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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Madison, Wisconsin » Vegetable Crops Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #313476
Title: Improved genetic disease resistance solutions for potato

Author
item Halterman, Dennis
item CHEN, YU - University Of Wisconsin
item LIN, YUAN - University Of Wisconsin
item MEIER, AUSTIN - University Of Wisconsin
item Jansky, Shelley

Submitted to: Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Associaiton Conference Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/14/2015
Publication Date: 2/4/2015
Citation: Halterman, D.A., Chen, Y., Lin, Y., Meier, A., Jansky, S.H. 2015. Improved genetic disease resistance solutions for potato. Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Associaiton Conference Proceedings. Paper No. 2:1.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The Halterman Lab research program is focused on understanding the genetic basis of disease resistance in potato. Several diseases, such as late blight, early blight, potato virus Y, and verticillium wilt, are particularly problematic in Wisconsin. With the exception of early blight, major genes have been identified in wild and cultivated potato that confers resistance to these diseases. Our research program is focused not only on the identification of novel disease resistance genes, but also on the study of the best way to deploy these genes once they are identified. This includes research to understand the mechanisms that potato uses to defend itself against pathogens in order to determine the best course of action for resistance gene deployment. For example, releasing potato varieties with a single gene for resistance to late blight has proven to be an unreliable way to control the disease, as the pathogen can quickly evolve to overcome resistance. Understanding how the pathogen overcomes resistance will help us develop a strategy to prevent future breakdowns in resistance by improving the function and durability of the resistance genes. A complementary strategy of identifying new genes that use different modes of action to turn on plant defenses will also help to sustain the resistance deployed into new cultivars. The Halterman lab, in collaboration with other USDA and UW-Madison colleagues, is using several approaches to identify and characterize resistance to several important potato diseases.