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ARS Home » Plains Area » Fargo, North Dakota » Edward T. Schafer Agricultural Research Center » Sugarbeet and Potato Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #288270
Title: Molecular basis of fungicide resistance in Cercospora beticola

Author
item Bolton, Melvin
item SECOR, GARY - North Dakota State University
item RIVERA-VARAS, VIVIANA - North Dakota State University
item KHAN, MOHAMED - North Dakota State University

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/29/2012
Publication Date: 11/25/2013
Citation: Bolton, M.D., Secor, G.A., Rivera-Varas, V., Khan, M.F. 2013. Molecular basis of fungicide resistance in Cercospora beticola [abstract.] Journal of Sugar Beet Research. 50:62-63.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Cercospora leaf spot (CLS), caused by the fungus Cercospora beticola, is the most important foliar disease of sugarbeet. Control measures include the application of sterol demethylation inhibitor (DMI) and quinone outside inhibitor (QoI) fungicides. Understanding the molecular mechanism of fungicide resistance is critical for fungicide resistance management. To gain and understanding of the molecular basis of DMI resistance, we cloned the C. beticola Cyp51 gene, which encodes the DMI target Cyp51. Resistance to DMIs was shown to be related to over-expression of Cyp51. The gene encoding the mitochondrial QoI-target enzyme cytochrome b was cloned. All resistant isolates harbored a G143A mutation in cytochrome b. A probe was designed to specifically amplify and differentiate both alleles of the gene. The use of this probe was shown to vastly increase throughput of fungicide sensitivity testing. Isolates harboring the G143A mutation have now been found in many sugarbeet growing regions around the world. Sensitivity testing and concomitant fungicide resistance management programs will be necessary ensure efficacy of fungicides for CLS control.