In vitro evaluation of potato genotypes for resistance against bacterial soft rot (Pectobacterium carotovorum) - a new tool for studying disease resistance

In vitro screening techniques were used to evaluate 46 genotypes of Iranian potato collection for resistance to bacterial soft rot caused by Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum (Pcc). One month old in vitro rooted potato plantlets were inoculated by two inoculation techniques under in vitro conditions: 1) sterile toothpicks dipped into bacterial suspension and pressed into the crown of plantlets and 2) the freshly cut crown of plantlets were dipped into bacterial suspension of 108 cfu ∙ ml–1 for 10 min. Typical soft rot disease symptoms, including the percentage of wilted leaves were recorded on inoculated plantlets 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 days post-inoculation. The potato genotypes which were examined responded differently to Pcc and varying levels of resistance were observed. Potato genotype AG showed the highest level of resistance. Results obtained from in vitro screening were then verified by classical tuber slice assay. The verifications were conducted using five representative cultivars: Milva, Ramus, Picaso, Marfona and Agria which responded similarly to both in vitro and classical evaluation systems. Similar results obtained from these tests indicated that the in vitro screening technique developed in this study could provide a simple and rapid whole plant assay in selecting resistant potato genotypes against bacterial soft rot