Resistant Potato Cultivars Research Articles

In Planta Transcriptome and Proteome Profiles of Spongospora subterranea in Resistant and Susceptible Host Environments Illuminates Regulatory Principles Underlying Host-Pathogen Interaction.

Simple SummaryInfections of potato tubers and roots by Spongospora subterranea result in powdery scab and root diseases. Losses due to infections with S. subterranea are substantial in most potato-growing regions of the world with no fully effective treatments available. Understanding the gene regulation of pathogens in their host is dependent on multidimensional datasets. In this study, we profiled the transcriptome and proteome of S. subterranea within the susceptible and resistant host. Enzyme activity and nucleic acid metabolism appear to be important to the virulence of S. subterranea. Our results provide a good resource for future functional studies of powdery scab and might be useful in S. subterranea inoculum management.Spongospora subterranea is an obligate biotrophic pathogen, causing substantial economic loss to potato industries globally. Currently, there are no fully effective management strategies for the control of potato diseases caused by S. subterranea. To further our understanding of S. subterranea biology during infection, we characterized the transcriptome and proteome of the pathogen during the invasion of roots of a susceptible and a resistant potato cultivar. A total of 7650 transcripts from S. subterranea were identified in the transcriptome analysis in which 1377 transcripts were differentially expressed between two cultivars. In proteome analysis, we identified 117 proteins with 42 proteins significantly changed in comparisons between resistant and susceptible cultivars. The functional annotation of transcriptome data indicated that the gene ontology terms related to the transportation and actin processes were induced in the resistant cultivar. The downregulation of enzyme activity and nucleic acid metabolism in the resistant cultivar suggests a probable influence of these processes in the virulence of S. subterranea. The protein analysis results indicated that the majority of differentially expressed proteins were related to the metabolic processes and transporter activity. The present study provides a comprehensive molecular insight into the multiple layers of gene regulation that contribute to S. subterranea infection and development in planta and illuminates the role of host immunity in affecting pathogen responses.

Genome Resources of Two Pathotypes of the Potato Cyst Nematode Globodera rostochiensis from New York.

The potato cyst nematode Globodera rostochiensis is a regulated pest posing a serious threat to potato production worldwide. Although the endemic pathotype (Ro1) of G. rostochiensis has been confined to New York State for several decades as a result of quarantine regulations and management with resistant potato cultivars, a virulent pathotype, Ro2, has emerged, for which control measures are scarce. The ability to detect Ro2 early in fields is necessary to sustain the success of G. rostochiensis quarantine in the United States. Here, we report the comparative analysis of whole-genome sequences of multiple single-cyst-derived Ro1 and Ro2 lines, propagated from original field populations. The identified discriminant variants are good targets for developing molecular diagnostic tools for differentiating G. rostochiensis pathotypes in New York.

Screening for PVYN-Wi Resistance in Kenyan Potato Cultivars

Over the past decades, two new strains of potato virus Y (PVYN-Wi (Wilga) and PVYNTN) have been the most widely distributed worldwide in potato crops (Solanum tuberosum L.). Effective resistance genes comprehensive against all the known strains of the virus are available in some commercial cultivars. However, not all resistance genes in cultivars have been challenged by the new PVY strains to confirm effectiveness of the resistances available. This study was set to identify PVY resistant genotypes and estimate yield losses in potato cultivars in Kenya. PVYN-Wi was used for PVY resistance screening because it was the most prevalent strain in Kenya and also was found to produce more severe infection in Kenyan potato genotypes compared with PVYO (the second most prevalent strain). Three cultivars, Kenya Karibu, Sherekea and Unica, were identified as resistant because they did not get PVY infections over three seasons of both greenhouse and field screening experiments. In addition, two early generation breeding clones were identified as resistant at 28 days post-inoculation. In susceptible cultivars Dutch Robyjn, Nyayo and Kenya Mpya, PVYN-Wi infection caused yield losses of 21.6, 39.0 and 53.1%, respectively, after three seasons. This study demonstrated the necessity to screen for PVY resistance based on the most prevalent PVY strains and to make an informed decision on the usefulness of current levels of resistance in potato cultivars.

Potato plants transformed with the Arabidopsis EF-Tu receptor (EFR) show restricted pathogen colonization and enhanced bacterial wilt resistance under conditions resembling natural field infections

Potato is considered a staple food in the world and its production is limited by the presence of bacterial wilt (bw) disease caused by Ralstonia solanacearum. Host resistance is the most sustainable and cost-effective strategy to manage bw, although resistant commercial potato cultivars are not yet available. Our group incorporated the efr receptor of Arabidopsis thaliana (atefr), which recognizes the elongation factor Tu, preserved in bacteria, triggering an immune response. atefr was tested in two genetic backgrounds: a susceptible commercial cultivar (inia Iporá) and a breeding clone with partial resistance introgressed from Solanum commersonii. In this work, the effect of the atefr receptor on bw resistance was evaluated for the first time, using conditions resembling natural field infection. In addition, the colonization patterns of wild-type and transgenic lines were compared by using luminescent and fluorescent R. solanacearum reporter strains. Both approaches showed a delay and a decrease in the severity of wilting symptoms in the atefr-transformed genotypes. Differential colonization patterns were observed, revealing a higher bacterial development in the non-transformed plants. This atefr effect seems more pronounced in the interspecific breeding line, possibly leading to a more effective activation of the plant immune system.

Recreation of the Edinburgh Potato Solanum ×Edinense Berthault

Solanum ×edinense Berthault, is a spontaneously occurring hybrid between S. demissum Lindl. and the cultivated potato, S. tuberosum L., found near potato fields in Mexico. Although not described until 1911, this hybrid was in cultivation at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh shortly after the Irish Potato Famine of 1845–1849 and proved to be highly resistant to late blight, Phytophthora infestans. In the mid-19th century late blight caused widespread failure of the potato crop across Europe and played a central role in the Irish Potato Famine. Using the parent species in controlled crosses we have recreated the hybrid that was named by Berthault in recognition of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh as the source of his plant material. We have also researched the early history of this hybrid potato in Edinburgh and demonstrated disease resistance through field exposure during the outbreak of late blight in Edinburgh in 2019. This work underlines the important role of this hybrid in the breeding of disease resistant potato cultivars.

Diploid Potato Germplasm with Resistance to Dickeya solani

Potato growers suffer losses due to potato soft rot and blackleg caused by pectinolytic bacteria of different species. These bacteria cause yield loss during cultivation and storage, and can be transmitted to the next generations through seed tubers. The prevalence of Pectobacterium atrosepticum has decreased over the last 20 years in Europe in favour of Dickeya solani and P. carotovorum subsp. brasiliense. Twenty-six diploid interspecific Solanum hybrids, previously selected for tuber resistance to P. atrosepticum, were screened for resistance to a highly aggressive D. solani strain in terms of tuber and blackleg reaction. The bacterial strain used for inoculation was characterised by a relatively high optimal growth temperature in vitro, ranging from 33 to 35 °C. Twenty-four diploid clones did not differ in terms of tuber reaction to inoculation with this strain of bacteria in comparison with the clone USA 249, which is the somatic hybrid of S. brevidens (+) S. tuberosum with proven resistance to Pectobacterium. Seventeen clones performed significantly better in terms of blackleg resistance than the resistant potato cultivar Glada. Eleven of the selected diploids produced unreduced gametes, which allows their use in improving the resistance of tetraploid potatoes to diseases caused by bacteria of both Pectobacterium and Dickeya.

LATE BLIGHT RESISTANCE OF WILD POTATO SPECIES UNDER FIELD CONDITIONS IN THE NORTHWEST OF RUSSIA

Background. Despite the great efforts made by breeders, late blight remains a paramount cause of significant potato harvest losses. Introgression of various resistance genes from wild Solanum L. species is the main method to increase the resistance in potato cultivars. Field resistance is considered to be more durable than those induced by the action of single R genes. To this end, resistance sources should be selected from а wide range of species under severe natural infection.Material and methods. As the material for evaluation, 1141 accessions of 99 wild potato species belonging to 15 taxonomic series according to the system of J. Hawkes were used. Each accession was assessed for 3–5 years. A 1–9 point scale was employed to score the damage of plants every week starting from the first symptoms of the disease, where 9 meant the absence of any symptoms, and 1 the entirely damaged plant. The plants scoring 6 to 9 points were considered resistant.Results and conclusions. As a result of the long-term field observations, wild potato species, represented in the current evaluation by numerous accessions, were characterized for foliar resistance to late blight; individual introductions resistant to late blight were also identified. Some of those studied in the 1980s showed high resistance in the end of the 1990s through the 2000s. The highest percentage of resistant accessions/species was identified among the species with areas of distribution in Mexico. A group of Central American species and large part of species with areas of distribution in South America expressed high level of interspecific polymorphism in foliar resistance to late blight.

SPECIFIC FEATURES OF THE STUDY AND MAINTENANCE OF A POTATO COLLECTION THREATENED BY VIRUSES AND VIRUS¬LIKE DISEASES

Background. The article deals with the problems faced while studying and maintaining a collection of plant genetic resources against a strong virus infection background.Materials and methods. The data obtained during 8 years of monitoring over 1000 potato accessions for the incidence of virus diseases are presented. The work was carried out at Pushkin and Pavlovsk Laboratories of VIR and at the Polar Experiment Station of VIR (Khibiny, Arctic Circle). Visual control of the symptoms of the infection was combined with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for potato mosaic viruses Х, S, M and Y.Results and conclusions. For many years, the global collection of VIR has been studied and maintained under a threat of strong virus infections. Among the viruses that have the widest distribution and cause significant damage to potato, there are viruses M and Y in Pushkin, and Х in Khibiny. Among the infected plant material, accessions with a latent virus infection, manifesting tolerance to the pathogens, have constantly been observed. The conventional point-based principle of scoring field resistance of potato cultivars and hybrids to viruses requires a significant revision. A new alternative approach is proposed for virus resistance assessment, when the clonal reproduction type of the tested accessions is taken into account.

Plant Viruses in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) Pakistan: Potential Future Research Direction

Potato is becoming the most economically important crop in GB because its production is expanding more rapidly than that of most other crops primarily because it generates hugh incomes to the farming community. The disease resistant potato cultivars were replaced by the high yielding varieties, consequently the potato crops has become vulnerable to numerous diseases. Among the diseases viral diseases may play a major role in reducing the yield of potato crops. There are no proper regulatory policies intended to prevent introduction of plant viruses, introduction has still occurred through the potato tubers from the other provinces of Pakistan. Furthermore, the vectors such as aphid’s population have increased. These plant viruses have considerable effects on potato crops range from mere curling and chlorosis of leaves to demise of entire potato crops from the fields. These plant viruses may be major yield limiting factor and therefore there is need to identify the viruses on farms and to determine the severity as well as their impacts on potato yield. Theses plant viruses are major future threats to GB’s food security. There are no wellestablished plant pathology laboratories as a result their identification and estimation of losses to potato crops, they pose still remain a challenge. In conclusion, the viruses are the future constraints to food security in GB, this review paper uses some plant viruses as a case study to illustrate their key influences on the yield of potato crop.

GENETIC APPROACHES FOR ENGINEERING BIOTIC STRESS RESISTANCE IN POTATO (Solanum tuberosum L.)

Potato is one of the most important food crops in terms of annual production and food security worldwide. The crop is affected by several types of biotic stresses, e.g. insects, viruses, fungus, nematodes and weeds, which are the prominent limiting factors for its production. The conventional breeding methods in potato have been associated with limitations; none of the present day commercial cultivar has built-in resistance against biotic stresses. There is strong need for the development of new resistant potato varieties to cope against biotic stresses using non-classical approaches in combination with classical methods. The scientific literature suggests the contribution of modern biotechnological techniques for the development of transgenic potato lines resistant against insects and diseases. The present comprehensive review describes different genetic engineering approaches for the development of transgenic potatoes resistant to insects, weeds, nematodes, fungus and viruses by fellow researchers worldwide. It also gives an insight into modern technologies, e.g. RNAi and CRISPR-Cas9, which have emerged recently and can be implemented in the development of biotic stress resistant potato cultivars.

DISTRIBUTION OF PCN PATHOTYPES IN POLAND

Both Globodera rostochiensis (Wollenweber, 1923) Behrens, 1975 and Globodera pallida (Stone, 1973) are considered the most economically important nematode pest. Annual regional survey conduct in Poland have revealed high infestation of pathotype Ro1 to the northwest of the country and presence of new pathotype Ro5 of G. rostochiensis. In 2009-2013 fifty eight soil samples were tested. parasitic root organisms cause significant losses in quantity and quality of potato crops. In many European countries PCN have become a major problem in potato production mainly in starch potato cultivars. The pathotype Ro1 was detected mostly in central and northern Poland and pathotype Ro5 in four separated provinces: malopolskie, lubuskie, lubelskie and pomorskie. The abundance of cysts in location where the new pathotype was detected suggests that is a thread of further spread of pathotype Ro5 of G. rostochiensis in the country. Consequently, producers and farmers need to grow resistant potato cultivars to keep nematode population below damaging level. These results indicate the urgent need to prevent the spread of PCN to non-infested areas. This report focused on identification of nematode pathotypes in soil samples from infested polish fields and presentation of G. rostochiensis distribution on territory of Poland.

Comparative proteomic analysis of resistant and susceptible potato cultivars during Synchytrium endobioticum infestation.

We report the first comparative study of protein expression profiles in tuber sprouts between Katahdin-derived potato cultivars resistant and susceptible to Synchytrium endobioticum. Synchytrium endobioticum causes wart disease in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) and is considered as the most important quarantine pathogen in almost all countries where potatoes are grown. We performed a comparative analysis of differentially expressed proteins in the tuber sprouts of potato cultivars differing in resistance to pathotype 1(D1) of S. endobioticum using two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) approaches. Bulks prepared from two resistant (Calrose and Humalda) and three susceptible (Sebago, Seneca and Wauseon) potato cultivars were studied. When protein profiles were compared between mock- and S. endobioticum-inoculated sprouts, 35 and 63 protein spots, indicating qualitative or quantitative differences, were detected in the resistant and susceptible cultivars, respectively. In turn, 24 proteins associated with resistance to S. endobioticum were revealed by comparison of the resistant and susceptible bulks. These proteins were changed in a constitutive or induced manner and were grouped into four categories: stress and defence, cell structure, protein turnover, and metabolism. Among the 13 proteins classified into the stress and defence group, seven proteins were related to heat-shock proteins (HSPs)/chaperone factors. In addition, four proteins, S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine hydrolase-like, superoxide dismutase [Mn], inactive patatin-3-Kuras 1 and patatin-15, were induced in the resistant bulk; whereas two proteins, patatin-01 and nucleoredoxin 1, showed significant differences in expression between the S. endobioticum-inoculated resistant and susceptible bulks. The detection of such a large number of S. endobioticum-mediated proteins representing the HSP70, HSP60 and HSP20 families suggests their significant role in restricting wart disease in potato tubers.

Phenotypic and molecular characterization of potato germplasm for potato cyst nematode resistance

Potato cyst nematode (PCN) is considered to be the most devastating pest causing major yield losses in potato worldwide. Resistant potato cultivars would be the most effective strategy to control PCN however, they may not posses enough resistance to all pathotypes of PCN. Therefore breeding programme should focus on developing varieties with horizontal resistance which can be achieved by using parental lines with multiple resistant genes. Hence, the present study was conducted to characterize the phenotypic and genotypic resistance of parental lines against PCN and also an attempt was made to find out the pollen viability of the parental lines to improve the breeding efficiency. Sixty six genotypes were screened phenotypically as well as genotypically against PCN. Out of which, 54 lines were found phenotypically resistant to G. rostochiensis, 48 to G. pallida and 44 to both the species of PCN. The same set of parental lines was also validated using linked molecular markers. In molecular characterization, the markers linked with H1 gene (TG689 and 57R) were found in majority of the parental lines screened. Marker SPUD 1636 linked to GPa5 QTL was positive for three genotypes whereas HC marker (GPaVvrn QTL) was positive for 30 parental lines. TG432 linked to Grp1 gene is positive for 27 parental lines whereas the marker Gro 1-4-1 is not amplified in any of the screened parental lines. Pollen viability of parental lines varied from 15.8 to 93.6%. The results of the study will facilitate breeding of novel resistant varieties by efficient selection of ideal male parent with good pollen potential and multiple resistance to several PCN pathotypes.

Population Biology and Genetic Variation of Spongospora subterranea f. sp. subterranea, the Causal Pathogen of Powdery Scab and Root Galls on Potatoes in South Africa.

Spongospora subterranea f. sp. subterranea, causal agent of powdery scab and root galls of potatoes, occurs worldwide and is responsible for quality and yield losses in potato production in South Africa. Despite being one of the most important potato pathogens in South Africa, little information is available on the genetic structure and diversity of S. subterranea f. sp. subterranea, which could provide insight into the factors shaping its evolution and the role of inoculum sources in disease development. A total of 172 samples were collected from four potato growing regions in South Africa. An additional 27 samples obtained from Colombia were included for comparative purposes. The samples were screened against six informative microsatellite (simple-sequence repeat) markers. Of the 172 samples obtained from potato growing regions in South Africa, there were 75 multilocus genotypes (MLGs), only 16 of which were shared between potato growing regions, indicating substantial gene flow and countrywide dispersal of the pathogen. The presence of common MLGs among the root- and tuber-derived samples indicated a lack of specialization of S. subterranea f. sp. subterranea to either tuber or root infection. Nei's unbiased estimates of gene diversity for the clone-corrected data were low and ranged from 0.24 to 0.38. Analysis of molecular variance and discriminant analysis of principal components showed no population differentiation between different potato growing regions in South Africa and between root- and tuber-derived genotypes. The presence of MLGs, high considerable genotypic diversity, and failure to reject the null hypothesis of random mating in most populations are indicative of some kind of recombination, either sexual or asexual, in these S. subterranea f. sp. subterranea populations. Information from this study provides new insights into the genetic structure and diversity of S. subterranea f. sp. subterranea in South Africa. Continuous monitoring of the pathogen population dynamics will be helpful in implementing effective region-specific management strategies for the pathogen, especially in the development of resistant potato cultivars.

Quantifying Control Efficacy of Fungicides Commonly Applied for Potato Early Blight Management

Early blight is an economically important foliar disease of potato in the United States. Because of the lack of resistant potato cultivars, fungicides are applied extensively to obtain adequate control. To manage early blight, standard protectant fungicides and single-site mode-of-action "specialty" fungicides are applied either alone or incorporated into a fungicide rotation program. Control efficacy at two crop growth stages (tuber initiation/early bulking and late bulking/tuber maturation) and the overall tuber yield response to standard and specialty fungicides were assessed using network metaanalytic models. Control efficacy of fungicides ranged from moderate to very high (>30 to 75%) compared with the nontreated control. For both potato growth stages, specialty fungicides performed better than standard protectant fungicides. Furthermore, control efficacy of both fungicides was higher (3 to 9%) at late bulking and tuber maturation when compared with early bulking crop growth stage. Specialty fungicide programs increased overall tuber yields by 4 and 9% over standard fungicides and nontreated control, respectively. Based on the results, more precise fungicide use recommendations and fungicide programs can be developed for early blight management.

Quantitative proteomic analysis of differentially expressed proteins in tubers of potato plants differing in resistance to Dickeya solani

AimsThis study aims the detection of proteins associated with increased resistance of tubers to necrotrophic bacteria Dickeya solani in tetraploid and diploid potato plants.MethodsComparative analysis of differently expressed proteins in tuber tissue of potato cultivars and diploid interspecific hybrids of Solanum, differing in resistance to Dickeya solani, was performed using nano-liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS/MS). Two highly resistant (Bea and Humalda) and three susceptible (Irys, Katahdin, Ulster Supreme) potato cultivars, and the highly resistant (DG 00–270) and the susceptible (DG 08–305) diploid clones, were studied. Proteins were extracted from wounded potato tubers inoculated with bacteria at an early symptomatic phase of infection and from controls, i.e., intact tubers and wounded mock-inoculated tubers. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD013009.ResultsEight constitutive differentially expressed proteins with fold changes ≥1.9 and q-value ≤0.1 between the resistant and susceptible cultivar groups after D. solani infection were selected. Probable inactive patatin-03-Kuras 1 and the proteinase inhibitor PTI exhibited significantly increased protein abundances after bacterial inoculation in both resistant cultivars compared to the susceptible cultivars. In the diploid clones, only metallocarboxypeptidase and metallocarboxypeptidase-like inhibitors exhibited much higher fold changes following pathogenic invasion (274.4- and 368.6-fold, respectively) than after mock inoculation (165.5- and 130.7-fold, respectively).ConclusionsThese results show that different proteins indicating significant fold changes between the resistant and susceptible potato cultivars and diploid clones are induced at an early phase of symptomatic D. solani infection.

Standardization of plant density and intra-row spacing to maximize seed size tubers in two potato cultivars (Solanum tuberosum) grown in northern hills

To overcome the problem of oversize tubers, three planting densities (80000, 100000 and 133333 plants/ha) were evaluated at 25, 20 and 15 cm intra-row and 50 cm inter-row spacing, in two late blight resistant potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) cultivars, viz. Kufri Himalini and Kufri Girdhari during the kharif season under hill conditions. At the maximum plant density (133333 plants/ha) obtained with closer spacing (50 × 15 cm), the proportion of extra large (>150 g) tubers was reduced from 23.5 to 12.4% in cv. Kufri Himalini and from 17.4 to 10.4% in cv. Kufri Girdhari. Besides, an increase in the proportion of seed size (20-80 g) tubers from 33.6 to 43.9% was also recorded. The yield of extra-large tubers (>150g) came down from 43 to 30% along with 10% increase in the yield of seed size (20-80 g) tubers.

Characterization of Early Blight Resistance in Potato Cultivars.

Early blight, caused by the fungus Alternaria solani, is one of the most economically important foliar diseases of potatoes worldwide. In this study, 217 tetraploid old and modern potato cultivars were evaluated for foliar resistance to early blight in field experiments in Pennsylvania in 2016 and 2017. Relative area under the disease progress curve (RAUDPC) was calculated based on visual assessment of foliar disease during the growing season each year. RAUDPC ranged from 0.0090 to 0.7372 in 2016 and from 0.0215 to 0.7889 in 2017, respectively. Significant differences in resistance to A. solani among cultivars were found (P < 0.0001). A significant interaction was found between cultivar and environment (P < 0.0001). Cluster analysis classified the cultivars into five groups: resistant, moderately resistant, intermediate, moderately susceptible, and susceptible. Broad-sense heritability for early blight resistance was estimated as 0.89 with a 95% confidence interval of 0.86 to 0.92. All cultivars were also evaluated for foliage maturity in separate field trials in 2016 and 2017, and a strong negative correlation between early blight resistance and maturity was found. Maturity-adjusted RAUDPC was calculated by regressing maturity on RAUDPC; predicted values more than two standard deviations greater or less than observed values were used to identify cultivars with greater genetic susceptibility or resistance to early blight, respectively, independent of maturity. Although most resistant and moderately resistant cultivars showed late maturity and most susceptible cultivars showed early maturity, a few exceptions were found.

Molecular identification of Meloidogyne species isolated from potato in China and evaluation of the response of potato genotypes to these isolates

Summary Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) are one of the most economically important groups of plant-parasitic nematodes on potato (Solanum tuberosum), but there has been little study regarding their occurrence on potato in China. In this study, the nematodes in two nematode-infected potato samples collected from Yunnan Province were identified as Meloidogyne spp. Amplicon sizes with species-specific PCR primers indicated that one sample was M. javanica and the other was M. incognita. Cultures established from these two isolates were used to screen 28 potato genotypes in China. All genotypes were susceptible to both M. javanica and M. incognita. However, the mean root galling index and number of egg masses were generally higher for M. javanica than M. incognita. Variable susceptibility was demonstrated among the tested potato genotypes. No available resistant potato cultivars plus a rapid spread of Meloidogyne spp. will result in a potential threat to potato production in China.

Reproduction and life history traits of a resistance breaking Globodera pallida population

Abstract The main and most efficient measure to control potato cyst nematode (PCN) is the use of resistant cultivars. German and Dutch National Plant Protection Organizations (NPPOs) recently reported the emergence of Globodera pallida populations virulent on potato cultivars carrying resistance against pathotype 2/3. The development and virulence of the virulent population Oberlangen from Germany in comparison to the reference population G. pallida Pa3 Chavornay were investigated on resistant and susceptible cultivars in glasshouse experiments. Various life history traits associated with change in virulence were also assessed. Hatching of second-stage juveniles (J2s) was similar for both populations but incubation of cysts in potato root diffusate resulted in higher hatching rates compared to 3 mM Zinc Chloride and tap water. Both populations showed high penetration rates in the roots of the resistant and susceptible cultivars. However, only the population Oberlangen was able to complete the life cycle in the roots of the resistant potato cultivar. In ‘Seresta’, the resistance response restricted the formation of females by avirulent individuals in favor of males. Oberlangen was virulent on all cultivars tested. No difference in cyst size, number of eggs per cyst, length of juveniles, and males was found for Oberlangen and Chavornay on the susceptible cv. ‘Desiree’. However, cysts of virulent populations from the same region Oberlangen was obtained from had a significantly larger diameter compared to avirulent populations. The population Oberlangen showed a higher reproduction and fitness than the reference population Chavornay on susceptible cultivars and could serve as a future reference population in testing of new potato cultivars for resistance against this new virulence type in Europe.