Phenotypic groups ofPlasmopara halstedii(downy mildew) based on interactions with sunflower plants

Abstract

Phenotypic groups including pathogenic, morphological and genetic characteristics for 50 Plasmopara halstedii (downy mildew) isolates belonging to seven races based on interactions with sunflower plants were revealed. Pathogenicity for pathogen isolates were analysed in sunflower plants showing different levels of resistance. Based on the reaction for the P. halstedii isolates to sunflower hybrids varying only in Pl resistance genes, there were three identified groups based on virulence reaction. Index of aggressiveness was calculated for pathogen isolates and revealed the presence of significant differences between isolates of 100 and 3xx races (more aggressive) and isolates of 710 and 7xx races (less aggressive). Morphological analyses were carried out on zoosporangia and sporangiophores for P. halstedii isolates produced on the surface of cotyledons in sunflower plants infected thought roots. There were no groups based on the morphology of zoosporangia and sporangiophores for pathogen isolates. Genetic relationships were detected between pathogen isolates using 12 EST-derived markers. There was no intra-race genetic variation, but five genetically-identified groups were detected among pathogen isolates of all races. Combining data of pathogen’s variation with variability in sunflower to arrive at durable resistance against P. halstedii was discussed.