Phenotypic markers of Phytophthora infestans

Abstract

Phytophthora infestans is one of the most destructive pathogens of potato and causal agents of notorious disease late blight. Different chemicals are used to control the pathogen of late blight but the most commonly used is metalaxyl; its extensive use of has caused decreased sensitivity in the P. infestans population. The metalaxyl sensitivity of the Pakistani population of P. infestans is investigated in the present study. For this purpose, 178 isolates of P. infestans were obtained from the lesions of diseased potato leaves and stems, and samples were collected from the different potato-growing areas of Pakistan, where late blight is a problem. Sensitivity of the isolates of P. infestans was investigated by metalaxyl sensitivity test and with the help of test isolates were divided into three categories, i.e. sensitive, intermediate and resistant, based on their Co-efficient of mycelial growth inhibition (CMGI) values. During the study, highest percentage (50.17%) of resistant isolates was observed in the population of Punjab (zone 2), whereas the lower percentage (33.33%) was observed in the population of Swat valley (zone 6b). In the present study, it was discovered that P. infestans late blight-causing fungus has adopted more resistance against metalaxyl because of its wide use.