PhomaDur – Improvement of quantitative resistance to stem canker in oilseed rape

Abstract: Leptosphaeria maculans is one of the most important pathogens on oilseed rape. Using resistant cultivars proved to be the best method to manage L. maculans. Two types of resistance are generally described, R-gene mediated resistance and quantitative resistance. Quantitative resistance is known to be more durable and stable. PhomaDur is a project that aims to improve quantitative resistance and to deepen our understanding of its mechanisms in oilseed rape. Therefore, the objectives of this project are (1) to phenotype a multi parents’ interconnected mapping population in the field and in the greenhouse in order to identify QTLs, (2) to study blackleg infestation and characterize the range of Phoma lingam isolates/races in different regions in Germany, and (3) to investigate the quantitative resistance mechanisms. This short abstract paper presents in brief preliminary results of the ongoing project.