The rapid evolution of populations of the late blight pathogen Phytophthora infestans in Europe stresses the importance of monitoring of population change and the characterisation of invasive genotypes. The clonal lineage 13_A2 (Blue 13) became dominant in various countries after 2004 and a combination of its aggressiveness and resistance to metalaxyl meant that management strategies had to be adapted. Since then a clonal lineage 33_A2 (Green 33) with reduced sensitivity to fluazinam has been detected but proved less fit than other lineages. Continued sample collection by the industry and researchers has demonstrated the rapid spread of another three lineages (37_A2 Dark Green 37, 36_A2 and 41_A2). The former also has reduced sensitivity to fluazinam which has once again focussed attention on the ability of the population to evolve in response to fungicide use.
This project aims to collect 1000-1500 late blight samples from the main potato growing regions in Europe. We wish to capture as much genotypic variation as possible by sampling late blight outbreaks from across the continent. Samples are analysed using standardised 12 plex Euroblight SSR genotyping. The results will provide insight in the international, national and regional structures of the P. infestans EU population through e.g. the proportion (and dynamics) of the different currently known clonal lineages and unique ‘Other’ genotypes in the population.
Download the sampling protocol as pdf
Download the sampling form as Excel
Use this tool developed by AU, to:
All data are stored, managed, analysed and visualized via the Potato Late Blight Toolbox.