Differential host-parasite interactions between oilseed rape and Leptosphaeria maculans, the causal fungus of stem canker

Seedlings of 13 cultivars of oilseed rape (Brassica napus ) were inoculated with 10 isolates of Leptosphaeria maculans . Three virulent isolates were identified which gave a resistant reaction on some cultivars normally considered susceptible. Further experiments to compare these with standard isolates confirmed the existence of a differential host-pathogen interaction. The breeding line 78/271, plus the cultivars Quinta, Garant, Norli and possibly Elvira differentiated the isolates tested while Jet Neuf, Rafal, Primor, Doral, Hercules, Rapora, Liraglue and Erra did not. The relevance of these findings to breeding for canker resistance in oilseed rape is discussed.