20 jun 2007 16:00
Onderdeel:
Wageningen Universiteit
Locatie:
Aula, Gebouw 362, Gen. Foulkesweg 1, Wageningen
Organisatie:
Wageningen Universiteit
Promotor:
prof.dr. M. Dicke (Entomologie)
Co-Promotor:
Dr. B. Vosman, Dr. W.F. Tjallingii
The cultivated potato is the fourth most important food crop worldwide. Aphids constitute a threat to potato because they efficiently transmit and spread viruses, which can devastate the crop. Wild potatoes have been reported to possess resistance to aphids, which might be used in breeding programmes. The aim of this project was to find and study different mechanisms of resistance to aphids present in wild potatoes. With a combination of approaches we found Solanum genotypes with different degrees and types of resistance. Potato plants were characterized by gene expression studies with respect to aphid feeding behaviour and performance. The results obtained in this research contribute to the understanding of plant responses towards aphid attack and form the basis for further unravelling the resistance mechanisms at the metabolic, molecular, and genetic levels.
Titel proefschrift: "Resistance mechanisms of Solanum species to Myzus persicae"