Breeding Evaluation of Potato Hybrids for Late Blight Resistance

This study presents the results of scientific research analyzing the resistance to late blight in created potato hybrids of various maturity groups and the possibility of identifying early-maturing forms with increased resistance to both leaf and tuber late blight. The aim of the study is to evaluate potato breeding material for resistance to late blight, identify combinations for crossing with a high percentage of disease-resistant and early-maturing forms. The methods of field, laboratory, and statistical research were employed. The article presents the results of breeding work on evaluating potato varieties and hybrids to create breeding material resistant to late blight. Maternal and paternal forms were identified, along with crossing combinations yielding a large number of disease-resistant offspring. Hybrids and breeding material have been developed, combining resistance: 13 hybrids to late blight of leaves and tubers, and 14 hybrids combining resistance to late blight and early maturity. These hybrids will be further used in breeding practices to develop new potato varieties resistant to late blight. Based on the conducted research, the following main conclusions were formulated: parental forms and crossing combinations were identified, which provide the majority of late blight-resistant offspring and are valuable for breeding practices. Hybrids combining resistance to late blight of leaves and tubers, as well as resistance to late blight and early maturity, have been developed. The breeding material will be used as a basis for creating new potato varieties resistant to the pathogen. In 2022–2023, work on the breeding project was completed, resulting in the identification of combinations forming from 0.2 to 2.5% of forms resistant to late blight of leaves and tubers in combination with early maturity. As a result of the research, hybrids derived from the crosses Slavyanka/Povin, 04/21c31/Bellarosa, and Virinea/Strumok have been identified. These hybrids, named Solomia, Sofia, and Mirami, were submitted for trials in 2022–2023. The varieties Mirami and Solomia combine early maturity with resistance to late blight of leaves, while Sofia combines early maturity with resistance to late blight of tubers.