The Appearance of Metalaxyl-Resistant Isolates of Phytophthora infestans in Delaware

Prior to 1995, late blight of potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) caused by Phytophthora infestans (Mont.) de Bary had not been reported from Delaware for decades. In that year, the fungus was isolated from potato foliage collected from fields in the Dover area that sustained severe foliage loss due to the disease. To establish pathogenicity, potato and tomato plants grown in the greenhouse were inoculated with the isolates obtained and Koch's postulates were completed. Analyses to determine mating type, genotype at two allozyme loci (2), Gpi and Pep, and sensitivity to metalaxyl were also completed. Measurements were made every 5 days and EC₅₀ values were calculated for radial mycelial growth on metalaxyl-amended agar, for leaflets inoculated with P. infestans floated in metalaxyl solutions, and for inoculated potato tuber disks deposited on filter paper saturated with metalaxyl (1). Isolates were pathogenic to potatoes and tomatoes, were A2 mating type with Gpi 100/111/122 and Pep 100/100 (same as US-8), and displayed resistance to metalaxyl up to 140 mg/l. References: (1) K. L. Deahl et al. Am. Potato J. 70:779, 1993. (2) S. B. Goodwin et al. Plant Dis. 79:1181, 1995.