Skip to main content
ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #166038
Title: BREEDING FOR RESISTANCE TO NEMATODE-INCITED DISEASES OF POTATO

Author
item Brown, Charles
item Mojtahedi, Hassan

Submitted to: Potato Conference and Trade Fair Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/15/2004
Publication Date: 2/7/2004
Citation: Brown, C.R., Mojtahedi, H. 2004. Breeding for resistance to nematode-incited diseases of potato. Proceedings of 21st Annual San Luis Valley Potato/Grain Conference and Agricultural Trade Fair. p. 19-26.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Two nematode-caused problems of potato cost growers 200-300 dollars per acre to control with soil fumigants. They are Columbia root knot nematode which caused discoloration of the tuber flesh and deformation of the tuber surface, and Corky ringspot disease, a necrosis of the tuber flesh incited by infection of nematode transmitted virus. Research in Prosser, Washington at the USDA/ARS research unit has focused on developing resistant lines to both these pest-induced maladies. Resistance to root-knot has been obtained from the borrowing of a gene from a wild Mexican potato. The gene was introduced and has been successively crossed into and selected in ever more advanced potato types. Plants do not allow the nematode to successfully penetrate the roots and reproduce. Hence there is no new crop of juveniles produced that can enter the tubers and cause the deformation and tuber discoloration that is unacceptable to processors and grocery stores. Resistance to corky ringspot is in the form of resistance to the damage that the virus causes. Potatoes are not necessarily resistant to the the vector of the virus, the stubby root nematode. A number of advanced lines have been submitted for yield trials and processing testing. These new resistant varieties should make it possible for potato growers to use less soil fumigants and nematicidal compounds in potato production. Reduction of cost of production is essential for the US potato industry to remain competitive. In addition, with reduced usage, the contamination of ground water by these chemicals should be lessened.