 17.3–51.9% of the phenotypic variation. Compared with stripe rust resistance genes previously mapped to chromosome 2B, Qyryac.nwafu-2BS is likely a new APR gene to stripe rust. Combining SNP iSelect assay and kompetitive allele specific PCR technology, we found that the APR gene could be rapidly and accurately mapped and it is useful for improving stripe rust resistance in wheat breeding.     

Genetic mapping of the <Emphasis Type="Italic">qGCR6</Emphasis> locus affecting glossiness of cooked rice

A japonica variety, Koshihikari, is known to have favorable eating quality. Two rice backcross inbred lines (BILs) developed from Koshihikari exhibited significantly different glossiness of cooked rice (GCR), an eating quality trait measured using the Toyo-taste meter. Genetic analysis indicated that the genetic composition of these two BILs differed only on the short arm of chromosome 6, which led to the identification of the qGCR6 locus. Through high-resolution genetic mapping, the qGCR6 locus was further delimited to a 43.9 kb chromosomal region containing ten putative genes. The DNA marker SNP2175, which tightly links to qGCR6, was developed and can be used in marker-assisted breeding programs.     

A SNP mutation affects rhizomania-virus content of sugar beets grown on resistance-breaking soils

Rhizomania is one of the most devastating biotic stresses affecting sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.). It is caused by Beet necrotic yellow vein virus (BNYVV) vectored by the plasmodiophorid Polymyxa betae K. The only means available to control the disease is the use of genetically resistant varieties. “Rizor” or “Holly” (Rz1) and WB42 (Rz2) have been the most widely used resistance sources in the commercial varieties. Recently, naturally occurring resistance-breaking (RB) rhizomania strains have been identified causing major concerns. The aim of this study was to identify SNP mutations that show associations with resistance to rhizomania in sugar beet plants grown under resistance-breaking (RB)-BNYVV soils. Rhizomania virus content was evaluated by indirect triple-antibody sandwich-ELISA within two F ₂ segregating populations respectively grown on an AYPR and IV-BNYVV strain infected soils. Bulked segregant analysis (BSA) was performed. The resistant and susceptible plants were genotyped with a 384-SNPs panel. Of the 384 SNPs, SNP249 was found to associate with the resistance both to the AYPR strain (R ² = 0.37; P = 0.0004) and to the IV-BNYVV (R ² = 0.09; P = 0.0074). Our results suggested that the SNP249 could be readily applicable for marker-assisted breeding of resistance to AYPR strain of rhizomania.     

Identification of favorable alleles in the <Emphasis Type="Italic">non</Emphasis>-<Emphasis Type="Italic">yellow coloring 1</Emphasis> gene by association mapping in maize

Association mapping was conducted to explore favorable alleles of the chlorophyll-related non-yellow coloring 1 (NYC1) gene under light and dark using an association panel of 146 maize inbred lines. A total of 14 polymorphic sites were identified to be significantly associated with at least one of the chlorophyll-related traits at the seedling stage. Four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (S320, S2951, S3901, and S3355) from the NYC1 gene were respectively strongly associated with chlorophyll b (chlb), the ratio of chlorophyll a to chlorophyll b (chl_ratio), chlorophyll a degradation (chla_deg), and total chlorophyll degradation (total_chl_deg). SNPs S320 (C/A) in exon 1, and S2951 (A/G) in intron 8 was related to chlb, with 6.01 and 8.89% of phenotypic variation under light treatment, respectively. Under dark treatment, SNP S3901 (C/T), located in 3′ untranslated region (3′UTR), was associated with chl_ratio, explaining 7.01% of the observed phenotypic variation, whereas SNP S3355 (C/G) in intron 9 explained 6.48 and 5.18% of phenotypic variations in chla_deg and total_chl_deg, respectively. Taken together, these results indicated that the NYC1 gene plays an important role in chlorophyll content and other related traits, and different sites act on chlorophyll metabolism under different light intensities in maize seedlings. Furthermore, these findings improve our understanding of the genetic basis of chlorophyll metabolism under different light conditions.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">LKF</Emphasis>, the locus regulating large grains in the rice cultivar ‘Fusayoshi’, is identical to the loci encoding a serine/threonine protein phosphatase with Kelch motif

The LKF locus, which regulates grain size in the rice cultivar ‘Fusayoshi’ showing large grain, has been mapped to the proximal part of the long arm of chromosome 3. An incomplete dominant allele, Lkf, caused large grain size of Fusayoshi. The structure and function of this locus, however, have not yet been determined. In a similar position to LKF on chromosome 3, two loci, Os03g0407400 (GS3) and LOC_Os03g44500, have been already reported as loci also regulating rice grain size. The objective of the present study was to determine the nucleotide sequences of both Os03g0407400 and LOC_Os03g44500 for different alleles at the LKF locus. Results showed that only one known single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in exon 10 of LOC_Os03g44500 was detected between a large-grain allele (Lkf) and a small-grain allele at the LKF locus, whereas no polymorphisms in Os03g0407400. This SNP, visualized using a dCAPS marker, clearly demonstrated nearly complete co-segregation with grain length in an F₂ population segregating the Lkf at LKF. Other large-grain mutant lines with large-grain alleles at the LKF locus, which originated from another cultivar ‘Gimbozu’, also showed the same SNP in exon 10 of LOC_Os03g44500. It was concluded from these results that LKF is identical to LOC_Os03g44500, and the detected SNP in exon 10, at least, which is included in Kelch-like repeat motif, could be essential for expression of the large-grain phenotype.     

Development of NBS-related microsatellite (NRM) markers in hexaploid wheat

NBS (nucleotide binding site) genes, one type of the most important disease-resistance genes in the plant kingdom, are usually found clustered in genome. In this study, a total of 2288 full-length NBS protein-coding sequences were isolated from the wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genome, and 903 TaNBSs of which were found expressed in wheat. Meanwhile, 2203 microsatellite loci were detected within 1061 scaffolds containing TaNBS. The distribution of these microsatellite loci across wheat homologous groups (HG) is 20% HG2, 16% HG7, 15% HG1, 15% HG6, 12% HG4, 12% HG5 and 10% HG3. We developed 1830 NBS-related microsatellite (NRM) markers for the microsatellite loci on TaNBS-scaffold sequences.Among them, 342 NRM markers were developed for HG2 with the largest number of microsatellite loci, and 69 out of these markers were anchored to the wheat genetic map using mapping population. Then, a total of 26 2AS-NRM markers, nine 2BL-NRM markers and nine 2DL-NRM markers were integrated into the genetic maps carrying Yr69, Pm51 and Pm43, respectively. Finally, candidate sequences, within the gene clusters where Yr5 and Sr21 located, were analyzed according to the genomic position information of TaNBS and NRM markers. These NRM markers have clear chromosome locations and are correlated with potential disease resistance sequences, which can be manipulated to mapping or adding linkage markers of disease-resistance genes or QTLs, especially for those in the NBS gene clusters.     

Identifying apomixis in matroclinal progeny from an interspecific crossing between <Emphasis Type="Italic">Iris domestica</Emphasis> and three different colors of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Iris dichotoma</Emphasis>

In a previous investigation on the reciprocal difference of interspecific hybridization between three different flower colors of Iris dichotoma and Iris domestica in the F₁ offspring from crosses where I. domestica was a maternal parent were similar in morphological and cytological characters to their maternal parent. This could be evidence of apomixis; however, matroclinal progeny with complete morphological similarity to the maternal parent could be attributed to the heterozygosity for these characters in the pollen parent. The F₁ plants were investigated in order to identify apomixis in I. domestica. Four matroclinal plants were randomly selected from each F₁ population produced from Iris domestica × Iris dichotoma that had three different colors of flowers and were allowed to self-pollinate to establish an F₂ population. All of the F₂ plants had no segregation to I. domestica in their morphological characters. In addition, 13 reciprocal F₁ plants were detected by 25,719 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. When I. dichotoma plants with three different flower colors were used as maternal parents, all the progenies were genuine hybrids. When I. domestica were used as maternal parents, all the F₁ plants were apomictic progenies. Apomixis of I. domestica was successfully identified and SNP markers identified F₁ hybrids derived from six interspecific crosses between I. dichotoma and I. domestica, which provides a reference for authenticating offspring identity during Iris cross breeding in the future.     

Genome-wide SNP-based association mapping of resistance to <Emphasis Type="Italic">Phytophthora sojae</Emphasis> in soybean (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Glycine max</Emphasis> (L.) Merr.)

Phytophthora root rot (PRR) is among the most important soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) diseases worldwide, and the host displays complex genetic resistance. A genome-wide association study was performed on 337 accessions from the Yangtze-Huai soybean breeding germplasm to identify resistance regions associated with PRR resistance using 60,862 high-quality single nucleotide polymorphisms markers. Twenty-six significant SNP-trait associations were detected on chromosomes 01 using a mixed linear model with the Q matrix and K matrix as covariates. In addition, twenty-six SNPs belonged to three adjacent haplotype blocks according to a linkage disequilibrium blocks analysis, and no previous studies have reported resistance loci in this 441 kb region. The real-time RT-PCR analysis of the possible candidate genes showed that two genes (Glyma01g32800 and Glyma01g32855) are likely involved in PRR resistance. Markers associated with resistance can contribute to marker-assisted selection in breeding programs. Analyses of candidate genes can lay a foundation for exploring the mechanism of P. sojae resistance.     

Identification of genome-wide SNPs associated with combining ability for grain quality traits in parents of hybrid japonica rice (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Oryza sativa</Emphasis> L.)

Improving the combining ability for grain quality traits of the parents is the key factor to enhance averaged bulk grain quality of hybrid japonica rice. Eight quality traits including brown rice rate, milled rice rate (MRR), head rice rate (HRR), chalkiness degree (CD), percentage of chalky grain (PCG), alkali spreading value (ASV), gel consistency (GC) and amylose content (AC) of the bulked sample of rough rice harvested from the 81 F₁ hybrid plants were investigated in 2014 and 2015. By combining the phenotypic data of general combining ability (GCA) for the quality traits with genotypic data of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) obtained by genotyping by sequencing method, CAScreen1.0 program compiled by MATLAB language was conducted to identify the elite SNP genotype associated with combining ability of quality traits in parents. Totally 35 elite SNP genotypes involving 22 genes (genotypes) were detected associated with GCA of seven quality traits (P?<?0.05) in both 2014 and 2015. Seven and four SNPs were detected associated with combining ability for MRR and HRR, respectively. For PCG and CD, six and ten SNPs were detected associated with combining ability of parents, respectively. Six SNPs involving two genes were detected for combining ability of GC. Only two SNPs were detected which associated with combining ability for ASV. For combining ability of AC, six elite SNPs genotype were detected. Among them, elite SNP genotype of LOC_Os08g25220 (T/C) located on chromosome 8 could significantly reduce AC content in mixed rice samples of hybrid japonica rice.     

Induced expression of selected plant defence related genes in pot azalea, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Rhododendron simsii</Emphasis> hybrid

A set of putative marker genes to study plant defense responses against Polyphagotarsonemus latus, a key pest in the production of Rhododendron simsii hybrids, was selected and validated. Genes belonged to the biosynthetic pathway of phytohormones jasmonic acid (JA) (RsLOX, RsAOS, RsAOC, RsOPR3 and RsJMT) and salicylic acid (SA) (RsPAL and RsICS). Furthermore, RsPPO, a putative marker gene for oxidative stress response was successfully cloned from R. simsii. A CTAB-based extraction protocol was optimized to assure excellent RNA quality for subsequent RT-qPCR analysis. The RT-qPCR protocol was extensively tested and RsRG7 and RsRG14 were selected as reference genes from a geNorm pilot study. Validation of the marker genes was done after application with elicitors [methyl jasmonate (MeJA), coronatine, β-aminobutyric acid and acibenzolar-Smethyl] or wounding. Both 100 μM MeJA and 0.1 μM coronatine had a significant effect on the expression of all marker genes. Foliar application of MeJA on the shoots resulted in a significantly earlier response when compared to root application and subsequent sampling of the shoots. Expression patterns after MeJA treatment were generally the same in six R. simsii genotypes: ‘Nordlicht’, ‘Elien’, ‘Aiko Pink’, ‘Michelle Marie’, ‘Mevrouw Gerard Kint’ and ‘Sachsenstern’. Wounding resulted in the same expression patterns as MeJA treatment except for RsJMT. None of the genotypes showed a significant induction of the latter gene 6 h upon wounding. Findings of these experiments indicated that the tolerant genotype ‘Elien’ has low basal expression levels of RsPPO. This might be the first step towards the breeding of mite-tolerant genotypes.     

Identification and characterization of seedling and adult plant resistance to <Emphasis Type="Italic">Puccinia hordei</Emphasis> in selected African barley germplasm

A collection of 112 African barley accessions were assessed for response to Puccinia hordei in seedling greenhouse tests using 10 pathotypes and in adult plant field tests over three successive field seasons in Australia. One of the 10 pathotypes (viz. 5457P+) used in seedling tests was also used in field tests to allow assessment of the presence of adult plant resistance (APR) in lines that were seedling susceptible to this pathotype. The seedling resistance genes Rph1, Rph2, Rph3, Rph9.am and Rph9.z were postulated in a number of accessions, singly and in various combinations, with Rph2 and Rph9.z being the most common. Twenty-six accessions carried seedling resistance that was either uncharacterized or could not be determined using the 10 P. hordei pathotypes. One accession carried high levels of APR and 11 accessions showed moderate levels of APR, all of which were susceptible to all P. hordei pathotypes at the seedling stage. All barley accessions were genotyped for the presence of marker alleles that are closely linked to the APR genes Rph20 and Rph23 (bPb-0837 and Ebmac0603, respectively). No accession was positive for bPb-0837, suggesting that Rph20 is not frequent in African germplasm. Thirteen accessions were postulated to carry Rph23 based on the presence of the marker allele Ebmac0603 found in Yerong (Rph23), and 10 out of the 11 accessions with moderate APR lacked the bPb-0837 and Ebmac0603 marker alleles, indicating that they likely carry new uncharacterized APR genes. Inheritance studies were performed using populations derived from four of the accessions that carried APR (Clho 9776, Clho 11958, Mecknes Maroc and Sinai) by crossing with the susceptible barley genotype Gus. Chi squared analysis of the phenotypic data from F₃ populations suggested that CIho9776 carried a single APR gene and CIho11958, Mecknes Maroc and Sinai each carried two genes for APR to leaf rust.     

Breeding opportunities for early,free-threshing and semi-dwarf <Emphasis Type="Italic">Triticum monococcum</Emphasis> L.

Einkorn wheat, Triticum monococcum L. (2n = 2x = 14, A^mA^m genome), is a primitive, cultivated form of diploid wheat. The shortcoming of einkorn is that it lacks the free-threshing habit. Early heading and semi-dwarf traits are also required to fit modern agricultural practice. In the present study we developed T. monococcum pre-breeding germplasm having early, free threshing traits by utilizing an early heading source, two sources of soft glume (spike) and three sources of semi-dwarfism to combine their phenotypes into pre-breeding materials. We found two different genes determined free threshing of einkorn wheat. One of them was the sog (soft glume) gene from Triticum sinskajae Filat. et Kurkiev (2n = 2x = 14, A^mA^m genome) and another was the sos (soft spike) gene, which was completely linked or pleiotropic with the gene for semi-dwarfism. The genes sos, spd (short peduncle) and sd17654 (semi-dwarf CItr 17654) were utilized to develop semi-dwarf T. monococcum lines. Field performance of 6 early and free-threshing pre-breeding materials with sos and spd genes were tested over three crop seasons. Five semi-dwarf pre-breeding materials (PBMs) were obtained. However, these materials had slightly less grain yield than #252 (tall and hulled check) and PBM-1 (tall free-threshing check). Harvest index of the pre-breeding materials was improved due to the presence of sos and spd genes. If optimized cultivation practice is performed, these pre-breeding materials can be utilized as sources of early, free-threshing and semi-dwarf traits to produce modern T. monococcum varieties.     

Resistance to late blight (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Phytophthora infestans</Emphasis>) in ten wild <Emphasis Type="Italic">Solanum</Emphasis> species

Nineteen accessions of the tuber-bearing species Solanum berthaultii, S. chacoense, S. leptophyes, S. microdontum, S. sparsipilum, S. sucrense, S. venturii, S. vernei and S. verrucosum were tested for their resistance to late blight in two years of field experiments. Plants were artifically inoculated with zoospores of race 1.2.3.4.5.7.10.11 and the development of the disease was followed. Resistance ratings, calculated as the areas under the disease progress curves (ADPC), demonstrated a high resistance in all accessions except in S. sparsipilum, S. leptophyes and their interspecific hybrid. Segregations suggest that major genes for resistance are present in S. sucrense and S. venturii, and may also play a role in S. verrucosum. It is not yet certain wether the resistance of the other accessions is comparable to the partial and durable resistance of S. tuberosum cultivars like Pimpernel, as inheritance and mechanism have yet to be established. However, segregations suggesting the presence of single major genes with complete dominance were not found in these other accessions. Tuber initiation in the field occurred in only one accession, S. tuberosum ssp. andigena, and maturity of the clones was not related to their resistance. In the other accessions maturity types could not be assessed, as the clones require short day conditions for tuber initiation.