033 Characterization of Downy Mildew Resistance in USDA Broccoli Inbreds

Abstract

Downy mildew, caused by Peronospora parasitica (Pers. ex Fr.), is one of the most economically important diseases in broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. Italica group). Previous studies reported that resistance to downy mildew in broccoli depends on plant age and that seedling resistance appears to be independent of mature-plant resistance. The objectives of our studies were to evaluate resistance and susceptibility of USDA broccoli inbreds to downy mildew and to investigate the interaction between the host and pathogen at two plant stages with single or double inoculation. Multiple screening tests at both cotyledon and three-expanded leaf stages using 38 entries, including USDA inbreds and commercial hybrids, were conducted in randomized complete-block designs. In these tests, every leaf of each plant was thoroughly sprayed with P. parasitica isolate PP1 at a concentration of 10,000 sporangia per ml at both stages. Ratings for downy mildew reaction phenotype were made at 9 days postinoculation on a 0-9 scale of increasing disease severity. We found significant phenotypic variation to infection among broccoli entries. We observed three general phenotypes: 1) resistance at both stages; 2) susceptible at cotyledon stage combined with resistance at three-expanded leaf stage; and 3) susceptibility at both stages. Additionally, inoculation at the cotyledon stage had no effect on inoculation at the three-expanded leaf stage.