Virulence and pathogenicity of four Ditylenchus dipsaci populations on sugar beet

Abstract The stem nematode, Ditylenchus dipsaci , is a severe pest in European sugar beet production. In France, Germany, and Switzerland, D. damage varies among specific geographic areas. this study, the reproduction potential of four geographically distinct populations was determined using sterile carrot disc cultures. addition, virulence pathogenicity were investigated in-vivo beet. No difference found on discs, as well penetration rate seedlings. tissue significantly affected by population used. from Seeland (CH) showed highest number nematodes per plant at 60 dpi (21,071.8 ± 5340.0), compared to three other contained 3588.6 3858.3, 5136.9 4950.8, 3579.7 5174.2, respectively. Furthermore, negatively correlated with fresh biomass beets dpi. Based these results, “Seeland” suitable for breeding programs detect resistance After selecting candidate genotypes/varieties, should be further evaluated their field targeted growing regions.