Breeding for durable Cercospora resistance embedded in a broader leaf disease package

Authors: ANFINRUD, MARK - Sesvanderhave; SELS, JAN - Sesvanderhave; VEGAS, JUAN - Sesvanderhave; TSCHOEP, HENDRIK - Sesvanderhave; DE BRUYNE, ERIK - Sesvanderhave; Hanson, Linda

Submitted to: Journal of Sugar Beet Research
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/1/2021
Publication Date: 2/28/2021
Citation: Anfinrud, M., Sels, J., Vegas, J., Tschoep, H., De Bruyne, E., Hanson, L.E. 2021. Breeding for durable Cercospora resistance embedded in a broader leaf disease package [abstract]. Journal of Sugar Beet Research. 58:77.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Cercospora leafspot causes significant financial losses in many sugar beet cooperatives in the USA. Breeding efforts for Cercospora tolerance have demonstrated significant progress in developing varieties that combine significant resistance levels with competitive yields. Unfortunately, these achievements hold risks as well. By introgressing these traits, we risk bringing in increased susceptibility to other diseases like Alternaria, Stemphylium and Sclerotinia which have been reported in the growing regions like Michigan, Southern Minnesota and the RRV. Multigenic resistance approaches have a higher likelihood to withstand resistance breakdown by rapidly evolving pathogens. To safeguard the breeding achievements on Cercospora tolerance, it is necessary to consciously tackle these risks. In this presentation, we outline the breeding achievements in CLS breeding. In addition, we elaborate on our efforts to build a durable multi-genetic CLS tolerance barrier and our efforts to achieve CLS tolerance in combination with a base tolerance to other emerging and established leaf diseases.