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Late blight (Phytophthora infestans), characterized by small water-soaked areas that rapidly enlarge to form purple-brown, oily appearing blotches, is the most destructive fungal disease that continues to stymie worldwide tomato production. Severe outbreaks have been recorded in tomato-growing areas throughout the world in recent years, and the vast majority of commercial tomato cultivars are extremely vulnerable to the late blight infection. The aim of this study was to screen the wild tomato Solanum habrochaites accessions LA1223, LA1353, LA1718, LA1777, LA2156, LA2167, and LA2556 under natural disease pressure conditions to find a possible source of resistance to late blight and also characterized these accessions for various morphological characters. Three S. habrochaites accessions (LA1777, LA2167, and LA2556) were resistant and superior to the susceptible check. With a PDI of 22.29, LA 1777 was shown to have the highest resistance, and as such, it may be used as a donor for late blight resistant tomato pre-breeding programmes in the near future. The success of high crossability (percentage) of some hybrid combinations using LA1777 as a male parent, such as LA3846 × LA1777 (77.77), LA2377 × LA1777 (62.50), and LA3317 × LA1777 (60.00), is encouraging for the development of pre-breeding genetic stocks as well as for the discovery of novel alleles in wild tomato populations. The morphological characterization of seven wild tomato accessions mainly confirms the guidelines of the International Plant Genetic Resources Institute. These accessions and their interspecific crosses showed wide variability in phenotypic and reproductive characters for plant height, flower color, exserted stigma, leaf margin, flowering time, fruit set, and other economic traits that will facilitate breeders in the development of superior tomato cultivars and F1 hybrids resistant to biotic stresses, as well as differentiate these S. habrochaites accessions for their potential use in genetic enhancement of cultivated tomatoes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Late blight (Phytophthora infestans) is a serious disease of potatoes. The aim of this study was to screen wild potato species and identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with late blight resistance. Wild potato species such as PIN45 (Solanum pinnatisectum), CPH62 (Solanum cardiophyllum), JAM07 (Solanum jamesii), MCD24 (Solanum microdontum), PLD47 (Solanum polyadenium), and cv. Kufri Bahar (control) were tested by artificial inoculation of P. infestans under controlled conditions. Transcriptomes of the leaf tissues (96 h post-inoculation) were sequenced using the Illumina platform. Statistically significant (p < 0.05) DEGs were analyzed in wild species by comparison with the control, and upregulated (>2 log2 fold change, FC) and downregulated (<-2 log2 FC) genes were identified. DEGs were functionally characterized with Gene Ontology (GO) terms and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways. Selected genes were validated by real-time PCR analysis to confirm RNA-seq results. We identified some upregulated genes associated with late blight resistance in wild species such as cytochrome P450, proline-rich protein, MYB transcription factor MYB139, ankyrin repeat-containing protein, and LRR receptor-like serine/threonine-protein kinase in PIN45; glucosyltransferase, fructose-bisphosphate aldolase, and phytophthora-inhibited protease 1 in CPH62; steroid binding protein and cysteine proteinase 3 in JAM07; glycinerich cell wall structural protein 1 and RING finger protein in MCD24; and cysteine proteinase 3 and major latex protein in PLD47. On the other hand, downregulated genes in these species were snakin-2 and WRKY transcription factor 3 in PIN45; lichenase and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase 1 in CPH62; metallothionein and LRR receptor-like serine/threonine-protein kinase in JAM07; UDP-glucoronosyl/UDP-glucosyl transferase family protein and steroid binding protein in MCD24; and cytoplasmic small heat shock protein class I and phosphatase PLD47. Our study identified highly resistant wild potato species and underlying genes such as disease resistance, stress response, phytohormones, and transcription factors (e.g., MYB, WRKY, AP2/ERF, and AN1) associated with late blight resistance in wild potato species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) play key roles in plant abiotic and biotic stress resistance, but even for widespread crops, there is limited information on variations in the magnitude and composition of constitutive VOC emissions among cultivars with varying stress resistance. The foliage VOC emissions from nine local and commercial potato cultivars (Alouette, Sarme, Kuras, Ando, Anti, Jõgeva Kollane, Teele, 1681-11, and Reet) with medium to late maturities and varying Phytophthora infestans (the causative agent of late blight disease) resistance backgrounds were analyzed to gain an insight into the genetic diversity of constitutive VOC emissions and to test the hypothesis that cultivars more resistant to Phytophthora infestans have greater VOC emissions and different VOC fingerprints. Forty-six VOCs were identified in the emission blends of potato leaves. The majority of the VOCs were sesquiterpenes (50% of the total number of compounds and 0.5–36.9% of the total emissions) and monoterpenes (30.4% of the total number of compounds and 57.8–92.5% of the total VOC emissions). Qualitative differences in leaf volatiles, mainly in sesquiterpenes, were related to the potato genotype background. Among the volatile groups, the monoterpenes α-pinene, β-pinene, Δ3-carene, limonene, and p-cymene, the sesquiterpenes (E)-β-caryophyllene and α-copaene, and green leaf volatile hexanal were the major volatiles in all cultivars. A higher share of VOCs known to have antimicrobial activities was observed. Interestingly, the cultivars were grouped into high and low resistance categories based on the VOC profiles, and the total terpenoid and total constitutive VOC emission scale positively with resistance. To support and expedite advances in breeding for resistance to diseases such as late blight disease, the plant research community must develop a fast and precise approach to measure disease resistance. We conclude that the blend of emitted volatiles is a fast, non-invasive, and promising indicator to identify cultivars resistant to potato late blight disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Late blight (LB) caused by the oomycete Phytophthora infestans (Mont.) de Bary is the greatest threat to potato production worldwide. Current potato breeding for LB resistance heavily depends on the introduction of new genes for resistance to P. infestans (Rpi genes). Such genes have been discovered in highly diverse wild, primitive, and cultivated species of tuber-bearing potatoes (Solanum L. section Petota Dumort.) and introgressed into the elite potato cultivars by hybridization and transgenic complementation. Unfortunately, even the most resistant potato varieties have been overcome by LB due to the arrival of new pathogen strains and their rapid evolution. Therefore, novel sources for germplasm enhancement comprising the broad-spectrum Rpi genes are in high demand with breeders who aim to provide durable LB resistance. The Genbank of the N.I. Vavilov Institute of Plant Genetic Resources (VIR) in St. Petersburg harbors one of the world's largest collections of potato and potato relatives. In this study, LB resistance was evaluated in a core selection representing 20 species of seven Petota series according to the Hawkes (1990) classification: Bulbocastana (Rydb.) Hawkes, Demissa Buk., Longipedicellata Buk., Maglia Bitt., Pinnatisecta (Rydb.) Hawkes, Tuberosa (Rydb.) Hawkes (wild and cultivated species), and Yungasensa Corr. LB resistance was assessed in 96 accessions representing 18 species in the laboratory test with detached leaves using a highly virulent and aggressive isolate of P. infestans. The Petota species notably differed in their LB resistance: S. bulbocastanum Dun., S. demissum Lindl., S. cardiophyllum Lindl., and S. berthaultii Hawkes stood out at a high frequency of resistant accessions (7–9 points on a 9-point scale). Well-established specific SCAR markers of ten Rpi genes—Rpi-R1, Rpi-R2/Rpi-blb3, Rpi-R3a, Rpi-R3b, Rpi-R8, Rpi-blb1/Rpi-sto1, Rpi-blb2, and Rpi-vnt1—were used to mine 117 accessions representing 20 species from seven Petota series. In particular, our evidence confirmed the diverse Rpi gene location in two American continents. The structural homologs of the Rpi-R2, Rpi-R3a, Rpi-R3b, and Rpi-R8 genes were found in the North American species other than S. demissum, the species that was the original source of these genes for early potato breeding, and in some cases, in the South American Tuberosa species. The Rpi-blb1/Rpi-sto1 orthologs from S. bulbocastanum and S. stoloniferum Schlechtd et Bché were restricted to genome B in the Mesoamerican series Bulbocastana, Pinnatisecta, and Longipedicellata. The structural homologs of the Rpi-vnt1 gene that were initially identified in the South American species S. venturii Hawkes and Hjert. were reported, for the first time, in the North American series of Petota species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The breeding of new cultivars is a powerful approach to increase both the quantity and quality of potato harvest per land unit. The aim of this research was to determine using multi-site testing the progress made by the genetic enhancement of potato in Sweden in the last 1.5 decades by comparing advanced breeding clones (T4 upwards) bred in Sweden (Svensk potatisförädling hereafter) versus available released cultivars in Europe and grown in its Nordic Region. The multi-site testing results show that potato breeding based in Scandinavia offers to the growers of the Nordic Region of Europe cultivars for prevailing farming environments and end-user needs rather than relying, as happens today in the market, on foreign cultivars. These cultivars bred elsewhere are not always very suitable for the challenging Nordic agroecosystems, as shown by the results of the multi-site testing herein. Such an approach on relying on foreign cultivars may be advocated for not funding potato breeding in, and for Fennoscandia by those ignoring the results shown by this research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bangladesh is in a subtropical monsoon region and extends from 20°34'N to 26°38'N latitude, its agriculture is comprised of several diversified rice-based cropping systems. Potato is an important winter crop across the country. To help increase the sustainability of potato production in Bangladesh, a set of medium-term late blight-resistant potato clones bred in CIP were evaluated for diversification potential at six locations from 2008 to 2013. After seven years of field trials, TCRC, BARI identified two clones, namely CIP 393371.58 (coded LB-6) and CIP 393280.64 (LB-7) which are consistently resistant to Late Blight under field conditions without fungicide and yield as well or better than the predominant commercial varieties (Diamant) in a 90-day cropping window. According to the AUDPC, LB-4, LB-5, LB-6 and LB-7 were moderate to highly resistant to Late Blight. The latter two produced over 30 tons of tubers per hectare. Similar yields were recorded in on-farm trials during 2011-12. These two clones were entered into regional yield trials as a requirement for variety release by the NSB. Based on field performance at on-station and farmers' fields, NSB released BARI Alu-46 (LB-7) in 2013 and BARI Alu-53 (LB-6) in 2014 as the country's two late blight-resistant varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of American Journal of Potato Research is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Control Theory & Applications / Kongzhi Lilun Yu Yinyong is the property of Editorial Department of Control Theory & Applications and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Kufri Sangam is a medium maturing, main season high yielding dual purpose potato variety suitable for cultivation in northern plains (for table use) and central plains (for processing and table use). It is a clonal selection from a cross between Kufri Himsona v Kufri Pukhraj. It has compact, vigorous and medium-tall plants. It produces attractive white-cream, ovoid tubers with shallow eyes and cream flesh. It possesses 18-20% tuber dry matter, low reducing sugars (<150mg/100 g fresh weight), mealy texture, very good taste. It produces >90 marketable and >80% processing grade tuber yield and is capable of yielding 35-40 t/ha under optimum agronomical practices. Kufri Sangam yields higher than the presently grown popular table variety Kufri Bahar and processing varieties viz., Kufri Chipsona-3 and Kufri Frysona. Kufri Sangam is moderately resistant to late blight and has excellent keeping quality under country storage conditions with over 10 weeks dormancy period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For two decades, Solanum bulbocastanum Dun. has been challenging potato geneticists with its durable resistance to Phytophthora infestans Mont. de Bary, the causal agent of late blight, the most devastating potato disease. In this study, highly specific SCAR (sequence characterized amplified region) markers for three S. bulbocastanum genes of broad-spectrum resistance to P. infestans,RB/Rpi-blb1,Rpi-blb2 and Rpi-blb3, were employed to screen a vast collection of wild tuber-bearing species from several series of Solanum L. section Petota Dumort. and also potato hybrids and varieties. In S. bulbocastanum and S. stoloniferum Schlechtd. et Bché, the sequences of the markers Rpi-blb1-820 and Rpi-sto1-890, which recognize the LRR and CC regions respectively differed inconsiderably in the orthologous genes RB/Rpi-blb1 and Rpi-sto1. These two markers were tightly linked in diverse wild Solanum genotypes. These markers as well as RB-226, another marker recognizing the LRR region of the Rpi-blb1 gene, were obviously related to high resistance to P. infestans. One more marker recognizing the CC region of the gene, RB-629, was found in much wider range of Solanum genotypes; it was not related to resistance to P. infestans and is therefore considered non-specific. In addition to Rpi-blb1 = Rpi-sto1, the Rpi-blb2 and Rpi-blb3 genes were registered in both S. bulbocastanum and S. stoloniferum accessions. In most cases, three bulbocastanum genes were not linked together. The markers specific for Rpi-blb1 = Rpi-sto1 genes were found in the Solanum series Bulbocastana (Rydb.) Hawkes (genome designation BB) and Longipedicellata Buk. (genome designation AABB) and were absent from five Pinnatisecta Rydb. species also comprising genome B. The marker for Rpi-blb2 was found in the series Bulbocastana and Longipedicellata and also in three accessions of Pinnatisecta, while the Rpi-blb3 gene, the orthologue of widely spread R2 gene for resistance to P. infestans, was present in all three Solanum series. In contrast with Rpi-blb1 = Rpi-sto1, two other functional RB homologues, Rpi-bt1 in S. bulbocastanum and RBver in S. verrucosum Schlechtd. (genome AA), apparently diverged earlier in the evolution of tuber-bearing Solanum species. Our evidence on functional Rpi-blb1 = Rpi-sto1 genes in three Petota series substantiates the assumption that the B genome of tetraploid Longipedicellata evolved from diploid Bulbocastana rather than from diploid Pinnatisecta progenitors. Similar to wild Solanum species, the markers Rpi-blb1-820 and Rpi-sto1-890 were tightly linked in advanced potato hybrids and established varieties bred from S. stoloniferum as the conventional source of bulbocastanum genes for late blight resistance, but did not always match the markers for the Rpi-blb2 and Rpi-blb3 genes and the marker for the Rysto gene as an independent indicator of stoloniferum germplasm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eleven wild potato species were characterized by simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers (STU6SNRN and STIIKA), morphological (DUS: distinctness, uniformity and stability) characters and late blight resistance trait. SSR analysis distinguished all the wild species based on molecular profiling. SSR marker STU6SNRN (PIC: 0.92 and alleles: 15) exhibited higher polymorphism than STIIKA (PIC: 0.89 and alleles: 14). The predominant alleles in these species were 175, 178, 184, 190 and 202 bp (STU6SNRN); and 188, 192, 195, 203, 209 and 214 bp (STIIKA). Additionally, morphological characterization based on DUS traits showed phenotypic variations in the species. All species were observed highly resistant to late blight under controlled chamber study. This study suggests that diversity exists among the wild species based on SSR profile, DUS traits and late blight resistance, and could be exploited in future research. Further, SSR profile of these species would be useful in research on identification of trait-specific alleles for late blight resistance, their utilization in biotechnological research, and also in genetic fidelity testing for true-to-type genotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Considered responsible for one million deaths in Ireland and widespread famine in the European continent during the 1840s, late blight, caused by Phytophthora infestans, remains the most devastating disease of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) with about 15%–30% annual yield loss in sub‐Saharan Africa, affecting mainly smallholder farmers. We show here that the transfer of three resistance (R) genes from wild relatives [RB, Rpi‐blb2 from Solanum bulbocastanum and Rpi‐vnt1.1 from S. venturii] into potato provided complete resistance in the field over several seasons. We observed that the stacking of the three R genes produced a high frequency of transgenic events with resistance to late blight. In the field, 13 resistant transgenic events with the 3R‐gene stack from the potato varieties 'Desiree' and 'Victoria' grew normally without showing pathogen damage and without any fungicide spray, whereas their non‐transgenic equivalent varieties were rapidly killed. Characteristics of the local pathogen population suggest that the resistance to late blight may be long‐lasting because it has low diversity, and essentially consists of the single lineage, 2_A1, which expresses the cognate avirulence effector genes. Yields of two transgenic events from 'Desiree' and 'Victoria' grown without fungicide to reflect small‐scale farm holders were estimated to be 29 and 45 t/ha respectively. This represents a three to four‐fold increase over the national average. Thus, these late blight resistant potato varieties, which are the farmers' preferred varieties, could be rapidly adopted and bring significant income to smallholder farmers in sub‐Saharan Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The RB gene, which was cloned from the wild potato species Solanum bulbocastanum, confers a high level of broad spectrum resistance to various strains of Phytophthora infestans, the causal agent of potato late blight. The level of RB-mediated resistance is correlated with the amount of RB transcripts in transgenic potato lines containing RB gene(s) driven by its native promoter. To assess whether the level of RB-mediated resistance can be further enhanced by overexpression of the RB gene, multiple transgenic potato lines containing RB gene(s) driven by the cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) 35S promoter were developed. Surprisingly, all 35S::RB transgenic lines with one or several copies of the RB gene showed a similar level of late blight resistance. In parallel, a statistically similar amount of RB transcript was observed among all resistant transgenic lines with different copy numbers of the RB gene. In addition, the levels of RB gene transcription in the 35S::RB transgenic potato lines were the same or lower than in transgenic lines containing the RB gene driven by its native promoter. Thus, developing transgenic potato lines using RB with the native promoter will be the best approach to deploy this gene for combating late blight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetic parameters were assessed in 24 potato genotypes for 15 characters related to tuber yield, late blight resistance and keeping quality based field trials conducted during 2015-16 and 2016-17 in winter crop season at Modipuram. High coefficient of variation (genotypic and phenotypic) associated with high heritability and genetic advance were observed for rottage weight loss (%), sprout weight loss (%) and sprouting (%). Tuber yield showed positive association with plant vigour and marketable tuber yield but negative association with tuber dry matter. Thus for selecting varieties for table potatoes, high yielding with moderate tuber dry matter, and for selecting processing potatoes, moderate tuber yield with high tuber dry matter (> 20%) should be considered. The area under disease progress curve (late blight) showed low but significant correlation with detached leaf lesion area (cm2). Keeping quality was dependent on appearance of tubers after storage as it was negatively associated with sprouting (%), sprout weight loss (%) and physiological weight loss (%). Twenty four genotypes could be grouped into six clusters. The grouping of genotypes in clusters indicated that morphological diversity is not related to geographical diversity. Maximum contributions to genetic divergence were of sprouting (%) and sprout weight loss (%) followed by total tubers, tuber dry matter and marketable tuber yield. Though the maximum inter-cluster distances was observed between cluster III and VI, however desirable traits for improvements were available in cluster I and Cluster II. These result would be helpful in selection of superior parents aiming to generate diverse segregating population for effective selection in potato breeding programme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elite hybrid progenies of late blight resistant potato somatic hybrids were developed through hybridization with common potato varieties, and also linked ISSR markers were identified with resistant parent/progenies. Previously developed potato somatic hybrids (considered as F1 being protoplast fusion product between Solanum tuberosum dihaploid 'C-13' + S. pinnatisectum) were back-crossed with potato varieties (S. tuberosum) and true potato seed (TPS) were produced. TPS-raised seedlings were advanced to back-cross progenies clones (BC1-C1, BC1-C2, BC1-C3 and BC1-C4) during the five years based on tuber traits in field trials and field resistance to late blight. The BC1-C2 progenies were profiled by ISSR markers and alleles linked to late blight resistant somatic hybrid parent P8 and their progenies (P8 v× Kufri Jyoti) were identified. Eight promising advanced hybrids of BC1-C4 progenies (Kufri Garima v Bulk pollen: MSH/14-7; Kufri Gaurav v P2: MSH/14-129 and -131 for yield enhancement; P8 v Kufri Jyoti: MSH/14-112, -113, -115, -122 and -123 for late blight resistance and dry matter) were identified. This study concludes successful exploitation of interspecific potato somatic hybrids possessing high resistance to late blight and developed promising clones with linked ISSR alleles for genetic fidelity and breeding purposes. This is the first ever report in India towards widening the genetic base of potato by exploitation of interspecific somatic hybrids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although development of potato cultivars resistant to late blight has long been one of the primary goals of potato breeding programs, several different methods of field resistance evaluation have been used by potato breeders. Recently, within the EucaBlight network (www.euroblight.net), common methods of late blight evaluation have been agreed on, and these methods are currently highly recommended for use by all those interested in evaluating the resistance of the potato to late blight. Here, we describe a method of evaluating potato resistance in field conditions routinely used at Młochów Research Center, which is compliant with recommendations of the EucaBlight protocol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Avr avirulence gene of Phytophthora infestans and R gene of the potato are the genetic components of the gene-for-gene interaction resulting in host plant resistance. This effector-triggered immunity has been recently exploited to generate extreme resistance to late blight in potato by genetic engineering. The choice of the R genes, their number forming a R gene stack, and the pathogen Avr gene diversity will likely determine how long this extreme resistance will last. Here, we report on a comparative study on the Rpi-vnt1.1 gene which originated from Solanum venturii, and was introduced in the potato variety 'Desiree' by genetic transformation, and the Avr-vnt1 gene from two isolates of the EC-1 lineage of P. infestans. EC-1 was reported previously as not expressing the Avr-vnt1 gene and, therefore, being virulent on Rpi-vnt1.1 transgenic plants. Unexpectedly, whole-plant resistance assays identified 5 out of 52 transgenic events as resistant to two isolates of P. infestans, POX067 and POX109, belonging to the EC-1 lineage. We demonstrated that in both isolates, the Avr-vnt1.1 gene was expressed at a low level. Expression of the Rpi-vnt1.1 gene was shown to be rapidly increased by two-fold and subsequently to have steady state expression for at least 5 days after the inoculation. The Rpi-vnt1.1 gene in addition to other R genes as a stack in farmers' preferred varieties will confer extreme resistance to late blight disease and rotations of plants with different R-gene-stack in time is likely to last longer than plants with single R gene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although development of potato cultivars resistant to late blight has long been one of the primary goals of potato breeding programs, several different methods of field resistance evaluation have been used by potato breeders. Recently, within the EucaBlight network (www.euroblight.net), common methods of late blight evaluation have been agreed on, and these methods are currently highly recommended for use by all those interested in evaluating the resistance of the potato to late blight. Here, we describe a method of evaluating potato resistance in field conditions routinely used at Młochów Research Center, which is compliant with recommendations of the EucaBlight protocol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The EU regulation on organic farming does not allow the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) which are subject to Directive 2001/18/EC. Mutagenesis using irradiation or chemicals is genetic modification, but the organisms obtained through these techniques are not subject to the provisions of the GMO directive. Such mutants can therefore be used in organic agriculture. Derived from its basic principles, organic farming can only use natural substances to control disease and crops should be resilient, which, in the case of disease resistance, means that durable (horizontal) resistance is preferred to vertical (single gene) resistance. Cisgenesis can achieve such a durable resistance by introducing multiple resistance genes in one step. These multiple-resistant plants only contain natural genes that can also be introduced by breeding. In case cisgenic plants are not subject to the provisions of the GMO legislation, they can even be legally used in organic agriculture. In case they are not exempted from the GMO regulation, the question is: why obstruct a cisgenic potato crop that can hardly be distinguished from a potato crop that is the result of conventional breeding? Among the reasons why organic agriculture does not allow the use of GMOs it is mentioned that genetic engineering is unpredictable, it causes genome disruption and it is unnatural. However, our knowledge of plant genome evolution and breeding has increased dramatically. We now know that breeding is more unpredictable and causes more genome disruption than genetic engineering. Recent field trials have shown the efficacy of cisgenic late blight-resistant potatoes carrying multiple resistance genes. Large-scale growing of such durably resistant potatoes would not only be environmentally beneficial by it would strongly reducing the need for fungicide sprays in conventional potato cultivation and it would also reduce the disease pressure in organic potato cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kufri Mohan is a medium maturing, main season, high yielding table purpose potato variety suitable for cultivation in Indo-Gangetic plains (northern and eastern). It is a clonal selection from a cross between MS/92-1090 x CP1704. The plants are tall with vigorous and semi-compact canopy and field resistance to late blight. It produces white cream, ovoid tubers with shallow eyes and white flesh. It possesses good keeping quality and moderate tuber dry matter (15-18%). The variety yields 35-40 t/ha and >90% marketable tuber yield under optimum agronomical practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ten tetraploid interspecific potato somatic hybrids developed earlier through protoplast fusion between the dihaploid Solanum tuberosum L. 'C-13' and the diploid wild species Solanum pinnatisectum Dun. were used in this study. Somatic hybrids and standard control cultivars were evaluated for adaptability, tuber traits, late blight resistance and keeping quality attributes (dormancy, sprouting, weight loss and appearance after 75 days of storage) during two successive winter crop seasons (short-days) in the sub-tropical plains of India, where nearly 90% of India's potatoes are grown. Somatic hybrids showed medium to good plant vigour and late to very late plant maturity. Though none of the somatic hybrids produced equal or higher tuber yield than the control cultivars, except clone P7, all other somatic hybrids produced significantly higher marketable and total tuber yield after a 90-day growth than the parent C-13. Most of the somatic hybrids possessed higher tuber dry matter concentration, resistance to late blight and better keeping quality attributes than the control cultivars. Notably, the tubers of somatic hybrids showed a tendency for colour change from white to purple on exposure to sunlight. Breeding potential of somatic hybrids was further assessed by crossing them with commonly grown local potato cultivars for the development of backcross (BC) progenies. In the hybridization programme, berries were formed while somatic hybrids were used either as male or female parents with common cultivars. Our results revealed that the use of bulk pollen of somatic hybrids not only resulted in higher pollination success but also helped to achieve higher numbers of true potato seeds (TPS) per berry. Despite the formation of berries, TPS was absent in 22 crosses using somatic hybrids as a female or male parent which may be due to ovule or embryo abortions. Segregating BC generations were evaluated under the same sub-tropical conditions for further exploitation in potato breeding. Based on our study, the somatic hybrids P4, P8 and P10 can be utilized for the introgression of important characters such as high tuber dry matter concontration, resistance to late blight and excellent keeping quality attributes into the cultivated potato via conventional breeding methods for cultivar development in the sub-tropical plains of India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of American Journal of Potato Research is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The Rpi- blb2 gene ( R gene) from the Mexican wild potato species, Solanum bulbocastanum, was introduced into the potato variety Desiree by agro-infection in order to confer resistance to late blight which is still the most important disease of the potato worldwide. A total of 148 putative transgenic events was obtained by selection based on hygromycin resistance of which 127 appeared to contain the Rpi- blb2 gene. To rapidly identify the highly resistant transgenic events, we used an in vitro assay with one isolate of Phytophthora infestans and a whole-plant assay with two isolates. Nine transgenic events were highly resistant to both isolates and four of these contained single copy T-DNA and did not contain backbone vector sequences. The transcript abundance of Rpi- blb2 was low in infected and uninfected leaves and did not correlate with the resistance level determined in whole plants. We proceeded with high dose inoculation of whole plants of three highly and moderately resistant transgenic events, which resulted in lesions with low levels of sporulation in a few cases. Reinfection was not successful in any of the cases. Hence our results show that a high level of resistance to LB, including extreme resistance, can be obtained through the Rpi- blb2 gene and that heavy inoculation did not readily increase virulence in our test conditions. These transgenic events will be used for either multi-line deployment or R gene stacking by conventional breeding in order to release late blight resistant varieties which will need limited fungicide use, if any. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solanum nigrum is a wild non-tuber-bearing species that serves as an excellent resource in potato breeding due to its resistance potential against biotic and abiotic stresses. However, sexual hybrids between S. nigrum and S. tuberosum are difficult to produce because these species are highly incompatible. Therefore, somatic hybridization is used to introduce various traits from this wild species into potato. After somatic hybridization, it is essential to select fusion products often the aid of molecular markers. In this study, we obtained the chloroplast genome sequence of S. nigrum by next-generation sequencing technology and compared it with those of four other Solanaceae species to develop specific markers for S. nigrum. The chloroplast genome has a total sequence length of 155,432 bp. Its size, gene content, order and orientation are similar to those of the four other Solanaceae species, but there are some structural variations at repeat and junction areas. Phylogenic analysis revealed that S. nigrum is located in the same clade as Nicotiana tabacum and S. tuberosum is the least closely related species. After detailed comparisons of the chloroplast genome sequences of the five Solanaceae species, we identified 76 InDels (Insertion/Deletions), including 47 insertions and 29 deletions in the intergenic and intragenic regions. Based on these InDels, we developed seven markers for discriminating S. nigrum from other Solanum species. The results obtained in this study can be used to select somatic fusion products and accelerate breeding using S. nigrum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solanum cardiophyllum Lindl. (PI 341233) (2 n = 2 x = 24, 1EBN) is a diploid wild potato species highly resistant to late blight, the most serious disease of potato. However, it poses a problem of sexual incompatibility with common potato. So to circumvent this problem, in this study, we developed interspecific potato somatic hybrids between cultivated S. tuberosum dihaploid C-13 and wild species S. cardiophyllum via protoplast fusion. Out of 26 regenerants, only 4 were confirmed as true somatic hybrids containing both parental genomes based on molecular markers and phenotypes. Somatic hybrids were identified by RAPD, ISSR, SSR, AFLP and cytoplasm (chloroplast and mitochondrial genomes) type molecular markers. Intermediate phenotypes of somatic hybrids were confirmed by leaf, flower and tuber traits. Late blight resistance of the hybrids was assessed by challenge inoculation of P. infestans under controlled conditions. Somatic hybrids were found tetraploid by flow cytometry, exhibited high pollen stainability by acetocarmine staining and formed berries and viable seeds after crossing with a common potato variety. Somatic hybrids possessed diverse cytoplasm types (W/α, W/γ and T/β) as assessed by chloroplast and mitochondrial genome-specific markers. Further, cluster analysis based on the Jaccard's coefficient of molecular profiles generated by all above markers showed genetic distinctness in somatic hybrids and parents. Taken together, these interspecific somatic hybrids with diverse cytoplasm background have potential to be employed in potato breeding programmes to widen the cultivated gene pool through conventional and molecular methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The late blight disease can be managed by introduction of resistance ( R) genes from the wild Solanum species into the cultivated potato. The R genes are mostly comprised of the nucleotide binding site-leucine rich repeat (NBS-LRR) domains and share nucleotide sequence homology in the crop species. In this study, we used potato R gene-specific primers to amplify homologous genes from wild species. A total of 39 wild species were tested for late blight resistance by challenge inoculation of Phytophthora infestans under controlled conditions. Of these, only 15 species were highly resistant (HR) and these were PCR (polymerase chain reaction) amplified by 53 primers representing 21 R genes of potato. Further, only single, distinct, and reproducible gene fragments were cloned and sequenced. Following sequence processing and analysis, 17 non-redundant sequences of RB-homologous genes were identified with uninterrupted open reading frames (ORFs) and nucleotide sequence homologies to known late blight R genes. Finally, 17 RB-homologous gene fragments amplified by the primers of the RB gene were isolated from 11 wild species. The isolation and characterization of 17 RB-homologous gene fragments from wild potato species may serve as an important genomic resource for the novel gene discovery in late blight resistance breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Various wild species germplasm has been used in European potato breeding since the first introduction of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) to Europe. As the plant cytoplasmic genome including chloroplast and mitochondrial genomes is transmitted only through the maternal parent, cytoplasmic markers are useful tools in breeding programs to determine cytoplasmic genome types and to trace maternal ancestors. The potato cytoplasmic genome can be distinguished into six distinct types (M, P, A, W, T, and D). Male sterility was found in genotypes with S. demissum-derived D-type cytoplasm and S. stoloniferum-derived W/γ-type cytoplasm. These wild species were frequently used to incorporate superior pathogen resistance genes. As a result, the percentage of these two types is increasing unintentionally in the European germplasm pool. Other than cytoplasmic male sterility, little is known about effects of the cytoplasmic genome on complex agronomic traits in potato. Result: The cytoplasm types of 1,217 European potato cultivars and breeding clones were determined with type specific DNA markers. Most frequent were T- (59.4 %), D- (27.4 %), and W- (12.2 %) type cytoplasm, while A- (0.7 %) and M-type cytoplasm (0.3 %) was rare and P-type cytoplasm was absent. When comparing varieties with breeding clones, the former showed a relatively higher frequency of T-type and lower frequency of D- and W-type cytoplasm. Correlation analysis of cytoplasm types and agronomic data showed that W/γ-type cytoplasm was correlated with increased tuber starch content and later plant maturity. Correlation with quantitative resistance to late blight was observed for D-type and M-type cytoplasm. Both cytoplasm types had a positive effect on resistance. Conclusion: This study revealed and quantified the cytoplasmic diversity in the European potato germplasm pool. Knowledge of cytoplasm type is important for maintaining genetic diversity and managing the male sterility problem in breeding programs. This is the first comprehensive study to show correlations of distinct cytoplasmic genomes with complex agronomic traits in potato. Correlations particularly with tuber starch content and resistance to late blight provided new knowledge on cytoplasmic effects on these important traits, which can be exploited for genetic improvement of potato. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Ethylene response factors (ERFs) are unique to the plant kingdom and play crucial roles in plant response to various biotic and abiotic stresses. We show here that a potato StERF3, which contains an ERF-associated amphiphilic repression (EAR) motif in its C-terminal region, negatively regulates resistance to Phytophthora infestans and salt tolerance in potato. The StERF3 promoter responds to induction by salicylic acid, ABA ethylene and NaCl, as well as P. infestans, the causal agent of potato late blight disease. StERF3 could bind to the GCC box element of the HIS3 promoter and activate transcription of HIS3 in yeast cells. Importantly, silencing of StERF3 in potato produced an enhanced foliage resistance to P. infestans and elevated plant tolerance to NaCl stress accompanied by the activation of defense-related genes (PRI, NPR1 and WRKY1). In contrast, StERF3-overexpressing plants showed reduced expression of these defense-related genes and enhanced susceptibility to P. infestans, suggesting that StERF3 functions as a negative regulator of downstream defense- and/or stressrelated genes in potato. StERF3 is localized to the nucleus. Interestingly, yeast two-hybrid assay and a bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) test clarified that StERF3 could interact with other proteins in the cytoplasm which may lead to its re-localization between the nucleus and cytoplasm, revealing a novel means of StERF3 regulation. Taken together, these data provide new insights into the mechanism underlying how StERF3 negatively regulates late blight resistance and abiotic tolerance in potato and may have a potential use in engineering late blight resistance in potato. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Essentially all plant species exhibit heritable genetic variation for resistance to a variety of plant diseases caused by fungi, bacteria, oomycetes or viruses. Disease losses in crop monocultures are already significant, and would be greater but for applications of disease-controlling agrichemicals. For sustainable intensification of crop production, we argue that disease control should as far as possible be achieved using genetics rather than using costly recurrent chemical sprays. The latter imply CO2 emissions from diesel fuel and potential soil compaction from tractor journeys. Great progress has been made in the past 25 years in our understanding of the molecular basis of plant disease resistance mechanisms, and of how pathogens circumvent them. These insights can inform more sophisticated approaches to elevating disease resistance in crops that help us tip the evolutionary balance in favour of the crop and away from the pathogen.We illustrate this theme with an account of a genetically modified (GM) blight-resistant potato trial in Norwich, using the Rpi-vnt1.1 gene isolated from a wild relative of potato, Solanum venturii, and introduced by GM methods into the potato variety Desiree. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several quantitative trait loci (QTL) for resistance to late blight have been reported in diploid potatoes. The diploid wild potato species Solanum chacoense possesses a high degree of horizontal resistance to late blight. In the present study, we report on QTL mapping for late blight resistance in a diploid mapping population of 126 F of Solanum spegazzinii (susceptible) × S. chacoense (resistant). The area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC) values for late blight resistance using the 'whole plant in vitro assay' and the 'detached leaf assay' on the mapping population displayed quantitative variation. Out of 64 AFLP primer-pairs combinations and SSR markers, a total of 209 significant AFLP loci were placed onto the 12 linkage group of potato covering a total map length of 6548.1 cM. QTL analysis based on the AUDPC dataset of the 'whole plant in vitro assay' using the interval-mapping option identified two QTL (LOD > 2.5) located on linkage groups IX and X, which explained 14.70 and 3.40% variation, respectively. The present study revealed the presence of potential new genetic loci in the diploid potato family contributing to quantitative resistance against late blight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The deliberate release of any genetically modified (GM) organism in the European Union requires an environmental risk assessment (ERA) prior to commercialisation, including impact assessment on nontarget organisms. We report from two expert workshops where a newly developed selection procedure for identification of ecologically relevant testing organisms was applied to the case of a GM potato with increased resistance to late blight, planned for cultivation in southern Scandinavia. Species known to contribute to important ecological functions in the receiving environment were selected in a stepwise procedure, to arrive at a practical number of ecologically relevant species that are likely to be exposed to the transgene and suitable for experimental testing. Four ecological functional categories were identified: herbivory and disease transmission, natural enemies, ecological soil processes and pollination. Among these, relevant nontarget species were identified for herbivores and soil living pathogens, natural enemies and decomposers/beneficial soil organisms. Out of a total of 16 herbivores, 17 soil-living pathogens, 49 natural enemies and 14 decomposers/beneficial soil organisms in the initial lists, 8 herbivores, 10 soil-living pathogens, 15 natural enemies and 11 decomposers/beneficial soil organisms were identified as possible testing organisms, based on ecological criteria. These findings are highly relevant for determining the scope and structure of an ERA of this type of GM potato. The selection procedure could not be completed because of insufficient information about tissue- and developmental stage-specific expression levels of the transgenic products for this particular GM potato. Thus, the case study illustrates some of the difficulties and knowledge gaps that limit the relevance and quality of ERA of GM plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the cultivated potatoes are not resistant to late blight caused by Phytophthora infestans, wild Solanum species are considered to be great resources for achieving durable resistance. This study reports newly identified resistance loci derived from Solanum venturii. Two mapping populations from the same accession, but different genotypes were used. Three specific loci segregated in the first population based on the isolates used for the resistance assay. One has already been mapped on the same region of chromosome 9, whereas the other two were localized below the first locus. In the second population, two specific resistance loci segregated and their genetic positions were also expected to be on the south from other genes clustered on chromosome 9. The resistance loci identified in this study could be different and isolate-specific. These results, together with markers developed using sequences of previously cloned resistance genes and integrated genetic maps of different late blight resistance loci, indicate that there are two resistance gene clusters on the long arm of chromosome 9. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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High levels of resistance to Phytophthora infestans in Solanum are predominantly based on the gene-for-gene interaction. Identification of hitherto unknown R genes is essential for future pyramiding approaches. This could be achieved either through classic introgression breeding or through cisgenesis and could lead to sustainable control of late blight. Here, we report on the mapping of Rpi-cap1 and Rpi-qum1, two late blight R genes identified in the wild species Solanum capsicibaccatum and Solanum circaeifolium ssp. quimense, respectively, to very similar positions on the long arm of chromosome 11. Despite the difficulties encountered for marker development, a high-resolution genetic map with cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence markers was constructed. Furthermore, an R gene cluster-directed profiling approach led to the development of markers that closely linked to or co-segregated with the Rpi-cap1 gene. Both R genes are hypothesized to be homologous to the N gene, a toll-interleukin1 receptor-nucleotide-binding site-leucine-rich repeat domain type of R gene to tobacco mosaic virus from tobacco. To confirm this hypothesis, cloning of Rpi-cap1 and Rpi-qum1 should be pursued. Cloning would also be instrumental to facilitate the introduction of these valuable R genes into potato crops using cisgenic- and marker-assisted breeding approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interspecific somatic hybrids between the dihaploid Solanum tuberosum and the wild species S. pinnatisectum Dun. were produced via protoplast fusion. Protoplast isolation, electrofusion, culture of post-fusion products and regeneration of calli/shoots were undertaken following optimized protocols. Regenerants were characterized for hybridity, ploidy and resistance to Phytophthora infestans (Mont.) de Bery, causal fungal pathogen of late blight disease. From a total of 126 regenerated macrocalli, 12 somatic hybrids were confirmed by possessing species-specific diagnostic bands of their corresponding parents as revealed by RAPD, SSRs and cytoplasmic-DNA analyses. Tetraploid status of the 12 hybrids was determined using flow cytometry analysis. Intermediate phenotypes for leaf, flower, and tuber characteristics and high male fertility were observed in field-grown hybrid plants. Hybrids were highly resistant to foliage late blight based on field assessment for two seasons. In contrast, moderate level of resistance to foliage blight was observed in hybrids based on the detached leaf assay under laboratory conditions. Overall, somatic hybrids with moderate levels of resistance to foliage blight were identified, and these will be useful for in situ hybridization in potato breeding efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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A coiled coil-nucleotide binding site-leucine-rich repeat gene RB/Rpi-blb1 isolated from Solanum bulbocastanum confers broad-spectrum resistance to Phytophthora infestans and is currently employed in potato breeding for durable late blight (LB) resistance. RB homologues were reported in several Solanum species; some of them retained defence function. Here, we report additional evidence on RB-like sequences in 21 Solanum species of the section Petota. The panel of Solanum species was screened with three RB-related PCR markers. RB-like sequences were found in every tested Solanum accession, suggesting universal distribution of RB structural homologues among Solanum genomes, while locus-specific RB-629 was found only in 15 species. Phylogenetic analysis of RB-629 sequences suggested a highly conservative pattern of polymorphisms that was neither species- nor series-specific. Apparently, duplication and evolution of RB-like loci preceded Solanum speciation. Marker presence and particular haplotypes were not immediately associated with high LB resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New races of Phytophthora infestans rapidly defeat potato late blight (LB) resistance based on Solanum demissum germplasm, and breeders search for new sources of durable LB resistance. We developed and verified six sequence characterized amplified region markers recognizing the race-specific genes R1 and R3 of S. demissum and the broad-spectrum resistance gene RB of S. bulbocastanum and the germplasms of these species and used them to screen 209 accessions of 21 wild Solanum species. In addition to S. demissum, homologues of R1 and R3 were found in several species of series Demissa,Longipedicellata and diploid Tuberosa; R3 homologues were also detected in S. bulbocastanum,S. cardiophyllum and S. ehrenbergii. The RB homologues were found in a wider range of Solanum species. The markers of R1 and R3 genes reliably discerned between germplasms of S. tuberosum ssp. tuberosum and wild sources of LB resistance. Following introgression, the species-specific markers of demissum and bulbocastanum germplasm were rapidly lost, whereas the markers of R1 and R3 genes lasted through several meiotic generations and were maintained at high frequencies in modern potato cultivars. The presence of these markers in demissoid potato cultivars was significantly associated with LB resistance, presuming that both genes contribute to overall defence response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of American Journal of Potato Research is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The Solanum tuberosum ankyrin repeat gene ( Star) is a novel gene from potato leaves challenged by Phytophthora infestans, a pathogen causing late blight disease. The gene was isolated, based on the reported expressed sequence tag, by the rapid amplification of cDNA ends. Star contains a maximum open reading frame of 1542 bp encoding a peptide with 514 amino acids, and it encodes a RING finger ankyrin repeat protein, a putative E3 ubiquitin ligase. To the authors’ knowledge, it is the first RING finger ankyrin repeat gene isolated from the potato. The gene is highly expressed in roots, stems, and flowers at the transcript level. Star mRNA was strongly expressed from 24 to 72 h in potato leaves inoculated with P. infestans. The results suggested that Star may be involved in the development of organs and may play a role in late blight resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For breeding potato varieties resistant to late blight, identification of resistance genes to Phytophthora infestans ( Rpi genes) is essential. Introduction of Rpi genes from wild Solanum species into cultivated potato is likely to be a good method to achieve durable resistance to P. infestans. In this study, we identified two Rpi genes ( Rpi-ber1 and Rpi-ber2) derived from two different accessions of Solanum berthaultii. These two genes are closely linked on the long arm of chromosome 10. There are similarities between the predicted genetic locations of the previously identified Rpi-ber and Rpi-ber1, which given the common origin of these genes, may indicate that they are the same. However, the genetic positions of Rpi-ber1 and Rpi-ber2 are different. Rpi-ber1 is positioned between CT214 and TG63, whereas Rpi-ber2 is located below both of these two markers. In addition, the sequences of four linked markers to both R genes showed different polymorphisms indicating the two Rpi genes could be transmitted from different haplotypes (chromosomes). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The morphological, cytological and molecular analyses of the plants regenerated after PEG-induced fusion between mesophyll protoplasts from the dihaploid potato clone H-8105 and the wild tuberous disease-resistant species S. pinnatisectum, were performed. A single fusion experiment yielded 313 calli, although only two calli produced shoots. From the rooted shoots, two stable clones (PT-01-1 and PT-01-2) exhibiting different vigor and habitat, were developed. The plants of PT-01-1 clone grew slowly in vitro, produced tubers after transfer to soil but did not set flowers. In contrast, the plants of the vigorous clone PT-01-2 produced both tubers and flowers after transfer to soil. The flower and tuber morphology of PT-01-1 and PT-01-2 regenerants was intermediate in comparison to the parental species. Cytological analysis revealed that the PT-01-1 clone was pentaploid and the PT-01-2 clone was tetraploid. The molecular (RAPD) analysis confirmed hybridity of both clones. The preliminary tests on late blight resistance of the hybrids showed no differences with a potato parent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction of more durable resistance against Phytophthora infestans causing late blight into the cultivated potato is of importance for sustainable agriculture. We identified a new monogenically inherited resistance locus that is localized on chromosome 4. The resistance is derived from an ABPT clone, which is originally a complex quadruple hybrid in which Solanum acaule, S. bulbocastanum, S. phureja and S. tuberosum were involved. Resistance data of the original resistant accessions of the wild species and analysis of mobility of AFLP markers linked to the resistance locus suggest that the resistance locus is originating from S. bulbocastanum. A population of 1383 genotypes was screened with two AFLP markers flanking the Rpi-abpt locus and 98 recombinants were identified. An accurate high-resolution map was constructed and the Rpi-abpt locus was localized in a 0.5 cM interval. One AFLP marker was found to co-segregate with the Rpi-abpt locus. Its DNA sequence was highly similar with sequences found on a tomato BAC containing several resistance gene analogues on chromosome 4 and its translated protein sequence appeared to be homologous to several disease resistance related proteins. The results indicated that the Rpi-abpt gene is a member of an R gene cluster. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the use of potato ( Solanum tuberosum L.) late blight ( Phytophthora infestans (Mont.) de Bary) resistant parents in cultivar development and identify superior clones possessing moderate to high late blight resistance combined with acceptable maturity and tuber quality. Ninety-five crosses were made between eight unadapted parents with reported late blight resistance (B0718-3, Bertita, Bzura, Greta, Libertas, Stobrawa, Tollocan and Zarevo) and susceptible parents (cultivars or advanced breeding clones) adapted to North American growing conditions. A total of 408 field selected clones were assessed for late blight resistance in the greenhouse and in the field using a mixture of US8 P. infestans isolates (A2 mating type, metalaxyl resistant) that overcame all known R-genes except R8 and R9. Clones with ≤ 10% infected foliar area in the greenhouse test or ≤ 0.30 RAUDPC (relative area under the disease progress curve) value in the field in 1998 were re-tested in 1999. A total of 118 (29% of 408) putative late blight resistant clones were selected. The eight late blight resistant parents differed in both the ability to transmit late blight resistance and in the level of resistance transmitted to the progeny. The Tollocan and B0718-3 families (half-sib progeny) had the greatest degree of resistance and frequency of resistant clones. Scott-Knott cluster analysis ranked 79 clones (67% of 118) in the high and moderate late blight resistant groups. Among these 79 clones, 19 clones had vine maturity equal to or earlier than mid-season combined with acceptable tuber quality. Further selection in 2000 resulted in eight advanced selected clones (six from Tollocan and two from B0718-3 families) with the same level of resistance as the parent combined with vine maturity and tuber quality equivalent to Atlantic, a standard cultivar for chip processing in North America. The results indicate that this breeding approach can be used to select parents for late blight resistance breeding and to identify superior clones with high levels of late blight resistance and marketable vine maturity and tuber quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Potato Research is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Solanum pinnatisectum Dunal (2n = 2x = 24) is a tuber-bearing Mexican wild species that has an extremely high level of resistance to late blight (Phytophthora infestans). However, this species is distantly related and isolated from cultivated potato species by a strict sexual reproduction barrier. Previously, we successfully obtained triploid interspecific hybrids between chromosome-doubled S. pinnatisectum and a South American diploid clone carrying the S locus inhibitor gene (Sli). In this study, chromosome doubling of triploid hybrids was done to produce hexaploids used as the recurrent and donor parents in the successive backcrossing scheme. In a BC2 population consisting of 198 genotypes, P. infestans was inoculated. Ninety-six genotypes were resistant, and 102 were susceptible. The presence of the Rpi-blb3-specific marker band perfectly matched the resistance phenotype, verifying that the Rpi-blb3 gene controlled resistance. BC1 and BC2 progenies were relatively easy to reciprocally cross with cultivars. Therefore, the Rpi-blb3 gene derived from S. pinnatisectum could be used in practical breeding to confer a high level of late blight resistance to potato varieties with the aid of the gene-specific marker. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]