Transmission of resistance to common scab from the diploid to the tetraploid level via 4x-2x crosses in potatoes

Summary Diploid potato clones selected for their reaction to common scab and their ability to produce 2n male gametes were used in a series of crosses to a susceptible tetraploid female parent (cv. Shepody). In addition, two tetraploid clones were also selected for their reaction to common scab and crossed with Shepody as a female parent. Results indicated that resistance to common scab can be effectively transmitted from the diploid to the tetraploid level via 4x-2x crosses. Diploid parents producing 2n pollen via either first division or second division restitution can be used to transmit scab resistance. A relatively small proportion of resistant individuals could be recovered from susceptible x susceptible crosses in both 4x-2x and 4x-4x combinations. The data support a previously developed hypothesis that scab resistance is relatively simply inherited.