Breeding and usage of sugar beet cultivars and hybrids resistant to sugar beet nematode Heterodera schachtii

L. Pylypenko, K. Kalatur
2015 Agricultural science and practice  
Heterodera schachtii Schmidt, 1871 is one of the most economically important pests of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) worldwide. It is also widespread in most sugar beet growing regions in Ukraine causing serious yield reduction and decreasing sugar content of sugar beet in infested elds. An advanced parasitic strategy of H. schachtii is employed to support nematode growth, reproduction and harmfulness. In intensive agriculture systems the nematode control measures heavily rely on nematicides and
more » ... good agricultural practice (crop rotation in the rst place). But alternative strategies based on nematode resistant sugar beet cultivars and hybrids are required as none of nematicides approved for the open eld application are registered in Ukraine. Here we review the achievements and problems of breeding process for H. schachtii resistance and provide the results of national traditional breeding program. Since the beginning of 1980s ve sugar beet cultivars (Verchnyatskyi 103, Yaltuschkivska 30, Bilotcerkivska 45, BTs-40 and Yuvileynyi) and seventeen lines partly resistant or tolerant to H. schachtii have been obtained throughout targeted crossing and progenies assessment in the infested elds. The further directions for better utilization of genetic sources for nematode resistance presented in national gene bank collection are emphasized. There is a need for more accurate identi cation of resistance genes, broader application of reliable molecular markers (suitable for marker-assisted selection of nematode resistant plants in the breeding process) and methods for genetic transformation of plants. Crop cash value and national production capacity should drive the cooperation in this eld. Knowledge as well as germplasm exchange are thereby welcomed that can bene t breeding progress at national and international level.
doi:10.15407/agrisp2.01.012 fatcat:5iatkswgjbhrtfnzlrfc3crjum