Effect of Induced Autotetraploidy on Response to Sclerotinia Clover Rot in Trifolium pratense L.

Abstract

AbstractThe effect of induced autotetraploidy on the response of red clover to Sclerotinia clover rot (SCR) was studied under laboratory, glasshouse and field conditions. To assess the response in the laboratory, the detached leaf technique was employed, whereas in the glasshouse and in the field, 6—14 weeks old seedlings and adult plants, respectively, were artificially inoculated with the pathogen grain inoculum.The results of the studies showed that great genotypic variability occurs within diploid (2×)and tetraploid (4×)red clover in response to that disease. Generally, tetraploid red clover, in comparison to diploid, is more resistant to SCR. The laboratory, glasshouse and field experiments showed that the effect of induced autotetraploidy on SCR resistance is positive. The hardening of plant with light and temperature enlarged the differences in reponse to SCR between ploidy levels, family pairs and individual strains with every testing method.Other factors, like plant age and flowering time, influencing red clover response to SCR are also discussed.