Pre-breeding and breeding of potatoes for quantitative resistance to Phytophthora infestans on foliage and tubers and for different utilization - problems, solutions and results

Mehr zum Buch

This work explores the pre-breeding and breeding of potatoes for quantitative resistance to Phytophthora infestans affecting both foliage and tubers, addressing challenges, solutions, and outcomes. The pursuit of late blight resistance has revealed the complexities of quantitative resistance, which is difficult to assess and progress in due to polygenic inheritance and the lengthy breeding process involving wild species as resistance sources. While R-genes offer immediate resistance, quantitative resistance is more durable. However, economic and methodological challenges have hindered breeding efforts, with chemical protection often seen as a viable alternative, though breeding could reduce its use by a third. Over 40 years of pre-breeding at ZL Gross Luesewitz has led to new methods and breeding materials, necessitating a reevaluation of the value of quantitative resistance and its integration with other traits. The slow progress in combining resistance with these traits highlights the need for changes in selection systems to enhance breeding efficiency. The research also analyzes P. infestans pathogenicity, global resistance levels, and the factors contributing to inadequate resistance. Comprehensive methodologies for assessing blight resistance and the utilization of wild species are discussed, supported by extensive references. The document concludes with insights into the future application of quantitative late blight res