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Title: DEVELOPMENT OF ROOT-KNOT NEMATODE-RESISTANT SUGARBEET

Author
item Yu, Ming

Submitted to: International Institute For Beet Research Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/26/2003
Publication Date: 8/20/2003
Citation: YU, M.H. DEVELOPMENT OF ROOT-KNOT NEMATODE-RESISTANT SUGARBEET. INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR BEET RESEARCH PROCEEDINGS. 2003. p. 763-765.

Interpretive Summary: Root-knot nematodes, Meloidogyne spp., are important sugarbeet pathogens which are difficult to control. These pests induce root gall symptoms that could severely limit sugarbeet yield and quality. Infestations may be accompanied by serious root rot, resulting from secondary invasion by other soilborne pathogens, such as bacteria and fungi. Management of root-knot nematodes in sugarbeet fields is challenging because of the nematode's wide host range and increasing restrictions on nematicide applications. At present, due to lack of highly effective and environmentally safe control measures, development of nematode resistant sugarbeet varieties becomes especially important. This paper describes the progress in development of sugarbeet with resistance to root-knot nematode.

Technical Abstract: Sugarbeet is a favored host of Meloidogyne spp. Host resistance to root-knot nematodes was not found in the cultivated sugarbeet, but was identified from wild maritima beets. The resistance has been introgressed into sugarbeet genotypes. Several breeding populations were planted in non-infested and heavily infested field plots. About 77% of plants in resistant families, and 44% in backcrossed populations, produced healthy roots while the rest were with gall symptoms. In comparison, none of the susceptible control plants was free from galling; one-third of them died. Positive results were demonstrated by the improved taproot conformation and root weights. A phosphoglucomutase (PGM) isozyme marker for Mi-1 Beta and a cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence (CAPS) marker for M66 Beta have recently been identified. The use of marker-assisted selections may facilitate sugarbeet nematode resistance breeding. Additional improvements on the breeding materials are needed to develop an elite sugarbeet cultivar.