Research Programs |
Bacterial Leaf Spot Resistance
Bacterial Leaf Spot has been the major unsolved disease problem in fresh market Florida tomatoes for over 30 years. Chemical treatments, primarily based on copper, have led to the selection of copper resistant pathogens and no longer have much useful effect. Bacteriophage (bacterial viruses) and systemic disease resistance inducers are available, but these compounds are 3-6 times more expensive than copper sprays, require special storage and handling, and are only mildly effective.
Disease resistance genes have been sought in tomato and its wild relatives, but to date none have been isolated. Disease resistance does exist in pepper, a close relative of tomato, and a gene known as Bs2 was isolated and found to confer resistance in both species.
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