RESPONSE OF ANTHER CULTURE-DERIVED DIPLOID LINES OF POTATO TO THE ROOT-KNOT NEMATODE MELOIDOGYNE INCOGNITA
Authors
N. Vovlas
G. Grammatikaki
A. Sonnino
Abstract
Evaluation of reproduction of the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita race 1 on antherderived diploid potato lines, obtained from hybrids with one root-knot nematode resistant parent, was investigated. Two F1 hybrids and three anther-derived lines behaved similarly to the resistant parental line, supporting the concept that anther culture technique can be used in potato breeding far studies on resistance to root-knot nematodes. Infection sites, three weeks after inoculation, examined microscopically, exhibited in resistant lines, necrotic tissues, undersized or absence of giant cell formation, with consequent suppression of nematode development. In contrast, on roots of susceptible potato lines, evident swellings were induced at infection sites by the active expansion of multinucleate giant cells associated with feeding, egg-producing females.