Effects of resistance genes, heat tolerance genes and cytoplasms on expression of resistance to Pseudomonas solanacearum (E.F. Smith) in potato

Abstract

Effects of resistance genes and heat tolerance genes on expression of resistance to bacterial wilt caused by Pseudomonas solanacearum were investigated in 30 F1 progenies from parents with different levels of bacterial wilt resistance and heat tolerance. A race 1 and a race 3 isolate of the bacterium were used for inoculation under screenhouse conditions at two locations. Results obtained indicated that with reduction in levels of parental resistance, resistance in the F1 progenies was also reduced. Under hot conditions, a reduced heat tolerance in the genetic background also resulted in lower levels of resistance expression. The effect of heat tolerance tended to diminish at lower temperatures leaving the effect of resistance genes more consistent. There existed a strong interaction between resistance genes and genes for heat tolerance. The nature of resistance to bacterial wilt in potato and implications for breeding for resistance are discussed. Effects of reciprocal crosses on expression of resistance to a race 1 isolate under hot screenhouse conditions, were studied in 5 sets of reciprocal F1 progenies involving different resistant and susceptible parents. The reciprocal differences observed were not significant suggesting absence of cytoplasmic effects on expression of resistance.