Characterisation of non-host resistance in Solanum nigrum against Phytophthora infestans
Abstract
Potato is a very important crop plant in industrial and developing countries, including Madagascar. Late blight is one of the most destructive diseases of crop plants worldwide and a threat to potatoes worldwide. It is caused by the oomycete Phytophthora infestans, formerly classified as a fungus but now it is clear that it is related to algae. The disease causes enormous losses every year worldwide. Resistance genes against Phytophthora infestans have been incorporated in potato from other Solanum species but have all eventually been defeated by the pathogen. Therefore the pathogen is very dangerous. In western countries the disease is controlled by several applications of pesticides. But in developing countries these chemicals are not always affordable. In addition, Phytophthora infestans is developing resistance against the pesticides. Solanum nigrum, a weed related to potato is a non-host for Phytophthora infestans. Solanum nigrum is often growing as a weed in potato fields but has never been found infected by Phytophthora infestans. Somatic hybridisation between Solanum nigrum and potato is possible but difficult and the outcome is not clear. Closer inspection has revealed that Phytophthora infestans tries to invade epidermal cells but is stopped by a hypersensitive reaction. As a first step towards a practical use of this resistance for potato protection we will characterise the interaction between Solanum nigrum and Phytophthora infestans at the cellular and molecular level.
keywords Solanum nigrum Phytophthora infestans hypersensitive
Publikationen
Project staff
Holger Bohlmann
Dr. Holger Bohlmann
holger.bohlmann@boku.ac.at
Project Leader
01.10.2003 - 30.09.2006