Breeding for virus disease resistance in Colorado State University’s germplasm

Potato viruses such as potato virus Y (PVY), potato mop-top virus (PMTV and tobacco rattle virus (TRV) infect potato crops affecting both potato yield and quality causing substantial losses to potato growers. The control of these viruses using cultural practices and chemical control has been challenging with limited success. Genetic resistance is the most effective and environmentally friendly approach to combat plant pathogens including viruses. At Colorado State University, the potato breeding program has made breeding for resistance to potato viruses, such as, PVY, TRV, and PMTV, our priority, along with having these varieties be competitive with popular susceptible varieties. Currently, we have many advanced and breeding clones that are resistant to PVY. We started field screening our material earlier for TRV resistance and PMTV tolerance as an added asset for our germplasm. We have also brought in some wild species that have potential to be PMTV resistant rather than tolerant to use in the future. The status of breeding for resistance to potato viruses at Colorado State University will be discussed.