Reaction of a range of Brassica species under Australian conditions to the fungus, Leptosphaeria maculans, the causal agent of blackleg

Abstract

A range of Brassica species was screened for resistance to Leptosphaeria maculans, the causal agent of blackleg. The lines were assessed in 8 disease nurseries in 4 canola growing regions of Australia and in 1 glasshouse trial, with a view to identifying alternative sources of resistance to L. maculans for Australian breeding programs. Lines were screened for degree of internal and external blackleg symptoms during both the seedling and adult plant growth stages. Correlation for resistance with ranking between disease nurseries was very strong (0.41-0.98). Brassica carinata and B. nigra were the most resistant species in the disease nurseries, being even more resistant than B. juncea. The 7 ..