Schriften zu Genetischen Ressourcen - Genres

K. RICHTER, E. GRIESBACH, A. HABEKUß, D. KOPHANKE, V. LIND and E. SCHLIEPHAKE
Evaluation of genetic resources for resistance to pathogens and
pests in the Institute of Epidemiology and Resistance Aschersleben
K. RICHTER, E. GRIESBACH, A. HABEKUß, D. KOPAHNKE, V. LIND and E. SCHLIEPHAKE 1
Abstract
The Institute of Epidemiology and Resistance as a part of the Federal Centre for
Breeding Research on Cultivated Plants has the task to evaluate plant genetic resources
for resistance to viruses, bacteria, fungi, pests and virus vectors. The number
of accessions evaluated that proved to be resistant is demonstrated. The scientific
focus of the Institute of Epidemiology and Resistance is effective resistance research.
Resistant cultivars are essential for integrated plant production. The first step
in evaluation is the analysis of virulence or aggressiveness in pathogen populations.
Strains or isolates of the pathogens are collected and maintained; defined virulences
are most useful for resistance evaluation and breeding.
For the characterisation of interactions between pathogens and plants with known
resistance genes, population dynamics and epidemiology of pathogens are studied.
Strategies of resistance gene management for the use of single genes, of gene combinations
and of quantitative resistance to pathogens are developed. The material for
evaluation and the development of crop plants with improved resistance to economically
important pathogens and for creating new genetic diversity originates from gene
banks and selections of plant breeders.
At present, the following host-pathogen systems are investigated (Table 1).
The characterisation of the resistance genes in the selected plant material, the development
and improvement of evaluation and resistance screening methods are
further tasks of the institute. The number of evaluated and resistant accessions identified
is summarised in Table 2. An active cooperation of the Federal Centre for
Breeding Research on Cultivated Plants with breeding institutions guarantees the
rapid utilisation of the resistant material in the breeding process.
1 Federal Centre for Breeding Research on Cultivated Plants (BAZ)
Institute of Epidemiology and Resistance
Theodor-Roemer-Weg 4
D-06449 Aschersleben, Germany
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