Early selection of potato clones with the H1 resistance gene - the relation of nematode resistance to quality characteristics

Abstract

Breeding a new potato cultivar is a long-term process ending with a few elite individuals from initially large populations. Screening for resistance in the seedling and first clonal generations is a cost-effective and efficient way to reduce the time needed to create a new variety. Unlike the phenotypic assessment of resistance to nematodes, marker-assisted selection (MAS) can be applied at early stages of selection. The frequent question among breeders is about the impact of early selection for resistance on the agronomic value of finally selected resistant progeny. The study presents a relationship between the presence of markers TG689 and 57R and some agricultural traits in field grown seedlings and three successive vegetative generations. Both markers are linked to H1 gene, which confers resistance to the golden cyst nematode Globodera rostochiensis. Clones with these markers had higher total tuber and starch yield than those without the markers. A negative relationship between marker presence and quality was not observed.