Variation in the early development of Bremia lactucae on lettuce cultivars with different levels of field resistance

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Abstract
The early stages of development of Bremia lactucae (lettuce downy mildew) were examined on lettuce cultivars possessing high (Iceberg and Regina di Maggio) and low (Great Lakes and Plenos) levels of field resistance. Germ tubes, appressoria, penetration, primary and secondary vesicles, intercellular hyphae and haustoria were observed 3. 6 and 24 h after inoculation of cotyledons and of leaf discs from adult plants. Differences were observed between cv. Iceberg and susceptible genotypes in the percentage of spores germinating and the incidence and speed of development of infection structures. Secondary vesicles were first observed 24 h and 6 h after inoculation in Iceberg and susceptible genotypes, respectively. The lowest incidence of secondary vesicle formation 24 h after inoculation (48 and/or 43%) was recorded in Iceberg and Regina di Maggio, and the highest incidence (68%) occurred in Plenos. The formation of intercellular hyphae and haustoria was not observed in cv. Iceberg some 24 h after inoculation. There were significant differences in the lengths of germ tubes formed on different cultivars. Those on cv. Iceberg were longer than those formed on susceptible cultivars. The results indicate that the field resistance of B. lactucae may result from mechanisms which are effective in the early stages of infection.