Suitability of Molecular Markers for Selection of Potatoes Resistant to Globodera spp

Globodera rostochiensis and Globodera pallida are parasitic root cyst nematodes of potato (PCN), which significantly reduce yield and quality. The genetics and available molecular markers should make resistance to nematodes an excellent candidate for marker assisted selection. The study presents results of testing the suitability of known molecular markers for detection of resistance in a set of cultivars. We revealed some inconsistencies in genealogical data of the cultivars and showed inconsistent usefulness in detecting resistant cultivars. The marker TG689 was identified in almost all cultivars resistant to G. rostochiensis and together with other markers was used for verifying the resistance in a group of breeding lines. The marker TG689 was the most effective. However, the efficiency of tested markers in selecting resistant individuals might be inadequate. In the case of quantitative resistance to G. pallida, marker SPUD1636 was found in resistant cultivars, and not in susceptible cultivars, but turned out to be inefficient in selecting resistant breeding lines.