Virus resistance of potato genetic diversity under climate change

Abstract

Aim. To determine the resistance of potato gene pool accessions to viruses in the southern forest-steppe of Ukraine and to select starting material for breeding. Results and Discussion. Our analysis of the climate changes for the period of 1955–2018 revealed that the unfavorable weather/climatic conditions during spring planting of tubers, as a result of which weakened plants were more easily depressed by viral infections, were the primary cause of potato cacogenesis in the southern forest-steppe of Ukraine. It was found that significant deviations from the multi-year average temperature and amount of precipitation contributed to the intense mass manifestation of symptoms of viral diseases or under favorable weather/climatic conditions, on the contrary, viral diseases were not visually detected. Studies have shown that the main factor in resistance to viral degeneration of potato varieties is the genotype, and its development and expression depend on growing conditions. It is also important to take into account emergence of new strains of viruses requiring continuous monitoring. Virus resistance of the varieties was visually determined. In order to identify viruses and study their morphology, electron microscopy, EIA and PCR were used. Conclusions. As a result of the study, sources of high field resistance to leaf-rolling, potato rugose and streak mosaics, which are valuable starting material for further practical use in breeding, as well as in scientific and educational programs, were identified.