ARS | Publication request: Evaluation of the RPi-ber late blight resistance gene for tuber resistance in the field and laboratory.

Submitted to: Plant Breeding
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: November 22, 2010
Publication Date: August 29, 2011
Citation: Mayton, H., Rauscher, G., Simko, I., Fry, W. 2011. Evaluation of the RPi-ber late blight resistance gene for tuber resistance in the field and laboratory. Plant Breeding. 130:464-468.

Interpretive Summary: Late blight caused by Phytophora infestans is one of the most devastating potato diseases worldwide. The pathogen attacks both foliage and tubers thus severely limiting potato production. We have previously identified RPi-ber gene that provides resistance against late blight in foliage. This resistance gene was found in Solanum berthaultii – a wild potato species originating from South America. In the present work we have tested the efficacy of the RPi-ber gene in providing resistance against late blight in potato tubers. Experiments were conducted in the field and laboratory. Inoculation of tubers in field trials occurred via sporangia produced on infections in the foliage. Laboratory trials were conducted by inoculating whole tubers and tuber slices with sporangia of Phytophthora infestans. In all trials, those progeny with RPi-ber, were essentially immune to strains of P. infestans that were incompatible with RPi-ber, in the foliage. However, even when tested against strains of P. infestans that were compatible with RPi-ber, in the foliage, there was still a resistance effect at the RPi-ber, region.

Technical Abstract: The purpose of this research was to evaluate the efficacy in tubers of a late blight resistance gene, RPi-ber, originating from Solanum berthaultii. Experiments were conducted in the field and laboratory. Inoculation of tubers in field trials occurred via sporangia produced on infections in the foliage. Laboratory trials were conducted by inoculating whole tubers and tuber slices with sporangia of Phytophthora infestans. In all trials, those progeny with RPi-ber, were essentially immune to strains of P. infestans that were incompatible with RPi-ber, in the foliage. However, even when tested against strains of P. infestans that were compatible with RPi-ber, in the foliage, there was still a resistance effect at the RPi-ber, region.