Field resistance to late blight (Phytophthora infestans (Mont.) De Bary) in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) somaclones associated with instability and pleiotropic effects

Adventitious regenerants ('somaclones') of 'Bintje' and their vegetative progeny were screened for field resistance to Phytophthora infestans as follows: the area under the disease progress curve was computed and correlated with resistance rating in 'Bintje' and reference varieties. The resistance rating of the somaclones was determined from this relationship. Clones with stable improved field resistance in successive years' trials were detected, however, most of such clones were also maturation mutants. Variation in resistance rating in clone replicates and between years was detected in most clones. The possible basis of the field resistance and reasons for its instability are discussed.