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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Madison, Wisconsin » U.S. Dairy Forage Research Center » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #94086
Title: SELECTION FOR RESISTANCE TO THE NORTHERN ROOT-KNOT NEMATODE IN RED CLOVER

Author
item Smith, Richard
item GRAU, CRAIG - UNIV OF WISCONSIN-MADISON
item Sharpee, Debra

Submitted to: Trifolium Conference Abstract & Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/1/1998
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Little attention has been given to the development of resistance to nematodes in red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) even though considerable damage can be caused by nematode diseases in specific sites in the world. In northern U.S. the northern root-knot nematode [Meloidogyne hapla (Chitwood)] is the most widely distributed nematode species affecting red clover. We used the recurrent phenotypic selection scheme to develop red clover germplasm with resistance to M. hapla. Selection was based on visual number of nematode galls per red clover plant. Progress from selection was variable, but effective, between cycles 1 to 4 with only 15% of the plants resistant after the fourth cycle. The effectiveness of selection increased drastically between the fourth and fifth cycle (37% of plants resistant in cycle 5). Excellent progress was achieved in the next two cycles of selection such that after seven cycles, 75% of the plants express the resistant reaction. The cycle 7 germplasm is being prepared for release. Besides resistance to M. hapla, this germplasm has good persistence and tolerance to northern anthracnose caused by Auridiobasidium caulivora (Kirch.) Karak.