Plant Age and Isolate Source Affect Expression of Downy Mildew Resistance in Broccoli

Abstract

Resistance to downy mildew [Peronospora parasitica (pers.) ex. Fr.] in broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. Italica Group) depends on plant age. Seedling resistance seems to be independent of mature-plant resistance, where a mature plant is defined as having eight or more leaves. Our results suggest that, by using mature-plant resistance, an almost continuous variation instable levels of mature-plant resistance can be developed. Similarities in the response of mature plants of various lines to isolates from California, Washington, New York, and South Carolina indicated that the predominant race was the same at all locations. Correlations between resistant and susceptible responses to isolates from California, Washington, New York, and South Carolina varied from r = 0.48 to 0.74 depending on isolate source. The results indicated that selecting for high levels of resistance in mature plants at one location should result in good resistance elsewhere in the United States. Selecting immature plants (three to six leaves) may provide less reliable results due to the transitional status of the plant; i.e., between seedling and mature plant.